filmcombatsyndicate.com

SDCC 2013: Ultron To Bridge CAPTAIN AMERICA 2 With AVENGERS 2: AGE OF ULTRON

According to a statement from Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier co-director Joe Russo via The Huffington Post, the character, Ultron, will likely appear at the end of his upcoming film, which he says establishes there being a significant relevance between the end of the 2012 Marvel’s The Avengers, and his own film. “There’s a very strong connection in the narrative between the events of the end of Marvel’s The Avengers that drive this film [Captain America: The Winter Soldier] and there’s a very strong hand off to The Avengers: Age of Ultron at the end of this movie.” he says “And Kevin Feige’s whole thing is that this is the biggest bridge of all of Phase 2 movies; it really is. It does involve the most amount of Avengers of any of the films in Phase 2, and it has sort of a, you know, there’s a very big […]

Hiro Mizushima Plays A Badass Demon Butler In The Live Action Manga Thriller, BLACK BUTLER (a.k.a. Kuroshitsuji)

Lee B. Golden III

Comic Natalie recently unveiled the new teaser for the new live action manga thriller, Black Butler (a.k.a. Kuroshitshuji), based on a 2006 Square Enix manga publication from author and illustrator Yana Toboso, and adapted for the screen by Kuroiwa Tsutomu. changes were made to the film compared to the original manga, notably including the 130 year difference, setting the film in a culturally blended Asian city in the year 2020, instead of its initial 19th century U.K. backdrop. The film began shooting in back April, co-directed by Kentaro Otani and Keiichi Satou with action choreography by Ouchi Takahito whose select credits also include stuntwork on international action star Donnie Yen’s 2007 action thriller, Flash Point, and serving ad stunt coordinator for the 2009 period action adventure, Kamui Gaiden. Actor Hiro Mizushima is back on the big screen after three years since his last starring role in the 2010 musical drama, […]

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Film Of The Week: ONLY GOD FORGIVES (2013)

Lee B. Golden III

SYNOPSIS Ten years ago in Bangkok Julian killed a cop and went on the run. Now he manages a Thai boxing club as a front for a drugs operation. Respected in the criminal underworld, deep inside, he feels empty. When Julian’s brother kills a prostitute, the police reaches out to retired cop Chang, known as the Angel of Vengeance. Chang allows the father to kill his daughters murderer, then restores order by chopping off the man’s right hand. Julian’s mother Jenna, the head of a powerful criminal organization, arrives in Bangkok to collect her son’s body. She orders Julian to find his killers and raise hell. Increasingly obsessed with the Angel of Vengeance, Julian challenges him to a boxing match, hoping that by defeating him he might find spiritual release but Chang triumphs. A furious Jenna plots revenge and the stage is set for a bloody journey through betrayal and […]

The New Trailer For Special ID. You're Welcome.

Lee B. Golden III

In what can solely be described as one of the biggest, most hyped action films of 2013, international action star Donnie Yen is back on the big screen with the upcoming film Special ID, directed by Clarence Fok. The new trailer below comes after more than a year since the film began a production mired in a long and winding series of bitter feuds between fellow actors and celebs, and a lawsuit from the film’s former producer. Amidst it all, casting announcements naming Andy On and Collin Chou, along with teaser posters and set pics, and the promise of a 10-minute finale featuring a “raw and dirty street fight” have kept the film alive for fans everywhere. And with lead actor/producer/action director Yen and his team sharing the on-set genius with legendary stunt coordinator Bruce Law, today’s juicy footage brings resolve for a film that has been a long time […]

Russian Commandos Battle Somali Pirates In The New Russian Thriller, 22 MINUTES

Lee B. Golden III

22 Minutes…that’s approximately the time it took for commandos from the Marshal Shaposhnikov to end a deadly siege with Somali pirates aboard a Moscow University Russian tanker in the Gulf of Aden back in the summer of 2010. The incident has since been adapted for the screen as a contained action thriller by writer Igor Porublev and director Vasily Serikov, and bears some impressive qualities that make the film look like a very interesting sell. 22 Minutes stars lead actor Makar Zaporozhsky, along with Denis Nikiforov, Victor Sukhorukov, Ekaterina Malikova, Gael Kamilindi and Eebra Tooré. The film is slated for a release this November according to 24FramesPerSecond.net. Check out the new trailer below. The footage didn’t bring any English subs, but it has a little bit of dialogue. Just a little. SYNOPSIS: A new large-scale action from the creators of ShadowBoxing trilogy dwells on heroic liberation of the Russian tanker […]

