Take A Look At The First Poster For Upcoming Action Thriller, MEZA: DAVID'S STORY

It's no easy feat to put together an amazing, full-length martial arts movie project. Nonetheless, it's a challenge conquered by Ontario-based film and stage performance troupe, Team 2x, led by debut director James Mark for the upcoming action sci-fi thriller, Meza: David's Story.

Team member and debut actor Chris Mark snags the title role as a troubled high school student whose latent "powers and abilities" emerge in the heat of battle, forcing him to face the secret organization he once escaped, and re-awaken the killer bred within him in order to survive. The ultimate vision for the film is said to be an exciting blend of all things people know and love about espionage thrillers a la Robert Ludlum with a touch of fantasy via the Wachowskis', otherwise presenting a fantastic formula for a story as driven as this one, and this is all going by written word until the trailer finally premieres next week.

Until then, the very first official poster has arrived ahead of the cast and crew screening this weekend, and it's full of all the teasy splendor that awaits. Check it out below, and stay tuned for more...and I mean MUCH more!

THE HIT LIST - July 27, 2015

This past week was pretty busy for me, so content has been slower than usual. But, that doesn't mean I haven't been keeping up with with what's happening in independent material and other matters of visual feats of sports and athleticism of which you will see plenty.

Time to get things rolling, and as always with a new playlist of stunt and training reels with performances by Aaron Gassor in full Sith mode, stunt players Moussa Sako, Luciano Arnieri, Deangelo Harding, Laura Beamer, Hayley Wright, Jesse Haus, Jennifer Li, Chistopher Leps, Mallory Thompson, Jwaundace Candace, Jared Losano, Sina Ali, the latest action director reel by Mark Mottram featuring scenes from the 2014 thriller, The November Man, and a new director reel by lensman and action director Godefroy Ryckewaert.

For the next leg, while I don't always feature freerunning in these, gems featuring any aspect of stunt performance are welcome with solid video production to boot. Damien Walters himself has since applied this in a new video of his own in a new video where he pretty much freeruns while engulfed in flames. It's not the first time I've seen this particular stunt, but it's also seldom done since the last time I'd seen a traceur on fire was about two years ago, which is pretty amazing.

Walters kicked off the new year in great fashion as well with the release of Matthew Vaughan's Kingsman: The Secret Service in which he performed stunts and helped train in the fight action as well, and he also put together an impressive short video ahead of the film's release. This is a guy that really knows his stuff, so I wouldn't fall asleep on him.

Other videos to accompany this segment include a new globetrotting reel featured on Team Farang's new channel in which parkour wunderkinds Luci Romberg, Anan Anwar and Jason Paul went leaps and bounds around Los Angeles, Bangkok and Japan.. thus the perks of being a traceur; you literally get to run around the world. Not. Even. Kidding - And speaking of, you will also find Romberg's latest video in the form of a submission sampler among a playlist of several now online for this year's Red Bull: Art Of Motion completion in the lush outskirts of Oia, Greece. I didn't include them all in this playlist because there are so many, but these are the ones that stood out to me while fishing through them.

Submissions ended today as well, so click here to say hello to the fanpage and learn more about the event!

While we are on the subject of athletic competition, martial arts trickerd from across the country are being invited out to East Windsor in Connecticut for Battle Of Fury 2015. Tricking gatherings are full of electricity with badass performances by young and inspired martial arts purveyors and experts from nearly all walks of life, which is worthy of noting as much as the phenomenon has taken shape in recent years, so help keep the spirit alive and if you're interested, headover to the link to get your tickets today and check out the promo for the event below!

Well into the new year, little is known about the future endeavors of Just Kidding Films duo Bart Kwan and Joe Jo outside of their usual feats of comedic spectacle. However, whatever their later aspirations may be, it clearly involves martial arts, and they've undergone quite a bit of training for some time now with martial artist, actor and action trainer, Force Storm Entertainment's own Noah Fleder. This week, Kwan and Jo are offering up another journal entry enviting subscribers of their network into a day of weapons training at South Coast Martial Arts.

Keep in mind, martial arts training is some serious stuff, especially with weapons...although clearly that doesn't take away from any of the hilarity you're about to see. They really do put the 'stick' in "slapstick". Watch please.

Alas, we've come to the last leg of this week's Hit List and the fight stuff is a bit light this time around, but still worth lending an audience to. First up is a trailer for the August 3 premiere for the new webseries, Warigami, a vengeful tale of martial arts and fantasy where paper is the deadliest weapon of choice.

The proceeding two videos thereafter include a new group test fight by Gay Alexandre with Thomas Lorber leading the badassery, and the newest fight short from the growing crew over at Wolf Stunts titled, The Bag.

The next video comes from director Andy Hourahine with the new shortfilm, Karate Girl: Brawl. Produced by Blair Johannes, the project sequelizes last year's Karate Girl: Streetfight with martial artist Julia Hourahine back once more and leading a story that takes our martial arts heroine's journey into further contemplation. The project here takes on a more spiritual shape here, and with your help, her path can go even further, so subscribe to the project's fanpage and lend your support, accordingly.

