wu jing

The Russos' Are Looking To Get Involved In WOLF WARRIOR 2

The 2014 release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier was an explosive piece of work from directors Anthony and Joe Russo, and one that definitively put the two on the map for attachment to other projects. Needless to say, they’ve earned quite a bit of notoriety, perhaps enough to stake a claim in other markers as well, and they did exactly that when it was announced last month that the two would root themselves in both Los Angeles and Beijing under their Anthem & Song banner with the goal of producing films for the Chinese market. “We made a lot of friends on that trip and just fell in love with Chinese cinema,” said Joe Russo according to THR. “We made a bunch of personal trips back to Beijing to nurture and grow those relationships in the film business there.” For this, it comes with the distinct and awesome pleasure […]

KILL ZONE 2 Gets A U.S. Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Close to a year since the film’s release at home, Soi Cheang’s thematic sequel crime thriller, SPL 2: A Time For Consequences, has already marked itself high enough for the prospects of a third film in the weeks and months to come. With that all said and done and following an announcement several weeks ago, Well Go USA is moving forward with its release as Kill Zone 2, a new trailer for the film’s limited theatrical and VoD opening on May 13. SYNOPSIS: When an undercover cop gets too close to revealing the mastermind of a drug syndicate, his cover is blown. Double-crossed and under a false identity, he’s thrown into a Thai prison, where a guard discovers the inmate – claiming he’s a cop – is a bone marrow match for his dying daughter…and his warden may have an even deadlier operation hidden within the prison walls. In this […]

'Consequences' Arise This May For Well Go USA’s KILL ZONE 2

Lee B. Golden III

It was as of August that a plurality of fans in the U.S. and Canada spent months waiting in line for the release of Soi Cheang’s SPL 2: A Time For Consequences. The film packs a punch in almost all the right places and with a cast worthy of a big screen presentation, so much so that its box office prospects made it official for a third installment a month earlier. Thus, the wait continues for more news on that end while fans can finally take note of Kill Zone 2 (named as per the film’s renamed Wilson Yip-directed predecessor from the now defunct Dragon Dynasty). The film is releasing in select theaters on May 13, 2016 and stars Wu Jing, Tony Jaa and Max Zhang with Unda Kunteera Yhordchanng, Simon Yam, Louis Koo, Jun Kung and Zhang Chi. Click here for my review and stay tuned for more info!

Is A WOLF WARRIOR Sequel Coming?

Lee B. Golden III

If you didn’t mind contributing to the blockbuster success or nationalistic fervor of Wu Jing‘s solo directorial debut, Wolf Warrior back in Spring, then you will be happy to learn that a sequel is now on the way. Asian Film Strike is now buzzing that Wu will return to direct as well as star alongside actress Yu Nan once more with action choreographer Li Chung-Chi likely to return to direct the action. The first film saw Wu in the role of an insubordinate PLA sniper whose second chance at being a soldier with the help of an elite squad commander, played by Yu, is tested to its ultimate when a local crimeboss with nefarious plans sends in foreign mercenaries after him to avenge his brother’s death. The film, which pits Wu against martial arts star Scott Adkins for the first time on screen, was one of the more recent and physically […]

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, […]

A Case For Better Action Movies: WOLF WARRIOR (2015)

Lee B. Golden III

Obviously, the key to selling a film are its trailers, a fact that martial arts film fans largely regard, and there’s no question that star power is factor. That said, the prospects of watching action star favorites, Wu Jing and Scott Adkins have been nothing short of electric in the wake of all the publicity for Wu’s latest solo co-directorial debut, Wolf Warrior, set against the backdrop of mainland China’s jungle setting with a nationalist-tone pitting a maverick soldier against a squad of deadly foreign mercs and their vengeful crimeboss leader. Sounds good, of course, and a great set up for a potential classic given the star power at our disposal…and unfortunately, that’s all this film has. The film takes off with Wu in the role of PLA soldier Leng Feng, an impetuous sniper who is court marshalled after breaking the chain of command and ensuing the fatal capture of […]

WOLF WARRIOR Rages On In The New U.S. Trailer!

Lee B. Golden III

Without a doubt, the past couple of years have been a true testament to actor and martial arts star Wu Jing in the wake of making his solo directorial debut, Wolf Warriors. Several leg injuries and a lengthy post-production process for an augmented 3D release notwithstanding, this latest patriotic action adventure will hopefully be the start of a great career on both sides of the camera for Wu after dominating the set with the likes of Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung and the late, great Darren Shahlavi over the years. Here and now opposite a diverse cast led additionally by UK action star Scott Adkins, Well Go USA’s latest acquisition will likely service a commendable treat for fanboys eager to see two of the industry’s best go head-to-head in this explosive outing between a lone survivor and a group of vengeful mercenaries out for blood no matter what the cost! SYNOPSIS: […]

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 […]

