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Well Go USA Unveils The DVD/BD Trailer For SNOW GIRL AND THE DARK CRYSTAL

Well Go USA is in great straits with its release line. And just to think that years ago, the only way to catch a film like Zhao Tianyu and Peter Pau‘s latest, Snow Girl And The Dark Crystal, would be to either live in the region or wait for it on bootleg. Gladly the latter no longer has to be an option, and with the evolution of our technology between filmmaking and home viewing, you can best be sure to be left dazzled by this one. It’s another stake in visually heavy territory for China as it adapts and branches out to other studios for more tools to hone in the craft of further manifesting Chinese mythology and folklore into such a lusterful fest of cinema – Definitely one to chalk up as a memorable big screen gem, but thankfully this one will be coming to DVD and Blu-Ray quite […]

Adi Shankar’s Dark Superhero Drama GODS AND SECRETS Adds Five To Its Cast!

Lee B. Golden III

Bootleg Universe made quite a bit of noise earlier this year with filmmaker Joseph Kahn’s Power/Ranger one-shot shortfilm. The short continued to gain virility with its release amid its controversy with producer Adi Shankar handling all PR on the matter and for what it’s worth, it was a worthwhile attention getter, so it bring to mind the question as to what lies ahead for Shankar in the process. Well, leave it to a new report from Deadline that The Grey and Dredd 3D producer, along with Stewart Yost, will be making his directorial debut for another darly-lit venture, and this time into superhero territory with the new fantasy drama, Gods And Secrets. From creators Shankar, Jenni Powell and Shawn Deloache, Discourse Productions is producing the project with Twilight Saga co-star Jackson Rathbone who is starring. The report states the new drama will be likened to The Watchmen in exploring the […]

Michelle Yeoh Gets A New Wax Statue Unveiling At Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Lee B. Golden III

Standing for hours non-end for the materialization of your own wax-figure is no easy task. However, any mild discomfort there may be is a small price to pay, especially for Malaysian actress and legendary Hong Kong superstar Michelle Yeoh, the latest inductee into the Kung Fu Zone exhibit over at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Her display this week is a certain treat these days as fans await until early next year to catch her along with fellow action star Donnie Yen in director Yuen Woo-Ping’s theatrical/svod-bound forthcoming English-language wuxia sequel, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2: The Green Legend. Fans are even moreso geared toward the hopes that this will be the first of a new foray into doing Hong Kong action once again, which would no less mark a highly-anticipated welcome back for the actress into the genre since working on more contemplative roles such as in the director’s cut […]

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Cruise: "We're Working On MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 6 Right Now"

Lee B. Golden III

Hear this – we’re barely days away from the forthcoming release of director Christopher McQuarrie‘s Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation with promotion still underway and a handful of exclusive screenings taking place for lucky fans. The film was long hyped through its trailer campaign as the “last mission”, which of course is no guarantee that this will be the final film, but it’s still bares mentioning what with all the changes in the cast throughout the now five-part evolution of the franchise. Cruise leads the cast with Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner as the crack superspy team resets its strategy in the wake of attacks by a rogue team of operatives equally skilled in measure. It’s otherwise proved to be an exciting addition to the franchise with daring stunts and blistering action to accomapny the global scope of the saga with clever characters and worldly evil […]

Sci-Fi Thriller RE-KILL Leads The After Dark Films/Fox Relaunch. Watch The New Trailer!

Lee B. Golden III

Three years is a longtime to wait for a film to release after its completion. After Dark Films exemplified this with its three-year deal based at Lionsgate for the production and distribution of genre titles, specifically including Wrong Turn 6 helmer director Valeri Milev‘s action horror thriller, Re-Kill. A dystopian zombie splatterfest is something that surely speaks to the niche it’s meant for and that may have followed through in 2012. Obviously the film eventually fell into distribution hell with the likely ending of the deal, although thankfully progress has been made with the company’s relaunch at Twentieth Century Fox for its ‘8 Films To Die For’ slate, as per a new report from Dread Central that Re-Kill will finally get its just dues on the big screen on October 16, 2015. SYNOPSIS: It’s been 5 years since the outbreak that wiped out 85% of the world’s population, but the […]