Dolph Lundgren Takes On Both Sides Of The Law In HARD RUSH

Lee B. Golden III

Dolph Lundgren is on the warpath this summer as he continues to bring his A-game to action cinema in 2013, especially with two more films coming down the pipeline with international Thai action sensation Tony Jaa in A Man Will Rise, and upcoming action thriller Skin Trade. German blogspot Scarecrows Area shared the trailer for Lundgren’s next action film, Hard Rush (a.k.a. Rush, a.k.a. Ambushed, a.k.a. Absent Guard), with the actor back on the screen, this time, as a DEA Agent going up against drug dealers and dirty cops. Director Giorgio Serafini returns to the set with Lundgren, who are joined by none other than Vinnie Jones since working on the upcoming September 24, 2013 release of Blood Of Redemption, and serving as co-director with James Coyne on Cung Le‘s next thriller, A Certain Justice. The film also stars Randy Couture, Carly Pope and Gianni Capaldi, with action and stunt […]

SDCC 2013: Katniss Returns As The Symbol Of Hope In The New Comic-Con Trailer For HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE

Lee B. Golden III

The first official teaser for Hunger Games: Catching Fire, was released back in April during the MTV Movie Awards. Today, the brand new trailer unveiled on Saturday during the events at San Diego Comic Con where actress Jennifer Lawrence also surpised fans with an appearance by Michael Fassbender, accompanied with the cast of X-Men: Days Of Future Past. Francis Lawrence inherits the director’s seat from Gary Ross who helmed the first film. Briefly picking up where The Hunger Games left off, Catching Fire sees actress Lawrence and actor Josh Hutcherson as the reigning champions of the 74th annual Hunger Games, which takes them on a victory tour through the districts of Panem, where a rebellion continues to brew day by day. Meanwhile, behind the curtains are the President and the Gamemaker as they prepare the next competition, The Quarter Quell, while conspiring against the peoples’ heroine in the hopes of suppressing the […]

SDCC 2013: Warner Bros. Announces Next Man Of Steel Film As Part Of DC Cinematic Universe

Lee B. Golden III

According to prior statements made by Man Of Steel star Henry Cavill, a Justice League would not be likely to happen soon unless other films were done to help create the universe to fit the characters. This was particularly the case with The Avengers as it had 2 Iron Man movies, 2 Hulk movies, and initial film installments of Captain America and Thor, both with sequels pending, and largely why The Avengers continues to be so successful. Also, interestingly enough, with Christian Bale retiring the Batsuit with The Dark Knight trilogy helmer Christopher Nolan‘s involvment with the sequel previously unknown at the time, there has also been talk of the next Batman film following the Batman Beyond story seperate from the Batman Nolanverse. I gotta say, it sounds like a lot of hype with people throwing out a lot of possibilities for the future of the character. Truth be told […]

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SDCC 2013: A World Of Hurt Awaits In The Extended Red Band Trailer For KICK-ASS 2

Lee B. Golden III

Director Jeff Wadlow may likely be the right guy to have involved behind the scenes as writer and director of the newly announced X-Force movie. Having applied his craft to Mark Millar‘s popular comic book franchise to the big screen sequel coming August 16, 2013, the film will definitely set up a prerequisite to what comic book movie fans will look forward to in the years ahead. And if the new Red-Band trailer that debuted for Friday’s events at Comic-Con teaches you nothing else, it will teach you just that. Think of it this way: If Wadlow is able to level up the amount of brutal R-rated comicbook violence and foul language caused by Cholë Moretz as Hit Girl, imagine what he could do for the lucky actor who gets to play Deadpool in the X-Force film. Which reminds me…where is Tim Miller when you need him? Kick-Ass 2 stars […]

Swords, Daggers And A Big Ass Hammer Are The Weapons Of Choice In The New Online Action Comedy Miniseries, THE PIRATE'S COVE

Lee B. Golden III

The amazing folks over at Sub Over Hype have unveiled another project they recently completed, featuring quirky characters and some tasty swashbuckling swordplay in their latest action comedy pirate adventure, The Pirate’s Cove. The two-part short film project is directed by Caine Sinclair, an actor with up to five years of professional stuntwork and currently in his third year working with the team. In accordance with The Pirate’s Cove, Sinclair expressed his excitement in the goals he shares while working with Sub Over Hype, now, saying “SOH is a group of people who want to tell stories through movement and music in the most unique ways possible. The Pirates Cove short was a chance for myself and a few of my other stunt friends to bridge the gap between stunts and acting performance.” He adds, “Most people think there is a separation between the two, and we wanted to show that […]

The New Red-Band Comic-Con Trailer For RIDDICK Shows There Will Be Blood!

