frank grillo

MISDIRECTION Review: A Decent Thriller Underwhelms More Than Scintillates

Misdirection arrives on VOD on February 10 from Cineverse. Willy’s Wonderland helmer Kevin Lewis’s new crime thriller, Misdirection, is an acquired taste, if not a tricky one. The “contained thriller” subgenre can be a hard nut to crack if you don’t know what you’re doing, and either way, you certainly have to give some credit to Lewis for giving it a shot. A good script certainty does the trick for a film like this. The story won’t falter and flounder into mundanity and you won’t be left checking the time. To this end, it helps that Misdirection keeps a lean-enough runtime at eighty-four minutes. It’s enough to encompass what Lewis’s film strives for with a tale that unravels with secrets and lies, and long-winded vengeance, and with key performances by Olga Kurylenko and Frank Grillo, and actor Oliver Trevena. It is with this trio that we follow Sarah (Kurylenko) and […]

MISDIRECTION: Win A Free Apple TV Digital Code For The New Crime Thriller!

Lee B. Golden III

Coming to Digital February 10!

MISDIRECTION Busts In On Olga Kurylenko’s Grand Plans In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Coming in February!

WEREWOLVES: Sink Your Teeth Into The Official Trailer For The New Action Horror Coming In December

Lee B. Golden III

It only took two and a half years for Line Of Duty and Marauders helmer Steven C. Miller’s latest, Werewolves, to finally arrive. The past year saw the film ramp up its progress with post-production updates from the director via social media and with prospects now turning up a December 6 theatrical release from Briarcliff Entertainment, the official trailer is now online. In WEREWOLVES, a supermoon event has triggered a latent gene in every human on the planet, turning anyone who entered the moonlight into a werewolf for that one night. Chaos ensued and close to a billion people died. Now, a year later, the Supermoon is back…. Werewolves is toplined by Frank Grillo who’d been teasing the trailer countdown in part with comparisons to The Purge films, and, he ain’t lying! Also starring are Katrina Law, Ilfenesh Hadera and Lou Diamond Phillips from a script by Matthew Kennedy. Bloody […]

Planning The Havoc: A Conversation With HOUNDS OF WAR Director Isaac Florentine

Matthew Essary

Isaac Florentine has firmly established himself as a director on whom diehard action fans can rely. Since the early 90s, he has consistently delivered films with breath-taking action sequences that rival, and in many cases, far surpass those in larger-scale productions. Beginning his career in the trenches of very low-budget martial arts film production, while also directing the English language inserts for various iterations of the long-running Japanese-import children’s television franchise POWER RANGERS; Florentine developed a style of filmmaking based strongly on clearly framed and edited, highly kinetic action set pieces. His quality of work in these areas, in less than optimal conditions, caused him to rapidly become an in-demand talent during the, then still thriving, world of “Direct to Video Store” film releases. He would not only collaborate with action cinema stalwarts Gary Daniels, Dolph Lundgren, and Jean-Claude Van Damme— he gave each one rock-solid, highly entertaining, entries into […]

Frank Grillo in "Hounds Of War" (2024) - XYZ Films

HOUNDS OF WAR Review: Frank Grillo Evens The Playing Field In Isaac Florentine’s Leveled-Up Revenge Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Hounds Of War arrives on Digital on September 20 from XYZ Films. The current state of Isaac Florentine’s directing career is a bit of a mystery these days. He still remains as a fixture among the cadre of take-home action fandom for most, particularly having sheperded the post-Walter Hill Undisputed sequels of DTV lore amid his 30+ year career proliferating some of the best in martial arts movie stardom. Interestingly, he’s had a few core signs during this period that he was maturing (or at least trying to) as a director, namely with films like Assassin’s Bullet and Antonio Banderas starrer, Acts Of Vengance. His latest now comes after wrapping things up with his Boyka-of-choice with Scott Adkins starrer, Seized, having since collaborated with leading man Frank Grillo whose name has been on the chyron of trade casting reports almost year round for more than a decade now, having worked […]

LONG GONE HEROES Trailer: Frank Grillo And Josh Hutcherson Star In The New Action Thriller From Jon Swab

