tony jaa

EXCLUSIVE: Tony Jaa Officially Joins xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE

Martial arts action star, actor Tony Jaa has had an amazing year so far. His latest venture into Hollywood with actor Vin Diesel in James Wan’s Furious Seven in April of 2015 became a billion dollar success, further setting the tone of his career growth next to his starring role alongside Dolph Lundgren in Skin Trade that same month. Of course, this leaves room for some amazing things for Jaa whose friendship and comradery with Furious Seven star Vin Diesel has been well documented in the past several years, most specifically on Diesel’s own Facebook page. It’s the kind of friendship that opens doors for future collaborations, and with this in mind, it’s understandable that Diesel probably wants more for his fellow Furious Seven co-star who played a small key role as a villain in the film. Evidently now, time will tell how those efforts play out now with Diesel […]

Tony Jaa And Jet Li Up To Join Vin Diesel And Co. For xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE

Lee B. Golden III

If there was any doubt on your end that the likes of action stars Tony Jaa and Jet Li would appear together in a movie with franchise muscle, actor Vin Diesel, you wouldn’t have been completely wrong. Li first broke ground from Hong Kong cinema with Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998 five years before Jaa would reach his own milestones with Ong Bak in 2003 and his Hollywood debut opposite Diesel in Furious Seven last Spring, and so seventeen years is a considerable amount of time to wait for news like this. As it stands though, there’s not much to gain from expecting Li to do any screenfighting as we’ve last heard a few years back about his hyperthyroidism which ultimately affects his heart. That said, it still bares worth keeping in mind whatever hopes there are that maybe Li is fit to fight on screen once more depending on […]

Screener Review: SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES (2015)

Lee B. Golden III

As far as screeners go, SPL 2: A Time For Consequences marks the first time I’ll be reviewing a foreign language film that wasn’t subtitled. In that regard, the film was still a treat to enjoy from start to finish despite not getting the full context of much of the dialogue, although many of the scenes were suggestive in understanding what was happening and how, which essentially helps. Soi Cheang takes the reigns as director for the new film with returning actors Wu Jing and Simon Yam now joined by Tony Jaa, Zhang Jin and Louis Koo all toplining the cast. The film sets another high mark in 2015 for Jaa whose year went off with a bang back in Spring with Furious Seven for Universal Pictures, and Skin Trade for SC Films, so to see him in a production like this was a real treat to see next to, […]

Well Go USA Announces SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES For 2016 Release!

Lee B. Golden III

Courtesy of Bravos Pictures It’s safe to say that director Soi Cheang‘s latest theatrical bit of action fanfare, SPL 2: A Time For Consequences, is a hit no matter what some opinions may be. Several reviews floating online are lending well-balancef earfuls to the film’s credit as an otherwise exciting follow-up to the first film in 2005. Tony Jaa and Wu Jing star at the forefront of this thematic continuation which sees Jing as an embattled undercover cop teaming up with a Thai prison guard to take down a courrupt warden. A film like this being celebrated this much deserves a broader release, and of course it was only a matter of time before Well Go USA snagged it for us, which could also mean great things with the third installment of the trilogy now pending. Read the official announcement! Plano, TX (August 10, 2015) – Well Go USA Entertainment […]

Tony Jaa Issues An Official Statement After Sahamongkol Drops Its Case

Lee B. Golden III

2015 has been great to Thai action star, Tony Jaa, following his long-disputed departure from his former career base at Sahamongkol under founding film producer Somsak Techaratanaprasert (a.k.a. Sia Jiang). The two have since mutually parted ways with Techaratanaprasert dropping his case altogether following failed false contract dispute claims in the past few years against Jaa in what has otherwise been a contentious litigatory battle that ultimately threatened to halt the star’s Thai releases of Skin Trade with Dolph Lundgren, as well as his Hollywood debut in James Wan’s Furious Seven and that of Soi Cheang’s SPL 2: A Time For Consequences just as likely. That said, Jaa and his team issued a statement via the action star’s Facebook page which you may read below: Dear Members of the Press and Public, As you are aware, there have been misunderstandings between Sahamongkol Film International Co., Ltd. (Sahamongkol Film) and I […]