Lee B. Golden III

Actor Vin Diesel is keeping up the momentum this summer, teasing the production of XXX3, the upcoming “gritty revenge” follow-up in Fast 7, and his latest tease regarding his mysterious talks with Marvel. And amidst it all is the hype for his next film, Riddick, now out with a new, bloody Red-Band trailer that takes the first few trailers you’ve seen and levels it up with a gruesome kills than before. Diesel stars with Karl Urban, Jordi Molla, Matt Nable, Katee Sackhoff, Bokeem Woodbine, Dave Bautista, Conrad Pla, Raoul Trujillo, Nolan Funk and Keri Hilson, and directed by David Twohy. The film is due out in theaters on September 6, 2013, courtesy of Universal Pictures. SYNOPSIS: Riddick, the latest chapter of the groundbreaking saga that began with 2000’s hit sci-fi film Pitch Black and 2004’s The Chronicles of Riddick reunites writer/director David Twohy (A Perfect Getaway, The Fugitive) and star Vin Diesel (the Fast and Furious […]

SDCC 2013: Details From The MORTAL KOMBAT LEGACY 2 Panel

Lee B. Golden III

I’m not at this year’s San Diego Comic Con, and largely because I live too damn far and don’t have the means to travel. Yes, woe is me, indeed. However, if you live in the area and managed to get inside to check out the action packed panel for Mortal Kombat Legacy: Season 2, chances are you got to hear from the cast, as well as receive some pretty exclusive treatment courtesy of director Kevin Tancharoen. The panel also included franchise co-creator and Netherrealm Studios creative director Ed Boon producer Lance Sloane, along with select cast members Ian Anthony Dale, Samantha Jo, Casper Van Dien and Brian Tee. Although not for the Mortal Kombat Legacy 2 panel, Season 2 co-star and actor Eric Jacobus was also in attendance promoting his latest projects, including Rope A Dope and the latest Japanese release of his latest 2012 co-production with Action Pact Entertainment, […]

New Set Pics From TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

Lee B. Golden III

Comic Book Movie has some new set photos for directorJonathan Liebesman‘s upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, revealing a little bit of actor William Fichtner‘s “Eric Sachs” rendition of the character, Shredder in the film. A few other teaser photos were revealed illustrating a bit of the Turtles’ lair. Not much else to report here, accept that the film’s production has earned some positive support from eyewitness fans near the set, despite a little over a year of hefty criticisms from fans in the face of seemingly spontaneous changes to the storyline prior to the rewrite of the script. Both Bay and co-star Alan Ritchson have defended the film along with TMNT franchise co-creator Kevin Eastman. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stars Alan Ritchson, Pete Plozek, Noel Fischer and Jeremy Howard, with Megan Fox, Danny Woodburn, William Fichtner, Will Arnett and Whoopi Goldberg. The film is slated for a U.S. release […]

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Movie Magic: An Interview With Filmmaker PRINCE BAGDASARIAN

Lee B. Golden III

When I first started Film Combat Syndicate, I didn’t know where it would go at first. I never imagined myself talking to actors and stunt performers, though being an action fan, that’s the way things have evolved. Since then, Film Combat Syndicate is almost a year old and I now have the distinct honor of talking to multifaceted filmmaker, Prince Bagdasarian, founder of independent film group, PIB Productions. Prince recently launced an Indiegogo campaign for his most recent film titled, Abstraction, for which he wrote, co-produced, edited and directed. The campaign is part of an effort to help fund the film’s promotion from now through August, and since he included my April article on the page, I wanted to take the opportunity to share my platform to discuss his career and the upcoming film. Film Combat Syndicate: What inspired you to get into movies? Prince Bagdasarian: After spending most of […]

Syndicate Shoutout: ALEX CHUNG

Lee B. Golden III

Photography by Stephen Cullen At about six years old, Alex Chung began his pursuit of martial arts in Tae Kwon Do. And in the years there after, he also took up Judo and Boxing. Influenced by a healthy blend of American Hollywood blockbusters and classic 80’s Hong Kong action cinema, Alex would eventually find himself sharing similar circles with fellow Canadian actor, DL MacDonald, prior to starting their own martial arts stunt team, Eclipse Stunts, as well as his own independent film group, Heroic Melon Collective. Alex described his experience in working with one of Canada’s brightest and talented film groups. He says “Working with Eclipse is great. It’s a good mix of business and pleasure. When we’re working on stuff, we’re having such a good time it feels like we’re just hanging out. Same thing working with other indie action groups. It’s a really warm community.” Now 25, Alex […]