Lee B. Golden III

Actor Frank Grillo and director Jon Swab (Body Brokers, Ida Red) make a pretty damn good pair for the work they’ve done in the last few years. Their record continues of late with Long Gone Heroes which also has Eden Brolin, Josh Hutcherson, Melissa Leo, and Andy Garcia, and also reunites Grillo with his Lights Out co-star Mekhi Phifer. Gunner, a special forces soldier who has witnessed the darkest side of country and combat, is forced back into the field of battle to save his niece, who is being held in South America. As the fight intensifies, Gunner and his team discover that her disappearance is part of a corrupt private operation that hits way too close to home. Acclaimed actors Andy Garcia, Melissa Leo, Josh Hutcherson and Frank Grillo star in a non-stop action thriller that will leave you breathless. Swab and co-writer Santiago Manes Moreno penned the script. Lionsgate opens […]

HOUNDS OF WAR Trailer Sees Frank Grillo On The Run, And On The Hunt!

Lee B. Golden III

If you’re wondering what took so long for director Isaac Florentine’s newest action thriller to finally begin its release campaign, you’re probably not alone there. Rest assured, XYZ Films is hailing fans of the action cinema steward with a release on Digital set for September 20. Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick and Rhona Mitra star in HOUNDS OF WAR about the best military mercenaries money can buy. Known as ‘The Hounds’, they are sent on a final mission by their creator: a carefully planned trap set up to destroy them. The official trailer is now here, joined by the familiar key art and a small batch of stills to take in just beneath!

LIGHTS OUT: Frank Grillo Knuckles Up For The New Action Thriller Coming In February

Lee B. Golden III

Director Christian Sesma kicked loads of ass in the Ryan Kwanten-led Section 8, featuring scores of action sequences by Luke Lafontaine and featuring the screen stylings of Scott Adkins. Alas, I did tell Sesma recently I’d definitely get on board with his latest, Lights Out, which now sees Sesma rejoining with select cast members of his prior thriller along with leading actors Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer and Jaimie King. A homeless veteran, Michael “Duffy” Duffield (Grillo), is always on the move, until he meets a talkative Ex-Con, Max Bomer (Phifer). Max notices Duffy’s skills after he gets into a bar fight and offers him a well-paying job. Duffy agrees and discovers that the “job” is competing in underground fight clubs. The pair make a ton of money on the first fight and decide to travel to LA so Duffy can atone for his past and Max can pay back a […]

Lionsgate Deals A Finishing Blow With KING OF KILLERS On Blu-Ray And DVD In October!

Lee B. Golden III

Lionsgate is taking up arms with Blu-Ray and DVDs to send out to the masses on October 31 for Kevin Grevioux’s feature debut, King Of Killers. The film is based on Grevioux’s own graphic novel with a cast led by Alain Moussi and Frank Grillo, leading the story of an expert killer whose quest for vengeance thrusts him into the center of one man’s thirst for the thrill, having ordained himself as the “King Of Killers,” and coralling a room full of the world’s most elite assassins to challenge him for the crown and a $10 million dollar prize to boot. Rounding out the cast are Grevioux himself along with Marie Avgeropolous, Shannon Kook, Ryan Tarran, Georges St. Pierre and Gianni Capaldi. Read below for the specs and click here for my review! Based on a graphic novel by writer-director Kevin Grevioux, King of Killers follows former Agency hit man […]

A Case For Better Action Movies: KING OF KILLERS Is Alain Moussi’s First GOOD Film!

Lee B. Golden III

King Of Killers opens in theaters, on Digital, and On Demand on September 1. The casting of stunt performers and action actors in key leading roles for action movies continues to be a positively proven endeavor, especially when accomplished by the right directors and creatives behind the scenes. Do with actor Alain Moussi’s recent stint in rebooting Kickboxer for two installments what you will – those of you who read this site know full well my thoughts on those films, in addition to 2021’s Jiu Jitsu, a three-for-three disappointment count which all but took me out when it came to anything from the helmer sitting in the chair for those films. That’s not to say I’m not critical of Moussi’s performance either, nor am I completely dismissive of his efforts, as with the consistent potential he’s always exhibited. With the emergence of character actor and comic creator Kevin Grevioux shepherding […]

KING OF KILLERS Trailer Sees Alain Moussi In Ballistic Competition For Frank Grillo’s Throne!