Michael Bay's 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI Unveils Its First Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Blockbuster director Michael Bay is tentatively off the radar from making alien robots fight each other in epic death duels. Still though, it’s in films like his latest, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi, that he continues to illuminate the best image of military might, and here and now through the conception of Chuck Hogan’s script based on the tumultous events that took place in Libya in 2012, and Mitchell Zuckoff’s subsequent book in 2014. There’s no question to the divisiveness of the source material here: An American ambassador was killed and it led to an endless inquiry by our Congress with little to zero results, thus spinning into a mainstream media frenzy between party lines. Guaranteed however, as effective as these films are, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi looks very appealing in cinematic form with a cast led by John Krazinski, James Badge Dale, Toby Stephens […]

Fox's GAMBIT Loses Its Star

Lee B. Golden III

It’s no fun wasting minutes of hype writing about movies and casting faves only to see such developments fall apart before our eyes. Actor Channing Tatum has long been the frontrunner for Twentieth Century Fox’s upcoming production of live-action Marvel property, Gambit, having spoken with high hopes of playing the character, followed by word that Rupert Wyatt would be directing. As of Tuesday night however, it appears it has all been for naught with a report from The Wrap stating the actor’s departure from the film. No reason has been publicly given for the fallout, although any number of reasons are imaginable considering it’s a major studio production, so, your guess is as good as mine at this point. Production is expected to begin in Louisiana this October for a hefty sum of $154 million dollars ahead of its October 7, 2016 release. There’s no word yet on who will […]

Neil Marshall Will Hand Down THE SENTENCE For Applebox

Lee B. Golden III

Action thriller scripting duo Creighton Rothberger and Katrin Benedikt (Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen) are joining the latest production heading into pure revenge-driven sci-fi territory with the new film, The Sentence. Neil Marshall, off the stellar successes of shows like Game Of Thrones and Black Sails, as well as films like post-apocalyptic actioner, Doomsday in 2008 and 2010 period thriller Centurion, is on board to direct the film for Applebox Entertainment. There are no plot details yet although Deadline has it on good word that film is being developed in the vein of Death Wish, which in and of itself speaks heavily to the action fanbase. In turn, one has to ask who is starring in this film for it it earn such hype? There’s no question that Marshall is a suitable helmer for this project, although can’t think of anyone off the top of my head for who would […]

Join Herman Yau For A Student Screening Of IP MAN: THE FINAL FIGHT This Fall!

Lee B. Golden III

We’ve already entered one more chapter of the Donnie Yen cinematic universe for the concluding biopictoral trilogy based on the life and legend of Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man. It’s a name that has otherwise proven integral in the implementation of martial arts in cinema, and as a brand with popularity in other mediums, including television, and it’s one that fans take great pride in. Several filmmakers are to thank for this, including Herman Yau, who once directed actor Dennis To for the small screen spin-off opposite legendary veterans like Yuen Biao, Sammo Hung and Louis Fan. Yau also ventured into feature-length territory a few years back with Ip Man: The Final Fight, lead actor Anthony Wong vicariously claiming the title role opposite actor Eric Tsang. Well Go USA eventually released the film for North America in the Winter of 2013. Now, in keeping with the fan fervor as part […]

Tommy Lee Jones Adds To The Cast Of The Next BOURNE Film With Damon Starring

Lee B. Golden III

The past several years have shown signs of life for a few more ‘Bourne’ films with mainstays, actors Matt Damon and Jeremy Renner in the wind for reprising roles in their own Bourne films. Particularly in 2015 however, the recent news of actresses, returning franchise co-star Julia Stiles and newly added Ex-Machina star Alicia Vikander have remained productive in building up more hype in anticipation of further news. That effort continues now with word that actor Tommy Lee Jones will be joining the three principles for the upcoming film according to Variety. Jones will reportedly be starring in the role of a high-ranking CIA official geared toward the currently unknown plot with Damon back to star in this, his fourth outing as the lead character inspired by the work of late author Robert Ludlum. Paul Greengrass who last directed the 2007 release of The Bourne Ultimatum will be making his […]

Villeneuve's SICARIO Gets A Thrilling New Trailer!