Tony Jaa Rejoins The Production Of NEVER BACK DOWN 3

Lee B. Golden III

It’s always great when chance favors the hopeful, and it’s no secret that fans have hoped to see Tony Jaa in the company of our current cast line-up for the production of Never Back Down 3 in Thailand from Stage 6. White reprises his role from the 2011 titular sequel as ex-convict, martial artist and former professional fighter Case Walker who now decides to revert back to a career in the ring where fans will see plenty of fighting prowess from folks like Ron Smoorenburg, Brahim Achabbakhe, Nathan Jones and former UFC champion Josh Barnett. As for Jaa‘s appearance, it was speculated earlier that he wouldn’t be able to partake in the production due to his recently-wrapped promotional tour for Soi Cheang’s SPL 2: A Time For Consequences. Gladly enough, with the tour being done, a new set picture from White via social media changed all that. From L to […]

Media: SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES Is As Good As You Might Have Been Hoping!

Lee B. Golden III

The word is out following the most recent red carpet galas in Hong Kong and Macau for director Soi Cheang‘s SPL 2: A Time For Consequences, and the buzz is all kinds of upworthy this week. The film appears to be nothing short of a proud successor to SPL in 2005 and lends a certain nod to the advancement of its lead stars, including that of lead actor Wu Jing who portrayed an alternative role opposite then-star Donnie Yen in the first film. Elizabeth Kerr at THR calls the movie “tight”, “entertaining” and “fun” in an approving critque of Wu, stating in part, “Wu does some of his best work in his most memorable film so far,” while James Marsh at Screendaily boasts of Thai action star and merging Hollywood import, Tony Jaa‘s performance as “his most electrifying and charismatic, displaying a surprising dramatic range throughout the film.” These, on […]

SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES Lands New Character Posters And Featurette!

Lee B. Golden III

Three-way final fights in film can be the cream of the crop for any action films when done right, and Soi Cheang‘s approach to the climatic action scene to be shown in this month’s release, SPL 2: A Time For Consequences, is especially one fans are aching for. The film sequelizes Wilson Yip’s 2005 installment, SPL, now with Wu Jing switching gears as a key protagonist along with Tony Jaa in a story of a disavowed deep cover cop and a prison guard who must find compromise as a intricate case of organ black market smuggling unfolds while a corrupt warden and an array of criminals plot against them. Max Zhang plays one of the major villains in this one, and accordingly, he tackles the task of taking on both action stars in the new film which arrives on June 18, 2015. Several featurettes are online highlighting the action with […]

SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES Lets Out The Mayhem In A Brand New Trailer!

Lee B. Golden III

The verdict is still out on how well director Soi Cheang‘s SPL 2: A Time For Consequences will stand with audiences. In the meantime, the promotional campaign remains on-going and the footage is pulling no punches with actors Wu Jing, Tony Jaa and Max Zhang at the center of this gruesome crime tale thematic of Chinese astrology. The plot of this particular sequel installment is quite intricate with a much more grander scale for its characters and setting. My own summation here: Run by a corrupt warden (Zhang), a Thai prison and its illegal orga smuggling ring and an elusive crimeboss (Louis Koo) are the initial stake for an undercover Hong Kong cop (Jing) whose cover is blown and must find a way to break out, while serving as the only bone marrow match for the dying daughter of one of the guards who helps him (Jaa). The film is […]

SKIN TRADE Co-Star, Actress Tasya Teles Talks To Film Combat Syndicate

Lee B. Golden III

Director Ekachai Uekrongtham’s latest internation action thriller, Skin Trade had its big premiere last week shortly before releasing theatrically in the U.S.. Sure, many will immediately see it as a welcoming accomplishment for one of its two lead actors, action star Tony Jaa in his second career outing this year, but the film also sheds light on a very important subject matter, and it’s one that actress Tasya Teles (picture credit: Bellaphoto) took note of before staking her claim in the film next to lead actor Dolph Lundgren as his on screen wife. This week, Teles takes to Film Combat Syndicate to briefly share her story, her career, her experience on set with the cast and crew and much more. FCSyndicate: Thank you for sharing your time with Film Combat Syndicate. How are you doing this year? Tasya Teles: I’m feeling great! Enjoying the sunshine, hiking with my mom’s dog, […]

Watch A New Featurette For SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES!