Lee B. Golden III

Kevin Grevioux’s long-awaited action thriller King Of Killers is finally on approach with Lionsgate heading up its release. The film stars Frank Grillo opposite actor and martial artist Alain Moussi in his newest return to starring capacity… Based on a graphic novel by writer-director Kevin Grevioux, King of Killers follows former Agency hitman Marcus Garan (Alain Moussi) as he attempts to unravel the mystery behind a tragic incident. When offered a $10 million contract to eliminate the world’s greatest assassin, Marcus travels to Tokyo to meet the client (Frank Grillo), but discovers other professional killers have been invited as well. Now Marcus and the others must confront this deadly, mythical assassin…or die trying. I have a few words to add here, and I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. Moussi is fine screen performer with pure potential, but as it stands following the two Kickboxer revivals he’s done along with 2021’s Jiu-Jitsu, […]

BLACK LOTUS Review: Rico Verhoeven’s Inaugural DTV Action Star Moment Tests The Waters

Lee B. Golden III

Black Lotus will be available on Digital Download beginning June 19 in the UK from Strike Media. If you’re like me and never knew who Todor Chapkanov was until seven years ago apart from his lengthy resumè, you can almost imagine the excitement that the man who delivered what currently sits as the final entry in the Undisputed franchise was well on his way up with another feature actioner to entice fans. Enter world-class kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in his first feature film role for a package that now brings us Black Lotus. Added to the mix is a script by Tad Daggerhart who now sits among the credited scribes of Expend4bles, which ought to draw some more relevancy to this newest chase thriller inspired by the likes of Taken and Man On Fire. Thus, the concept itself is simple enough and therefore marketable and easy to understand on a […]

BLACK LOTUS Trailer: Rico Verhoeven Actioner Lands On Digital In The UK In June

Lee B. Golden III

The Movie Partnership is revving up the campaign for Todor Chapkanov’s new action thriller, Black Lotus. The UK outlet has stamped a June 19 digital download release date for the pic which stars 11-time world kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven and The Purge franchise star Frank Grillo. An ex-special forces operative wages a one-man war through the streets of Amsterdam to rescue his friend’s daughter from the local crime syndicate. Chapkanov directed from a script written by Tad Daggerhart (The Expendables 4). Also starring are Marie Dompnier (Black Hearts), and Peter Franzén (The Wheel of Time). Black Lotus will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Virgin, Sky and Rakuten. Catch the full UK trailer below!

ONE DAY AS A LION Sees Scott Caan As A Hapless Hitman In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Body Brokers, Ida Red and Little Dixie helmer John Swab is here to mix things up once more at the helm and with none other than Lionsgate at the wheel for black crime comedy One Day As A Lion. The film stars Scott Caan whose script is at Swab’s beck and call this time around with the director joined by J.K. Simmons, and rejoined by Frank Grillo for a fourth time. Jackie Powers (Scott Caan) is a nice guy but a lousy hitman sent to take out a crafty debtor (J.K. Simmons) Jackie only pisses him off. Fleeing the scene Jackie takes bored waitress Lola as a hostage. Jackie needs money to get his son out of jail Lola cooks up a scheme for them to get cash from her dying mother (Virginia Madsen). Meanwhile a thug sent to kill him is sleeping with Jackie’s ex… Also starring Frank Grillo […]

BLACK LOTUS: Don’t Miss The Official Trailer For Rico Verhoeven’s Feature Debut Action Thriller Ahead Of Its NL Release!

