first impressions

First Impressions: POWER RANGERS (2017) – Once More With Attitude!

So I usually let a film sink in for a few days before I write a review. In this case, I wanted to put out a little bit of a pre-cursor statement to you all before I went more in depth into the new Power Rangers movie so here’s my spoiler-free-not-so-elevator-pitch as to why you should see this movie. This film got a lot of flack from the fandom as soon as concept art started hitting the web. I mean a lot. Between complaints over the Power Ranger suit design, the reimagining of Rita Repulsa, down to automatic cries of, “This movie is going to be terrible.” Now artistic design is arguable. I’m going to sidestep those first two items for now and focus on the third. There’s one thing I’ve learned about fandoms during this nerd renaissance though, and it is that they’ll complain and be bitter about anything […]

LBP Stunts Presents: BRENDON HUOR vs. JAMES YOUNG

Lee B. Golden III

A flurry of fists set the tone between Brendon Huor and James Young in their new test fight, dir. by Emmanuel Manzanares Whatever happens, don’t ever take your eyes off of independent filmmaker and LBP Stunts Chicago founding member Emmanuel Manzanres. Because at the end of the day, Manzanares is a friggin machine when it comes to putting his direction and choreography skills to the test, working with innumerous professionals of the stunt field both in and outside his own team. I’ve covered his action gems more times than I can count on my blog as Manzanares has become more and more prolific over the years through the blogosphere with his contributions to the independent and mainstream action cinema world, and that coverage continues this week with his latest treat featuring performances by Brendon Huor and James Young. The new test fight marks the latest collaboration between Huor and Young, […]

Love Hurts In The New Action Short, Hip Hop VS. Ballet GANG FIGHT

Lee B. Golden III

2013 saw a pretty eventful summer for independent filmmaker Leo Kei Angelos who gained significant notoriety for his stellar DC Comics Wonder Woman tribute, First Impressions, and the highly favored live-action stunt-loaded ode to Family Guy, Epic Chick Fight. Amidst the height of his press Angelos took the time to share a comedic little action skit titled Hip-Hop vs. Ballet GANG FIGHT. Newly reuploaded on his YouTube channel, Angelos directed the piece and briefly appears with lead performer, actor Geran Simpson, whose most recent action reel can be viewed by clicking HERE. Hip-Hop vs. Ballet GANG FIGHT also features the b-girl stylings of multifaceted actress, stuntwoman and dancer Peipei Alena Yuan, along with Sarah “Smac” MacReanor and Sharon Berezin, and actors Manny Ayala and Scott Rosen.

Jessie Luck: My Interview With Stuntwoman And Producer, JESSIE GRAFF

Lee B. Golden III

My journey here as a writer has been quite fruitful, as seeing and watching, and just observing the online action community has allowed me to talk to, and share insight a lot of talented and gorgeous stuntwomen who can do incredible things. Jessie Graff is one of them. A competitive athlete multifaceted in such sports as track and field, coupled with years of martial arts training, trapeze artistry, and a drive to become an entertainer, Graff has gone well on her way, becoming a full-fledged professional stuntwoman for TV and film, and recently, the first female contestant in the history of television’s American Ninja Warrior to win the qualifying round. Moreover, although her strengths mainly lie in professional stuntwork, Graff is also leaving little gems for online action fans, most recently bringing filmmaker Leo Kei Angelos on board for her latest, highly acclaimed, live-action Family Guy spin off shortfilm, Epic Chicken Fight, […]

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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 […]