Lee B. Golden III

I have to say, actress Emily Blunt‘s performance in last year’s sci-fi epic, Edge Of Tomorrow really turned me onto her as a strong leading lady of action. That said, I’m more than excited to see what she’s capable of with her latest role in Denis Villeneuve‘s new thriller, Sicario, with Star Wars VIII prospect Benecio Del Toro and actor Josh Brolin also starring. SYNOPSIS: In Mexico, SICARIO means hitman. In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent [Emily Blunt] is enlisted by an elite government task force official [Josh Brolin] to aid in the escalating war against drugs. Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past [Benicio Del Toro], the team sets out on a clandestine journey forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive. The latest trailer has arrived ahead of the film’s release this September. Check it out […]

Take A Look At The First Poster For Upcoming Action Thriller, MEZA: DAVID'S STORY

Lee B. Golden III

It’s no easy feat to put together an amazing, full-length martial arts movie project. Nonetheless, it’s a challenge conquered by Ontario-based film and stage performance troupe, Team 2x, led by debut director James Mark for the upcoming action sci-fi thriller, Meza: David’s Story. Team member and debut actor Chris Mark snags the title role as a troubled high school student whose latent “powers and abilities” emerge in the heat of battle, forcing him to face the secret organization he once escaped, and re-awaken the killer bred within him in order to survive. The ultimate vision for the film is said to be an exciting blend of all things people know and love about espionage thrillers a la Robert Ludlum with a touch of fantasy via the Wachowskis’, otherwise presenting a fantastic formula for a story as driven as this one, and this is all going by written word until the […]

THE HIT LIST – July 27, 2015

Lee B. Golden III

This past week was pretty busy for me, so content has been slower than usual. But, that doesn’t mean I haven’t been keeping up with with what’s happening in independent material and other matters of visual feats of sports and athleticism of which you will see plenty. Time to get things rolling, and as always with a new playlist of stunt and training reels with performances by Aaron Gassor in full Sith mode, stunt players Moussa Sako, Luciano Arnieri, Deangelo Harding, Laura Beamer, Hayley Wright, Jesse Haus, Jennifer Li, Chistopher Leps, Mallory Thompson, Jwaundace Candace, Jared Losano, Sina Ali, the latest action director reel by Mark Mottram featuring scenes from the 2014 thriller, The November Man, and a new director reel by lensman and action director Godefroy Ryckewaert. For the next leg, while I don’t always feature freerunning in these, gems featuring any aspect of stunt performance are welcome with […]

Help Kickstart Michael Neal's New Action-Packed Webseries, SWORDS OF INSURGENCY!

Lee B. Golden III

It’s always welcoming to see original content stake its claim in the eyes of the film viewing world. As tough as it is to sustain, however, opportunities for things like this most certainly advantageous, and so director Michael Neal is now ready to heed the call with crowdfunding at his disposal for the hopeful support of his newest webseries, Swords Of Insurgency. There’s no doubt that this one assures quality in its inspired vision between production values and cast performances. I had the opportunity to screen the pilot episode myself awhile back and observe lead actress Rebecca Hausman in the lead role and was very impressed with what I saw in an episode full of drama, intensity and phsyicality worthy of capturing on camera with great fight action put together by indie action design team, DC Stunt Coalition, led by oft-contributor to Film Combat Syndicate, fight choreographer James Couche. The […]

Dean Ambrose Counts His Luck In The New Trailer For 12 ROUNDS 3: LOCKDOWN!

Lee B. Golden III

You wouldn’t suspect anything more than beyond what you might feel a director could do in following up with a film like, 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown, although judging by the latest trailer, director Stephen Renyolds appears to have taken care of that. It’s pretty clever in its simplistic approach and with debut actor Dean Ambrose stepping up to the plate, another round here should suffice. SYNOPSIS: Ambrose plays Shaw, a detective that returns to active duty after the death of his partner. When he uncovers evidence linking his fellow officers to a murder, they frame him for a homicide he didn’t commit. Trapped in his own precinct, Shaw will do whatever it takes to expose the dirty cops and clear his name. With twelve rounds in the clip and one shot at redemption, nothing will stand in Shaw’s way in this action-packed thriller. Take note of date for the film’s […]

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THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED Gets The IMAX Treatment