Lee B. Golden III

If you’re as new to the trailer below as I am then consider yourselves happily reminded of the awesomeness ahead that is action thriller, Black Lotus. The film stars eleven-time world champion kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in his feature acting debut from a script by Tad Daggerhart and directed by Todor Chapkanov. In Black Lotus, Verhoeven plays the role of special forces officer Matteo Donner. After his best friend died while on a joint mission, he roamed the world struggling with guilt. Back in Amsterdam he ends up in a one-man war in the streets and on the canals of the city. Between explosions, flying bullets and crashing cars, Donner has only one goal: to rescue the kidnapped daughter of his dead friend. That’s the description per the film’s announcement mid-production. I first caught wind of this project from a source close to it and was left in the dark for […]

BLACK LOTUS Launches First Explosive Teaser Trailer

Mike Garcia

World kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven (Kickboxer Retaliation) kicks his way to the big screen, sharing it with a veteran as Frank Grillo (Warrior, Boss Level) leading the cast of this upcoming action feature that promises an explosive spectacle of deadly one liners, and tons of action where Verhoeven gets into the skin of a special forces officer, who´ll start a war on the streets of Amsterdam in order to rescue his best friend´s daughter from the hands of a local mobster. Directed by Todor Chapkanov (Unidsputed IV), this action thriller with international flavor produced by Capstone Film Group and Black Lotus europe, will set a big test for Rico Verhoeven to find out if his dominance on the kickboxing ring can be transfered into the movie screen. Only time will tell if this could be the first step to pave a new career. The film still in post-production, is slated […]

LITTLE DIXIE: Frank Grillo Is A Man Out For Revenge In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Body Brokers and Ida Red helmer John Swab is back once again with actor Frank Grillo who now leads the way in their latest thriller, Little Dixie. The film also stars Eric Dane, Beau Knapp, Annabeth Gish, Peter Greene, Thomas Dekker, Mercedes Mason, and Maurice Compte, and is currently set to release on digital and on-demand from Paramount Movies on February 3, but not before premiering at the 52nd Rotterdam Film Festival which kicks off next month. Here’s Olaf Möller’s insight: Erstwhile Special Forces operative Doc Alexander is asked to broker a truce with the Mexican drug cartel in secrecy. When Oklahoma Governor Richard Jeffs celebrates the execution of a high-ranking cartel member on TV, his Chief of Staff and Doc inform him about the peace he just ended. But it’s too late, as Cuco, the cartel’s hatchet man, has set his vengeful sights on Doc’s daughter Dixie. They don’t […]

OPERATION SEAWOLF Is A Go This November In The UK

Lee B. Golden III

Dazzler Media is readying to deliver WWII suspense and thrills this Winter with the UK release of Steven Luke’s latest, Operation Seawolf. The film, starring Frank Grillo, Dolph Lundgren and Hiram A. Murray, will release on DVD, Blu-Ray and Download-To-Own beginning November 7. In the final days of World War II, Germany, desperate for any last gasp to defeat the allied powers, looked to their last remaining weapons and soldiers. The German Navy and the last remaining U-Boats were brought together for one last mission – to attack the United States Homeland, Operation Seawolf. Captain Hans Kessler, a grizzled submarine commander from both World Wars, is called into service to make the mission a success and help turn the tide of the war. Starring Hiram A. Murray (The Terminal List), Dolph Lundgren (The Expendables franchise) and Frank Grillo (Avengers: Endgame), Operation Seawolf is a thrilling adventure written and directed by […]

Frank Grillo and Dolph Lundgren set sail in OPERATION SEAWOLF

Matthew Essary

Filmmaker Steven Luke (WAR PIGS) is one of many creatives working in the realm of DTV. He has learned two valuable lessons about how to get noticed in the glut of low-budget titles that appear consistently throughout the year though. The first is to use recognizable, yet reliable, actors that can draw attention when placed on a cover. The second is to have a niche that appeals to a dedicated fanbase. What is that for Luke? Historical war dramas (with a bit of action sprinkled in) like his latest: the World War Two naval battle film OPERATION SEAWOLF, featuring Dolph Lundgren (CREED 2), Frank Grillo (COPSHOP), and Hiram A. Murray (THE TERMINAL LIST) in prominent roles. Take a look at the trailer: Here is the official synopsis: “In the last days of WWII, Germany, desperate for any last grasp to defeat the allied […]