Shannon Lee Keeps Bruce Lee Fans On Weekend Alert

Lee B. Golden III

Actress, producer, singer, daughter to her late father and brother, Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee, and that of living mother Linda Lee Cadwell, and acting president of the Bruce Lee Foundation, Shannon Lee, took to Facebook to share Brazil’s latest Rolling Stone Magazine’s cover for the month of July, in light of the 40th anniversary since her legendary father’s passing. Her caption read the following: One of our community members sent this to me – Rolling Stone Brazil, July 2013 Issue commemorating 40 years since my father’s passing. We have some posts planned for you for the 40th Anniversary. Stay Tuned. The upcoming anniversary marked the start of a year in which plans were kicked off to promote the iconic martial artist, actor, cinematic action hero and legend in various venues between here and in Hong Kong. Back in February, Groundswell Productions announced the start of a new film production […]

Stranger Danger! It's Facebook's First Face-Fu Flick, FISTS OF FUSIAN!

Lee B. Golden III

It’s the silliest thing in genre-twisting kung fu action comedy since Steve Oedekerk‘s CG-insertion of himself into 1970’s chop socky via Kung Pow: Enter The Fist. It’s also being dubbed as the first kung fu film written directly thanks to the hilarious and artful comedic wit of Facebook users for ad agency MercerBell’s year-long publicity push for food company Maggi Fusian Noodles. The film is titled Fists Of Fusian, with scenes taken straight from Celestial Shaw’s 1974 Chang Cheh film, Five Shaolin Masters. Clips were split as episodes for the public to caption according to the Mandarin dialogue, and were voted for according to the most funniest. The scenes were then edited into about eighteen minutes of film that take a story of five fugitive Shaolin fighters secretly rebelling against Qing soldiers, and turning it into a story about bad jokes, girly fans, and the ultimate battle for noodles, with […]

Is AGE OF WUSHU Getting A Movie?

Lee B. Golden III

AGE OF WUSHU Game Trailer It’s been a long, long, long time since my hands have touched a video game of any kind. But I always enjoyed them when I was much younger, especially the usual favorites like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, the first three Marvel vs. Capcom installments, etc. That said, whenever these types of games end up with a film deal, there are always fair opinions on them, but it’s always exciting to see how someone applies their creativity in bringing that level of fantasy to a cinema platform, whether it takes a live-action approach, or if it uses a CGI-based approach similar to that of director Youichi Mori’s 2011 epic fighting thriller, Tekken: Blood Vengeance. At any rate, opinions or not, the trend continues with films like Spy Hunter, Assassin’s Creed, Mortal Kombat and the next Resident Evil chapter on the way. And joining that list, is […]

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Actress Hailey Bright Delivers Justice In The New Shortfilm, FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Lee B. Golden III

Need anymore proof that the independent filmmaking industry is upping its game? You need not look further than the latest shortfilm from the folks at Intelligent Artists and indie filmmaker Leo Kei Angelos titled First Impressions, produced and co-written by George H. Ruiz. The project began earlier this year with the stunt professionals over at Thousand Pounds Action Company training lead actress and YouTube personality, Hailey Bright. I initially wanted to tease some of this earlier on, but unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to as things were still developing. Conclusively though, it was worth the wait, thanks in part to solid editing, and the incredible action direction from stunt coordinator Darren Bailey, and choreographers Vonzell Carter, Alvin Hsing and Brendon Huor. First Impressions follows Bright who takes the helm as the lead action heroine, Diana, alongside co-star Chester See, as they are confronted by a horde of thugs led by a mysterious villain portrayed by […]

Childhood Fantasy Meets Adolescent Reality In The New Trailer For I DECLARE WAR

Lee B. Golden III

Halfway into 2013, film festival favorite, I Declare War was picked up for distribution, Drafthouse Films has announced several online release date for July 26, 2013, and a wider theatrical debut set for August 30. Produced by Samaritan Entertainment, the film is directed by Jason Lapeyre and Robert Wilson, and based on screenplay Lapeyre wrote nearly 10 years ago, focusing on a story that blends fantasy and reality, centered around children playing fantasy wargames ultimately get out of control. Illustratively, as the filmic battle scenes between kids with toys ensues, the more dangerous it becomes, blending war fantasy with grim reality, amidst deeper and darker toned embedded in childhood emotions. With the surreal “war” scenes having been an issue last year, Lapeyre took to Canadian media to share his thoughts on the film’s tone, telling CBC: “The violence was always intended to be real and intense, because we wanted it […]