It's The Story You Wish Were True In The New Trailer For PHANTOM!

It's fruitful to see the good guys win in a lot of military and espionage action thrillers, which brings a bit of peculiarity to Bollywood director Kabir Khan's latest induction into the genre. Loosely ripped from the grim headlines is the new film, Phantom, from UTV Motion Pictures and Nadiadwala Grandson with actor Saif Ali Khan and actress Katrina Kaif in a story that will otherwise grant sheer uncertainty to a compelling plot with plenty of intense and explosive sequences to boot.

SYNOPSIS:

Phantom is a political thriller set in the volatile climate that exists in South Asia. Constant terror attacks against India have left the Indian people feeling vulnerable and angry. The Indian government and security agencies are helpless as the masterminds of the attacks are out of reach. When an infiltrator with plans to attack India is caught, the Head of India’s security agency and his team take matters into their own hands. The film follows the protagonist Daniyal, whose journey to seek justice takes him to India, Europe, America and the volatile Middle East. Local assets in various countries help Daniyal, including Nawaz Mistry who works for an American security agency. Daniyal and Nawaz are drawn into a battle of wits with a shrewd and ruthless enemy. With the enemy hot on their heels, Daniyal and Nawaz against all odds try and finish the job they had set out to do. Along the way they find out that in a mission like this there is always a price to pay, in this case a very personal price.

Make note of the taglines indicated by the latter two posters in the album beneath the first official trailer below. August 28 is the date!

PHANTOM Posters

Singer: "Ideas For An X-Men/Fantastic Four Crossover Are In Play"

It's never enough for a lot of comic book fans to see through to the end of a franchise. Once they love something, they prefer it stick around, which is natural with regard to the respective comic book universes of Marvel properties, X-Men and Fantastic Four.

Both franchises have film slates of their own at Twentieth Century Fox with the latter reformatting for another go-around on August 7 by director Josh Trank, while former remains steady with its next installment, X-Men: Apocalypse, prepping for its theatrical run on May 27 next year. Franchise principal helmer Bryan Singer is directing the film following last year's X-Men: Days Of Future Past which is getting a special extended "Rogue Cut" edition this summer, and it just so happens he was on hand to discuss that briefly with Yahoo (via Variety) in lieu of its release.

Amid a series of questions, however, one inquiry pertained to the possibility of a crossover between both aforemention movie franchises, to which Singer brought some interesting optimism. "There are those ideas in play,... “That would be a natural match-up because they’re both ensemble films and there is a mechanism by which to do it.” said the director.  “We have to see how the films turn out — how this film turns out, how ‘Fantastic Four’ plays, to really understand what kind of desire and how that would really work. I think to just say you’re gonna do it is a mistake, you have to see how the films evolve before you make the decision to completely commit to that.”

That's a good point, which brings to light a lot of the fandom that relatively happens online when any discussion of a crossover ensues. Talks of such a thing are always suspect because we never really know what the studios are up to, and a crossover could easily make or break the future of a franchise simply by having too many characters - at least that was one argument by a handful of people who watched Avengers: Age Of Ultron, and something which was especially a challenge for its director, Joss Whedon who called it the "hardest juggling act [he] ever, ever had to pull off". Hopefully the Russo Bros. won't have that same problem in four years.

I would advise some caution for the fans...or perhaps some cautious optimism at best. Sure, we want our movies and we like to see our ideas come to life on film, but there are consequences for wanting too much at once, and these movies have to either be done right or not at all.

Will this hoepful crossover have anything to do with respect to Josh Boone's upcoming New Mutants installment or Josh Wadlow's hopeful X-Force film? Nothing is known just yet. As for the X-Men/F4 crossover happening, hat is not only up to the studio, but as Singer so states, it is also up to the fans of the comic book movieverses of today.

On another note, Avengers: Age Of Ultron arrives on Digital 3D, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere starting September 8 prior to its store availability via 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital SD and On-Demand on October 2.

Stay tuned for more info.

CCBFF 2015: Kiai-Kick Debut Series, CORNERED, Hits The Fest Circuit In Austin Next Month!

It's always a good thing to see independent action cinema make festival moves. Things like this gain exposure and some of these do take quite a bit of effort and waiting, it's a huge payoff for giving original content an extra pair of eyes. Exposure and other prospects come into play and hopefully that will mean great things for debut filmmaker and Kiai-Kick founder and editor Michael S. Moore with his latest webseries, Cornered.