Lee B. Golden III

Depending on whether or not you’re into featurettes or anything that may potentially spoil your later enjoyment for director Soi Cheang‘s latest, SPL 2: A Time For Consequences, consider yourself otherwise warned. The film is just a little over a month away and Bravos Pictures is now underway with marketing the film with the usual assortment of posters, trailers and featurettes, and speaking of the latter, there are already a few now making the rounds. The one at the bottom doesn’t seem so bad…well, at least compared to one I caught earlier this month (find that one and watch it at your own risk), and should whet the appetite a bit more ahead of the film’s release. Preset by the first film nearly a decade ago, Wu Jing and Max Zhang are joined by international action star Tony Jaa and co-stars Louis Koo and Simon Yam as the film maintains […]

Michael Jai White And Co. Update Fans On NEVER BACK DOWN 3

Lee B. Golden III

When it comes to sequels, action star Michael Jai White‘s career resumé is no exception with regard to fans’ hopes, and it’s taken years to answer even a few key questions pertaining to which titles would follow suit and how. Despite otherwise pending details, the multifaceted martial artist, actor and filmmaker confirmed quite a bit this month when it came to at least three titles in question, one of them being Never Back Down 3. White directed and starred in the smaller-scale second film in 2011 based on the big screen 2008 Jeff Wadlow-directed MMA teen fight drama, Never Back Down, and has since confirmed he would do the same. In accordance, White also stated the new film would follow-up from the events of the second with the return of his character Case Walker into the competitive field, one which could include “some” fights in the film with former UFC […]

MJW: Scripts Done For 'Dynamite' & 'Bone' Sequels, Jaa And Jeeja To Appear In 'Never Back Down 3'

Lee B. Golden III

If you’re looking forward to catching martial arts action star, actor Michael Jai White back in his big screen element, you needn’t look further than the upcoming release of the new international action thriller, Skin Trade which arrives this weekend in theaters from Magnet Releasing. White has been busy on a promotional tour for the film as of late, and in some instances, including appearances with fellow action star Tony Jaa as the latter has since crossed over into Hollywood and other markets. Not much had been known up until now if whether or not fans will see the two back in action together on screen, which is still an exciting thing to note considering the action they perform together is so exquisitely well done as one of the biggest highlights of the film, on top of their chemistry within the last few years as the two met up in […]

Wu Jing Is Trapped In Purgatory In New Poster Art For SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES!

Lee B. Golden III

Penance is, indeed, prevalent for the protagonist in director Soi Cheang‘s thematic sequel action thriller, SPL 2: A Time For Consequences. Chinese astrology is the trend here as per the 2005 predecessor SPL, now with returning actor Wu Jing in the apparent opposite of his previous role, now in the role of an undercover cop desperately seeking an out from his blown cover thanks in large part to his own corrupt department. Trapped in a Thai prison, getting out won’t be easy, and his only help is one of the prison’s guards, played by international action sensation Tony Jaa, and no less will there be fisticuffs and kicks aplenty before true justice is served. This film is already lining up an audience with its powerhouse cast and nothing short of what has been stellar footage. Of course, the film will be another matter as we await what the critics say, […]

Some More Wu V. Jaa In The New Trailer For For SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUENCES

Lee B. Golden III

It’s clear that the biggest highlight of the upcoming release of director Soi Cheang‘s SPL 2: A Time For Consequences will be the cinematic match up between action stars Wu Jing and Tony Jaa. Much to our favor though, we now get to sample just a little bit more of the two going head-to-head in a brand new trailer following the first trailer last month; both take on similar tones, but this one has plenty of new footage between the action and drama that set it all up for the brutal finale to ensue. Plus, seeing Wu in a role completely opposite of what he played in the first film in 2005 opposite Donnie Yen will be a sure treat as well. SYNOPSIS: After busting a local gangster Hong in an undercover operation, hard-boiled cop Kit is captured by Hong’s men and wakes up in jail in Thailand facing a […]

