marshieh johnson

THE 44TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN Review: Electrifyingly Nuts [Updated With Poster]

As far as shorfilms go, most are worthy of sharing a few written thoughts depending on their substance and potential. Jon Truei’s latest, The 44th Chamber Of Shaolin, produced by Mary Pomilla, stands as potent proof-of-concept that just about brings Truei full circle as an artist and kung fu cinema fan having once beared a Yahoo! username inspired by a Gordon Liu classic, and all while leaning into a bold mixture of outlandish comedy to couple with stylish martial arts action to boot. The 44th Chamber Of Shaolin dives right into the story of a struggling Sifu (Mario Marin), now fallen on hard times and is resigned to teaching on airplane mode in his backyard with his beleagured disciple (Samuel Dunning) performing most of the grunt work. It’s not until a young teenager (Marshieh Johnson) arrives to inquire about lessons to help defend himself against bullies that Sifu becomes fully […]

1 OUT OF 100 Trailer: Martial Arts Star Willie ‘BAM!’ Johnson Sets Outreach Campaign With Feature Film Endeavor

Lee B. Golden III

Actor and martial arts champion Willie “Bam” Johnson has a few projects on the way. One is a documentary set to bow in August from independent banner Maverick Entertainment. The other, 1 Out Of 100 is the latest collaborative effort from Johnson and partners Kimber Johnson and filmmaker/co-investor, Grandmaster Robert Parham. Inspired in part by real-life events, 1 Out Of 100 is billed as a coming-of-age indie drama that centers on Elijah (Willie “Bam!” Johnson), an ex-con out on early parole and working at martial arts dojo whose current overseer, a young martial arts student named Jojo (Marshieh Johnson), finds himself confronted with the hardships of supporting his mother and younger brother, all while maintaining his standing as a role model for young children, and preparing for a chance at a local martial arts competition that could change his life. Interestingly, my recent coverage of Johnson and his efforts included […]