The series, starring actor, martial artist and stuntman Donald Brooks Jr. has already taken off on social media via Vimeo as of the top of June. Now, word via press release indicates the series will be making its way to the Capital City Black Film Festival next month. The episodes are tentatively offline for this reason, so it would be in your best interest to follow the fan page on Facebook for further information. Otherwise, read the press release below from Thursday!

Austin,TX – July 23, 2015 –Kiai-Kick Films announced today that its martial arts action short film Cornered has been invited to the third annual Capital City Black Film Festival (CCBFF), an Austin, Texas-based organization dedicated to films written or directed and produced by Black filmmakers, films with Black actors in principle roles or that are about Black characters, subject matter or issues related to the Black community. 

“Cornered” is a martial arts 90’s style actioner about Austin super cop Adam Matrix, who finds himself running a gauntlet of lethal fighters in order to save a young woman and keep a super weapon out of the hands of Texas underworld boss Kellogg Deveroux. 

Cornered is among 60 films that will be shown throughout the three-day festival that includes networking, panel discussions, workshops, dynamic film screenings and parties. 

“I am incredibly happy that Cornered will be a part of the Capital City Black Film Festival.”, says director Michael S. Moore, “Cornered features something sorely missing from action cinema: an African-American hero in a genre of film that needs more heroes of color. I was blessed to work with a talented and diverse cast and crew.” 

The Festival will begin this year with Harlem Lights!, which includes a reception at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m., August 13, 2015 at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, TX. Harlem Lights! highlights the history of Austin Area African Americans in film, will feature live music, rare photographs, film clips, local actors and will be hosted by film, television and theater veteran Julius Tennon. This historical presentation honors Austin’s own Harlem Theater and lifetime achievement awards will be given to Austin's own Tennon, actress, comedian, music performer “Damita Jo” LeBlanc, and jazz musician Gil Askey, one of the architects of the famous Motown sound. 

“This year’s films represent the rich talent we have in this country and around the world both in front of and behind to camera,” said Winston G. Williams, Executive Director of CCBFF. Tennon, Co-President and Producer of JuVee Productions, and his wife, award-winning actress Viola Davis, have been supporters of CCBFF since its inception because they felt having a Black film presence in Austin was long overdue. 

“Black films are important because they give African-American artists a place to showcase their work to our community, and to the wider communities across the country,” said Tennon. “They serve to shine a light on our stories and struggles, but more importantly, our success. They show that we are a force, and what we have to say stands for something.” 

Each year CCBFF has used opening night to elevate the arts. This year local, influential organizations are adding to the prestige, including partnerships with the Austin History Center, the Texas Preservation of Black History Project and the African American Cultural Heritage District. After a tremendous inaugural year in September 2013 and experiencing unexpected growth in 2014, CCBFF continues to grow, going from two to five screens with a diverse slate of feature films, documentary/feature films, short films, documentary/short films and music videos. The film ratings will range from G through the maximum of R. 

###For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:  

Media Contact: Michael S Moore (michaelmooreproductions@gmail.com)  

Media Contact: CCBFF  

Andrea Anderson  

A Signature Group  

Anderson.andrea7@gmail.com  

214-334-7165  

Event: Capital City Black Film Festival 

When: Thursday, August 13, 2015, Friday, August 14, 2015, and Saturday, August 15, 2015.  

Where: Palmer Events Center 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704  

Buy Tickets: http://www.capcitybff.com/tickets

Joe Taslim Joins STAR TREK: BEYOND!

With all the Star Wars blurbs and murmurs regarding titles like Mile 22 and Beyond Skyline, it's become quite clear that some of the biggest names in Indonesian action are making headway beyond their domain, and for all intents and purposes, this is an excellent thing. Actor Joe Taslim can certainly fit the mold having joined the other two in the 2011/2012 movie, The Raid, a film that has certainly garenered them a spotlight in the film industry, leading to great prospects and with specific regard to Taslim's role in the 2013 action adventure franchise thriller, Furious 6 for Universal Pictures.

That particular film came at a time when Taslim was supposed to be moving forward on a film titled The Night Comes For Us from a script by Todd Brown over at production and international sales outlet XYZ Films which would no less continue the fervor from The Raid for a niche that has grown to include what Indonesia has to offer. Unfortunately that title never came to pass, although that is not to say it put a damper on his prospects there after, because clearly, it hasn't.