Dolph Lundrgren Talks SKIN TRADE In A New Featurette

Lee B. Golden III

Director Ekachai Uekrongtham‘s latest film, Skin Trade is still on deck for an iTunes release next week before its theatrical release on May 8, and a new featurette is now making the rounds which you can check out below. Certainly a show of action-heavy star power, the film is definitely one that guarantees its fair share of fight action for martial arts fanboys who follow actor and producer Dolph Lundgren, and fellow action star cohorts Michael Jai White, and Tony Jaa in this, his second film of 2015 following his Hollywood debut in Furious Seven. SYNOPSIS: New Jersey detective, Nick Cassidy (Dolph Lundgren) heads to Bangkok where he teams up with Thai detective, Tony Vitayakui (Tony Jaa) to hunt down Viktor Dragovic (Ron Perlman) and destroy his human trafficking network. Nick had mistakenly killed Dragovic’s son in a sting operation on the New Jersey docks, and Dragovic responded by attempting […]

Screener Review: SKIN TRADE (2015)

Lee B. Golden III

SYNOPSIS: New Jersey detective, Nick Cassidy (Dolph Lundgren) heads to Bangkok where he teams up with Thai detective, Tony Vitayakui (Tony Jaa) to hunt down Viktor Dragovic (Ron Perlman) and destroy his human trafficking network. Nick had mistakenly killed Dragovic’s son in a sting operation on the New Jersey docks, and Dragovic responded by attempting to kill Nick and his family. Nick miraculously survived the brutal attack, but his wife and daughter were killed. With nothing but vengeance to live for, Nick and Tony traverse their way through the Bangkok underworld in search of the elusive Dragovic. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Eddie Reed (Michael Jai White) is sent in to bring Nick home. But as the crossfire ensues, Nick has to determine who his true allies are. REVIEW: It’s taken close to twelve years since first breaking out with the 2003 hit film, Ong Bak, followed by a string of movies […]

Watch The Kick-Ass New Thai Trailer For SKIN TRADE!

Lee B. Golden III

Action star Tony Jaa‘s year has gotten off to an exciting start now that his debut Hollywood role in Furious 7 is circulating globally. It’s just the first of three movies he will be appearing in this year so far with his second, director Ekachai Uekrongtham‘s international action thriller, Skin Trade, poised to release this month as well. That’s two in one month, making it an awesome time to be a Jaa fan if there ever was. The film is getting its day in the U.S., digitally and theatrically on April 23 and May 8, respectively. At the same time, Thailand is also getting its release this month as well, and for this, we now have a new trailer to share full of heavy-hitting action with Jaa, and fellow lead action stars Dolph Lundgren and Michael Jai White to name a few. Check it all out below and mark the […]

FURIOUS 7 Is Back On Track In Thailand

Lee B. Golden III

Thai audiences can now breathe a sigh of relief this week for the release of international action star Tony Jaa’s latest Hollywood debut, Furious 7. Word from The Bangkok Post reports that the Civil Court has lifted the injunction initially requested by Jaa’s former management, Sahamongkol Film International Co., Ltd. against Universal Pictures and the film’s Thailand distributor, United International Pictures Far East Co. The injunction came several days ago at the behest of Sahamongkol’s chief founder and executive, Somsak Techarantanaprasert who asked for THB 1.6 billion (roughly $50 million USD) claiming the release of the film would cause irreversible damages to the company. The decision to lift the injunction ultimately came as the result of Techarantanaprasert having known about the film as of two years ago when, in a separate court in front of a different judge, he, in the company of director Prachya Pinkaew and Panna Rittikrai accused […]

Sahamongkol Wants To Block FURIOUS 7 In Thailand. Here Is Why They Might Lose.

Lee B. Golden III

At the rate things were, it seemed that cinemas in Thailand were on course for the impending release of director James Wan’s Furious 7, the franchise that has garnered its fair share of love and support from fans worldwide. As it stands though, at least one person saw fit to dampen the fanfare, specifically speaking Sahamongkol’s own founder and chief executive Somsak Techaratanaprasert who reportedly filed an injunction against the release of the film following a longstanding contract dispute with actor and martial arts superstar, Tony Jaa. It was back in 2013 as news broke that Jaa would star in the film when Techarantanaprasert went into contention over what was stated as a breach of a recently-signed ten-year contract with the company, going public via press conference with filmmaker Prachya Pinkaew and action director Panna Rittikrai at the time. Jaa’s manager, Mike Selby, responded to the media, in kind, regarding […]