Lee B. Golden III

Personally I’m not yet too sure about the upcoming release of The Transporter Refueled, much less the title. Ed Skrein comes off as a strong actor though, and I’m sure the story well find it’s own way to be entertaining in a way, but my main concern will always be the action and I still have my grievances after Brick Mansions. So, here’s to crossing our fingers, and if an IMAX presentation will help things a bit, then I boldly welcome a sequel. LOS ANGELES, July 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — IMAX Corporation IMAX and EuropaCorp announced today that The Transporter Refueled, the re-imagining of the successful trilogy in the studio’s highly profitable action franchise, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® format and released into IMAX® theatres domestically on Sept. 4, followed by a select international footprint in IMAX theatres. Starring newcomer Ed Skrein, The Transporter Refueled, which will […]

Everyone Is Out To Kill Luke Goss In The New Trailer For AWOL-72!

Lee B. Golden III

The Nightcrew helmer, director Christian Sesma will finally be getting the release treatment for his newest, AWOL-72 next month. Dates are pending but a new trailer is now circulating as of the weekend with actors Luke Goss and Bokeem Woodbine back in the fray with Sesma as a rogue MP on the run from soviet agents, the police, and pretty much everyone who is armed and has authority. Clearly there won’t be much room to rest in between. SYNOPSIS: Conrad Miller, is an AWOL military officer who has been accused of selling secrets to ex KGB during the cold war. When Miller realizes he has been tracked by his counterpart hit man Myron, Miller knows his love, and his compromise has been threatened, and he does the only thing humanly possible. RUN. The Soviets enlist the services of Detective Adams to aid them in the local hunt to track down […]

FANTASIA 2015: The Supernatural Looms In Feudal Japan In The Latest International Trailer For NINJA THE MONSTER

Lee B. Golden III

Acclaimed director Ochiai Ken is getting things off to a decorative start for this summer’s events at Fantasia Fest in Montreal. Part of the line up will be the August 2 premiere of his newest, Ninja The Monster – the second of two films well on the way from Shochiku’s forthcoming slate of low-budget cult-oriented genre titles from Japan, and judging by the most recent trailer, clearly Ochiai has nothing but good things in mind: ninjas, monsters, swordplay, fantasy. Consider me sold. SYNOPSIS: The time is midst of samurai era when Ninja were banned. Sachi, a beautiful princess is traveling to Edo (present Tokyo) with her men including Denzo who is an ex-ninja whose true background has been hidden. Suddenly, they encounter an unidentified monster in a forest. As they battle to kill the monster, all of Sachi’s men are killed except Denzo. Sachi starts to question his true identity […]

It's The Story You Wish Were True In The New Trailer For PHANTOM!

Lee B. Golden III

It’s fruitful to see the good guys win in a lot of military and espionage action thrillers, which brings a bit of peculiarity to Bollywood director Kabir Khan‘s latest induction into the genre. Loosely ripped from the grim headlines is the new film, Phantom, from UTV Motion Pictures and Nadiadwala Grandson with actor Saif Ali Khan and actress Katrina Kaif in a story that will otherwise grant sheer uncertainty to a compelling plot with plenty of intense and explosive sequences to boot. SYNOPSIS: Phantom is a political thriller set in the volatile climate that exists in South Asia. Constant terror attacks against India have left the Indian people feeling vulnerable and angry. The Indian government and security agencies are helpless as the masterminds of the attacks are out of reach. When an infiltrator with plans to attack India is caught, the Head of India’s security agency and his team take […]

Singer: "Ideas For An X-Men/Fantastic Four Crossover Are In Play"

Lee B. Golden III

It’s never enough for a lot of comic book fans to see through to the end of a franchise. Once they love something, they prefer it stick around, which is natural with regard to the respective comic book universes of Marvel properties, X-Men and Fantastic Four. Both franchises have film slates of their own at Twentieth Century Fox with the latter reformatting for another go-around on August 7 by director Josh Trank, while former remains steady with its next installment, X-Men: Apocalypse, prepping for its theatrical run on May 27 next year. Franchise principal helmer Bryan Singer is directing the film following last year’s X-Men: Days Of Future Past which is getting a special extended “Rogue Cut” edition this summer, and it just so happens he was on hand to discuss that briefly with Yahoo (via Variety) in lieu of its release. Amid a series of questions, however, one inquiry […]