The word from THR now states the former Judo practitioner-turned-actor is now ready to go where no man has gone before, thus rejoining Furious 6 director Justin Lin for the forthcoming July 8, 2016 release of Star Trek: Beyond. The report says little of Taslim's role although it does mention one opposite actor Idris Elba who recently made his own addition to the cast official via video for the production's Boldly Go campaign earlier this month.

The trend is major and huge, and not one to look away from with folks like Taslim breaking the mold little by little for Asian stardom in Hollywood, which also makes this a win for martial arts fans. An actor with an immense athletic capability to do what is required is always welcome, and hopefully we will be seeing some of it in the film.

Stay tuned for more info!

Shoreline Acquires Martial Arts Drama, SHILO

Filmmaker, producer, martial artist and actor Edwin S. Nichols III is now well into the next phase of his film career following the completion of his new movie, Shilo. A trailer has already made its way online and judging by the footage, there's plenty of substance to go on with Nichols III in a lead role for a story that would make Patrick Swayze proud.

Moreover, the movie is based on a true story at that, which isn't to assert that our subject here looked as gloriously badass as Nichols III does here. But, I do bet there's a story to tell there too, as legendary as it sounds! As such, the official fan page for the film has announced its international platform over at Shoreline Entertainment with plans to enter the film into festivals very soon.

Read the announcement below (which I've edited on THIS article to include the official website's synopsis accordingly [*]) and if you missed the trailer, check it out as well just beneath!

Following negotiations between Shoreline Entertainment executives and SHILO executive producer Edwin S. Nichols III, a representation deal inclusive of world sales rights was consummated on June 22nd. 

Shoreline Entertainment is one of the longest-running, most prolific, and most highly-respected companies in the film industry. As a US and International Sales Agent, Production Company and Management Entity, Shoreline is an eminent participant at more than a dozen major media markets and countless festivals every year, and has represented films that have been nominated for Independent Spirit and Golden Globe awards, as well as films that have been honored as winners at several high-profile festivals. 

*Haunted by his past and running from the law, a troubled and mysterious drifter finds peace while helping a struggling children’s camp which teeters on foreclosure.  When he befriends the owner’s grandson, a young terminally ill child, the boy soon finds some much needed inspiration from an unlikely source.  As a corrupt developer uses bully tactics to persuade a sale, Shilo must come to terms as the last line of defense for a family about to lose their land, and the small town soon discovers their new volunteer is not what he seems.  Blinded by his moral convictions and willing to do right at no matter the cost, Shilo is forced to take a stand for the camp and ultimately make a decision that changes countless lives, forever.  

*This film is based on a true story. With an uplifting all inspiring theme, and masterfully entertaining fight choreography, the film is a true heartfelt account of beating odds and overcoming adversity. It is a must see for any fan of a great underdog story! 

Excited about the film, acquisitions executive Melody Djavadi stated “SHILO is really a great movie. It is stronger and more compelling than many big budget studio films I have seen, and one I can take my mother or grandmother to without feeling funny… It’s just a good solid family movie that anyone can enjoy.” 

The film, which has been praised for not relying on extreme vulgarity and other shock tactics to hold an audience, has also recently gained much praise among test audiences for its fight choreography and unique martial arts action. One critic said “Unlike most of the action out there today, the fighting in SHILO is very dynamic and believable. It looks and feels real!” Another stated “Excellent action! You have some world class fight scenes that had me clapping and wanting more!” 

Hollywood vet John Gimino added “The story is very strong and inspiring, and the amazing fights throughout both inspire and entertain. Shilo struck me as a cross between Clint Eastwood and Chuck Norris. Although he kicked a few people in the head, they were all bad and deserved it. Well done!” 

When asked about the deal, Nichols stated “I am very happy to have Shoreline representing SHILO. They have been around a long time, have a great reputation for doing what they say, and get results. Coming from a marketing background I can appreciate their role in this deal. I look forward to working closely with them on the distribution of SHILO and having their partnership for years to come in my future projects.” 

Currently preparing for festivals and expected to be well received based on test audience reviews, the film is definitely one to keep up with. With a strong and heartfelt plot combined with excellent action, it is definitely worth viewing and one that you will truly have to see to believe!

Screener Review: ASSASSINATION (2015)

There is a lot for me to explore in cinema as there are tons of films I still need to see, including those of director Choi Dong-hoon. That said, his latest 1930's-set war drama, Assassination is very much an introduction to his craft for my own experience as a moviegoer, and there are a ton of moving pieces to this story as it's full of twists and turns that are sure to keep your attention.