Well Go USA's WOLF WARRIOR Is Now Available For Pre-Order

Lee B. Golden III

We’re literally just one-month away from the North American release of action star Wu Jing‘s solo directorial debut, Wolf Warrior. It shouldn’t be long before we finally get a trailer going viral but chances are you folks already know what the film looks like due to the trailers now online. Definitely patriotic at its core with a variety of actors on hand, one can argue this looks like an exceptional template for Wu in his career off-camera, and considering it’s just one of two films that significantly did a number on his legs in the last few years prior to his recovery, hopefully there will be plenty more to come. In the meantime, this one has some high-quality artwork to bear until its release, courtesy of Amazon.com where you can pre-order your respective DVD and Blu-Ray copies right now. The action-packed war drama WOLF WARRIOR, Wu Jing’s second film as […]

Well Go USA's WOLF WARRIOR Wages War In North America This September!

Lee B. Golden III

Well, it’s not the 3D spectacle that I was personally going for, but nonetheless, it’s Chinese action star Wu Jing‘s role in his own solo directorial debut, Wolf Warrior, now ready and awaiting a Fall release in North America on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital HD. Wu is joined by a stellar cast top-lined by none other than Brit-kicker, martial arts action sensation Scott Adkins whose career earned a huge boost from the film’s regional success at the box-office on opening weekend thereafter. North American Asian cinema tentpole Well Go USA is more than happy to extend that service as per a new press release issued below: The action-packed war drama WOLF WARRIOR, Wu Jing’s second film as a director (following Legendary Assassin), debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD Sept. 1 from Well Go USA Entertainment. In addition to his directing duties, Wu Jing (Badges of Fury, Shaolin) also stars […]

THE DEADLY RECLAIM Sports A BTS Featurette With Benny Chan, Sammo Hung & Co.

Lee B. Golden III

Just off the heels of completing his latest role in The Bodyguard, yes, action legend and choreographer Sammo Hung is still making movies, and this time he’s with director Benny Chan for the current production of period war flick, The Deadly Reclaim. Chan reunites with quite a few of the cast from previous films, namely The White Storm lead actors Lau Ching-Wan and Louis Koo, as well as New Police Story co-stars Liu Kai-Chi and Sammy Hung, and Invisible Target antagonist, action star Wu Jing in his latest role since his last two films were so physically tolling they nearly put him out of commission. SYNOPSIS: The story is set in 1941, China was trodden by incessant civil wars then. The central government had lost its power while warlords claiming their territories. The law and order in Puchang, a remote village, were temporarily enforced by a civic police led by […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Watch This Explosive Blooper Reel For Wu Jing's WOLF WARRIOR

Lee B. Golden III

Action star and debut director Wu Jing‘s latest film, Wolf Warrior, roared its way through China’s box office during its opening first weekend of April, setting up a hot season of movie magic as the first of two flicks to arrive this year – the second being SPL 2: A Time Of Consequences opposite Tony Jaa. The film, also starring Scott Adkins and Yu Nan, is also one of the latest examples of what it means to suffer for what you love most, particularly for Wu as he punished himself through every grueling minute he endured in helping to create the brutal and explosive action sequences for the film. No doubt about it – Wu has soldiered his way through it all, thick and thin, and recovered from the longstanding bumps and bruises he received during its production, some of which have been made availbale in a recently released blooper/outtake […]

Well Go USA Nabs WOLF WARRIOR For Release In North America!

Lee B. Golden III

The production of action star and debut director Wu Jing‘s newest helming effort, Wolf Warrior, has seen quite an addition to his journey in film. It certainly lended its fair share of physical challenges in recent months as well as technical ones, considering the film was supposed to release late last year at some point or another. The film joins Wu principally with actress Yu Nan and fellow action star Scott Adkins in a story of a rebellious Chinese solider ousted from the army before being given a second chance with a special commando unit, only to end up in the crosshairs of a vengeful foreign mercenary and his team of killers. The film is poised to present another in an epic array of fantastic action sequences, one which will ultimately pit action star Wu and Adkins opposite each other for the first time, and even better, in 3D and […]

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HK FilMart 2015: Watch The Official Teaser Trailer For SPL 2: A TIME FOR CONSEQUNCES

Lee B. Golden III

I suppose it’s been worth discussing the prospects of seeing actor Donnie Yen return to the fray in a potential sequel to his previous role in the 2005 crime pic, Sha Po Lang. One never immediately came, but it led to a small string of notable hits pairing him with filmmaker Wilson Yip as the two became the most defining pair in contemporary action cinema at the time, reintroducing audiences to the visionary brutality of the genre with stories toned in tragedy, dark heroism and stylish action to boot. It’s the kind of filmmaking that sells to the hardcore niche, and director Soi Cheang is no stranger to this, having established himself quoted films like Dog Bite Dog and Shamo, and recent titles like Accident and Motorway before switching gears and stepping into CG-laden fantasy territory with last year’s box office 3D smash hit, The Monkey King. Alas, Cheang returns […]