And lastly, and all the better for it, is a filmmaker who I've rambled about for nearly as long as I've run this blog. Stuntman and oft-filmmaker Emmanuel Manzanres has returned to charm the hell out of the online action fanbase once more with a spectacular new group offering in the new short, Monster. FMA purveyor and action actor Bryan Sloyer plays our captive forced to fight from the bloodthirsty clutches of four goons led by Jerry Quill in a scrumptious onslaught of hand-bound fistcuffs and full-fledged, no-holds-barred bat-cracking, headbashing, flesh-wounding facial reconstruction of only the brutal kind. This jewel of a video is literally so good it hurts, and bares all the markings of what it truly means to create quality content.

Someone get these people on a TV show please. Who must I bake cookies for in order for this to happen?

*sigh*.. Watch below, in awe.

A few more honorable mentions go out this week to independent filmmaer Vlad Rimburg's latest fan reel attributed to legendary action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, as well as actress and filmmaker Toy Lei for her Best Actress and Best Action Film victory among the winners this year's 11th installation of the 72-Hour Shootout competion hosted by the Asian American Film Lab in NYC for her new short, Boxer. The short is currently not available to the web yet, but the stills are still available in case you missed them...

...As for all else, feel free to view last week's Hit List roster in case you need catching up, and if you have QUALITY content that could use an audience, send it over to filmcombatsyndicate@gmail.com

Help Kickstart Michael Neal's New Action-Packed Webseries, SWORDS OF INSURGENCY!

It's always welcoming to see original content stake its claim in the eyes of the film viewing world. As tough as it is to sustain, however, opportunities for things like this most certainly advantageous, and so director Michael Neal is now ready to heed the call with crowdfunding at his disposal for the hopeful support of his newest webseries, Swords Of Insurgency.

There's no doubt that this one assures quality in its inspired vision between production values and cast performances. I had the opportunity to screen the pilot episode myself awhile back and observe lead actress Rebecca Hausman in the lead role and was very impressed with what I saw in an episode full of drama, intensity and phsyicality worthy of capturing on camera with great fight action put together by indie action design team, DC Stunt Coalition, led by oft-contributor to Film Combat Syndicate, fight choreographer James Couche.

The set design, costumes and overall indoor and outdoor settings were fantastic, and all done with a small investment and it goes to show the level of talent you have to have in achieving that sort of thing. Clearly the talent is there with Neal, Hausman, Couche and the rest of the cast, and with the help of Kickstarter through generous donations in exchange for some tasty perks - including an exclusive viewing of the first episode, Swords Of Insurgency will surely be a feat to enjoy in a webseries with all the trimmings.

Decades have passed since the great apocalypse destroyed civilization. The world has now become a reincarnation of the dark ages, warlords rule and fight for domination. Firearms are now scarce and held only by a few who use it to maintain power; hand to hand warfare has returned as the dominant form of control or liberation against tyranny. 

Our story begins with Abigail a proud warrior with dark past, now imprisoned in a brutal political prison, run by the Emperor Taneg and his son Droll, a demented psychopath with a disturbing infatuation for Abi. 

On the outside a rebellion grows against the monstrous Taneg and his prison, Abigail must find a way to escape and join the rebels and their mysterious leader. But to what extent will she go? And what awaits her on the outside, is she stepping out of the frying pan and into the fire? 

A vicious world has been formed and Abi will find out first hand what it takes to survive and what it means to be human, in world full of beasts and monsters.

Head on over to the project's Kickstarter page and learn all you need about what the critics are saying, as well as how you can help bring another awesome webseries to life.

Swords of Insurgency Trailer from Omar juarez on Vimeo.

Dean Ambrose Counts His Luck In The New Trailer For 12 ROUNDS 3: LOCKDOWN!

You wouldn't suspect anything more than beyond what you might feel a director could do in following up with a film like, 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown, although judging by the latest trailer, director Stephen Renyolds appears to have taken care of that. It's pretty clever in its simplistic approach and with debut actor Dean Ambrose stepping up to the plate, another round here should suffice.

SYNOPSIS:

Ambrose plays Shaw, a detective that returns to active duty after the death of his partner. When he uncovers evidence linking his fellow officers to a murder, they frame him for a homicide he didn’t commit. Trapped in his own precinct, Shaw will do whatever it takes to expose the dirty cops and clear his name. With twelve rounds in the clip and one shot at redemption, nothing will stand in Shaw’s way in this action-packed thriller.

Take note of date for the film's theatrical and digital release now set for a September 11 release, and catch the new trailer!

THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED Gets The IMAX Treatment

Personally I'm not yet too sure about the upcoming release of The Transporter Refueled, much less the title. Ed Skrein comes off as a strong actor though, and I'm sure the story well find it's own way to be entertaining in a way, but my main concern will always be the action and I still have my grievances after Brick Mansions. So, here's to crossing our fingers, and if an IMAX presentation will help things a bit, then I boldly welcome a sequel.

LOS ANGELES, July 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX Corporation IMAX and EuropaCorp announced today that The Transporter Refueled, the re-imagining of the successful trilogy in the studio's highly profitable action franchise, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® format and released into IMAX® theatres domestically on Sept. 4, followed by a select international footprint in IMAX theatres. 

Starring newcomer Ed Skrein, The Transporter Refueled, which will be distributed domestically by Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution (RED) — the joint marketing and distribution venture between Relativity Studios and EuropaCorp — is directed by Camille Delamarre (Brick Mansions), from a script by Bill Collage and Adam Cooper. The film is based on characters developed by Robert Mark Kamen and EuropaCorp founder Luc Besson, who produced the film with Mark Gao. 

Frank Martin, played by newcomer Ed Skrein, a former special-ops mercenary, is now living a less perilous life – or so he thinks – transporting classified packages for questionable people. When Frank's father (Ray Stevenson) pays him a visit in the south of France, their father-son bonding weekend soon takes a turn for the worse when Frank is engaged by a cunning femme-fatale, Anna (Loan Chabonal), and her three seductive sidekicks to orchestrate the bank heist of the century. Frank must use his covert expertise and knowledge of fast cars, fast driving and fast women to outrun a sinister Russian kingpin, and worse than that, he is thrust into a dangerous game of chess with a team of gorgeous women looking for revenge. 

From the producers of Lucy and the Taken trilogy, The Transporter Refueled is a fresh personification of the iconic role of Frank Martin that launches the high-octane franchise into the present day and introduces it to the next generation of thrill-seekers. 

"With The Transporter Refueled, we are thrilled to partner again with Luc Besson and EuropaCorp to bring this action-packed re-invigoration of this global franchise to IMAX fans worldwide," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "IMAX works to provide audiences with thrilling entertainment year-round and this early September release is the perfect example of that." 

IMAX previously partnered with EuropaCorp to release last summer's hit action film Lucy, through Universal Pictures, and will release the studio's big screen adaption of the epic sci-fi graphic novel Valerian, starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, which is slated for a global release summer 2017. 

The IMAX® release of The Transporter Refueled will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie. 

For more information about The Transporter Refueled, visit the film's official website at www.thetransporterrefueled.com.

Everyone Is Out To Kill Luke Goss In The New Trailer For AWOL-72!

The Nightcrew helmer, director Christian Sesma will finally be getting the release treatment for his newest, AWOL-72 next month. Dates are pending but a new trailer is now circulating as of the weekend with actors Luke Goss and Bokeem Woodbine back in the fray with Sesma as a rogue MP on the run from soviet agents, the police, and pretty much everyone who is armed and has authority. Clearly there won't be much room to rest in between.

SYNOPSIS:

Conrad Miller, is an AWOL military officer who has been accused of selling secrets to ex KGB during the cold war. When Miller realizes he has been tracked by his counterpart hit man Myron, Miller knows his love, and his compromise has been threatened, and he does the only thing humanly possible. RUN. The Soviets enlist the services of Detective Adams to aid them in the local hunt to track down Miller by any means necessary. Miller has 72 hours to make his rendezvous point and get out of the country with his love and the only secrets that will keep him alive.

Actresses Mary Christina Brown and Heather Roop, and actor, The RZA also star. Watch the trailer below and sure to visit the official website for further information about the film's release.

FANTASIA 2015: The Supernatural Looms In Feudal Japan In The Latest International Trailer For NINJA THE MONSTER

Acclaimed director Ochiai Ken is getting things off to a decorative start for this summer's events at Fantasia Fest in Montreal. Part of the line up will be the August 2 premiere of his newest, Ninja The Monster - the second of two films well on the way from Shochiku's forthcoming slate of low-budget cult-oriented genre titles from Japan, and judging by the most recent trailer, clearly Ochiai has nothing but good things in mind: ninjas, monsters, swordplay, fantasy. Consider me sold.

SYNOPSIS:

The time is midst of samurai era when Ninja were banned. Sachi, a beautiful princess is traveling to Edo (present Tokyo) with her men including Denzo who is an ex-ninja whose true background has been hidden. Suddenly, they encounter an unidentified monster in a forest. As they battle to kill the monster, all of Sachi's men are killed except Denzo. Sachi starts to question his true identity and why Denzo risks his life to protect her.

Sure, it's quite the switch from his latest 2014/2015 award-winning feat, Uzumasa Limelight, but that doesn't mean this won't be fun, and I'm sure it will be.

Fujioka Dean, Morikawa Aoi and Wada Sohkoh star. Hit up the festival website for premiere and ticket info and more after you view the trailer.

Ninja The Monster from Festival Fantasia on Vimeo.