The film begins with as Yim (Lee Jung-Jae), a Korean rebel whose failed assassination attempt of a Japanese general leads to his capture and torture prior to having reportedly escaped within an inch of his life. Years later, he is now an interim agent for the incognito Korean government, and is assigned by the vice-president and his cohorts to assemble a team of assassins to mobilize in Shanghai. The team is comprised of Dak-sun (Choi Deok-Mun) - an eccentric explosives expert, Chu Song-ok (Cho Jin-Woong) - a reluctant comrade who can always use more motivation, and Anh Okyun (Gianna Jun) - a Korean sniper in jail for insubordination in Manchuria.

Their plan is to take out the general and his partners before the launch of a major airplane factory that could provide in bombing capabilities for the Japanese. With the plan ironed out, it is not too long before we meet other players in the field, including two contract killers - Hawaii Pistol (Ha Jung-Woo) and Yonggam (Oh Dal-Su), assigned to sabotage their mission. As time passes, hidden agendas become much clearer and incidentally endanger the teams' lives, setting in motion a chain of events that will soon trigger a chain of events that span what was once a simple mission into a journey of self discovery in the wake of Anh's turmoil when she not only discovers who she is, but just how instrumental she will be in fulfilling the mission.

As I wrote earlier, this film mitigates a lot of moving parts, but there particular relationships between certain characters that make this one quite fun. Choi, Cho and Oh all deliver fruitful moments of silliness from time to time, especially the latter whose character comes in just at the right time when things get thick for a few of our other protagonists. I also enjoyed the subtext between the roles of Jun and Ha who bounce off of each other quite nicely throughout the constant flux of their courtship while Jun also shares a bit of screentime with actor Lee Geung-young in the role of Kang In-guk, another key role in preseting the terms for the rest of the intricate story and one to surely keep an eye on right down to the end.

More important to bear in mind are the roles of Jun and Lee as their characters develop, with Lee's role being one of the more tonally influential among the characters. In addition and with regard to Jun's performances, each plot twist uncovers something more interesting for the rest of the movie to feed off of. Point in fact, Jun's delivery is one of the most effective and pivotal throughout the film, and its no wonder why she's such a favorite among Asian film fanatics.

The action sequences are sprawling with explosive gun battles and car chases. Most of it is textbook, but it will keep you engaged with each scene turning the page for all the characters arcs and subplots that occur. In that respect, you never know if the main bad guys will get their just desserts, but there a few villains you simply just love to hate who eventually meet their poetic demise which is quite satisfying.

Director Choi is much more geared here to materialize something much more character driven. It's just as exciting and intriguing a film as Hong Kong action auteur Tsui Hark's latest, The Taking Of Tiger Mountain, but not so jingoistic and nature, and keeps the focus of the film where it needs to be. Sharing the set with key cast members who have worked with him before, particularly on the 2012 ensemble caper, The Thieves, proves effective in creating a magnificent drama deep-in-scope with an adherance to internal conflict and self-realization to accomapny the suspense and danger that lurks.

Deception, lies, espionage, romance, bloodlust and redemption are the ingredients stirred about here in Assassination, a film you could say takes its cues from movies like the 2008 film, Valkyrie; No, I don't necessarily know if Choi saw this film as his motivation, but I do know that World War II always sets the precedent for great cinema, and as such, Assassination is a delightful sum of all its parts!

Well Go USA is proudly releasing Assassination in select theaters on August 7, 2015, head to the official website for tickets, dates and locations, and more!

Feel The Heat In The New Trailer For MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS

Director Wes Ball is back and sending kids off to battle the elements and crazy mutant psychos in the deserted outer limits of a desolate world. Far and away from the Glade and the inner-confines of the harrowing maze of the 2013 thriller, The Maze Runner, this September will mark the arrival of the second offering based on author James Dashner's books in The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials.

Dylan O'Brien and Kaya Scodelario are back with a cast of old and new faces that outline what lies ahead on the pendulum of friends and enemies, all within another epic journey of self-discovery that will test the limits of our young heroes even more. But more importantly, it's also nice to know you don't necessarily have to read the books ahead of time; While it's a nice additive to one's experience, I'm still much more visually keen. And on that note, I like what I see so far.

SYNOPSIS:

In this next chapter of the epic “Maze Runner” saga, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers face their greatest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organization known as WCKD. Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD’s vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all.

September 18, 2015 is the date and six new character posters have gone viral along with the latest trailer. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Barry Pepper, Lili Taylor, and Patricia Clarkson also star.

Watch below!

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