cityonfire.com | Movie News & Developments |
- 5 reasons why ‘Kung Fu Killer’ gets Donnie Yen back on track!
- Expendables-esque flicks continue with ‘Beyond the Game’
- Josh Trank’s ‘Fantastic Four’ gets a new trailer!
- Mike Moeller is a sensation with ‘One Million Klicks’
| 5 reasons why ‘Kung Fu Killer’ gets Donnie Yen back on track! Posted: 20 Apr 2015 09:27 AM PDT  "Kung Fu Killer" Theatrical Poster While few would dispute Donnie Yen’s position as one of action cinema’s reigning champs, there’s no denying that the reception to his more recent output has been rather lackluster. Films such as Special ID and Iceman have disappointed for a number of reasons, but mostly for the fact that they lacked the hard-hitting action fans had come to expect after movies like Ip Man and Flash Point. Thankfully, Donnie Yen’s upcoming effort Kung Fu Killer represents a startling return to form and we’re here to tell you why. 1.) Donnie Yen gets to stretch his acting chops for a change After Iceman saw Donnie Yen strolling around Hong Kong with a goofy grin and a wig, it’s refreshing that Kung Fu Killer affords him the chance to act again. When a fearsome serial killer begins targeting the best martial artists in their field, the police turn to Donnie Yen’s character for help – the twist is, he’s already behind bars himself. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Yen play a character with this much of a dark side; here he’s a bit closer to Hannibal Lecter than he is Ip Man, and it’s a nice change of pace. 2.) Wang Baoqiang may be Donnie Yen’s toughest opponent yet Okay, considering that Donnie Yen faced off against Jet Li back in Once Upon a Time in China II, that statement might not be entirely accurate. But the point is that actor Wang Baoqiang brings to Kung Fu Killer exactly what a Donnie Yen movie needs: a formidable villain. Thanks to his surprisingly solid martial arts skills and a manic, over-the-top performance, Wang Baoqiang electrifies the film every moment he’s onscreen. 3.) The filmmakers incorporate elements of other genres Nobody would mistake Kung Fu Killer for anything other than what it is – a pulse-pounding action/thriller – but the fact that our villain is a serial killer gives the movie a unique feel. This allows the filmmakers to incorporate at various times the look and feel of other genres, particularly those of the police procedural and horror movie. The result is that Kung Fu Killer‘s premise and aesthetic alone help set it apart from other Donnie Yen movies. 4.) Teddy Chan is back behind the camera Not familiar with Teddy Chan? He’s the same director who worked with Donnie Yen on the excellent Bodyguards & Assassins. While that movie was more of an ensemble film than a showcase for Yen in particular, Teddy Chan made sure the movie’s action sequences were delivered with the same flair and finesse Donnie Yen’s fans have come to expect. In Kung Fu Killer, the focus is squarely on Yen and Teddy Chan delivers the goods when it comes to the movie’s numerous fights and kinetic setpieces. 5.) The film pays homage to the action legends who have come before It’s impossible to forge ahead in a genre without paying respects to the innovators and trailblazers who have come before. Donnie Yen clearly knows this better than anyone as Kung Fu Killer is stuffed to the brim with cameos and knowing nods to the legends of Hong Kong cinema. We dare say you won’t be able to catch them all on a first watch, but eagle-eyed viewers will be sure to notice appearances from Shaw Brothers players David Chiang and studio boss Raymond Chow, not to mention a tribute to the recently departed Lau Kar-leung. Watch the U.S. trailer for Kung Fu Killer, which hits theaters on April 24, 2015, followed by a Blu-ray & DVD release on July 21, 2015. Read our full review here. |
| Expendables-esque flicks continue with ‘Beyond the Game’ Posted: 20 Apr 2015 03:00 AM PDT  "Beyond the Game" Teaser Poster Ever since Sylvester Stallone's Expendables trilogy brought back some of our favorite 80′s heroes to the big screen, other “copycats,” consisting of all-female and/or B-movie cast line-ups, have – or will have – followed! Films like Asylum’s Mercenaries; the soon-to-be released Showdown in Manilla; in-development projects like Avi Lerner’s The ExpendaBelles and Adi Shankar’s “other” all-female untitled film; Indonesia’s take, Garuda 7; then we have the uncertain B-Team and Blood Raid, headed by Don “The Dragon” Wilson. And let’s not forget about the possibility of a Chinese version of The Expendables, led by Donnie Yen. Well, it’s time to add one more Expendables-esque film to the mix… currently in post-production is Beyond the Game, a sequel to 2008′s Lost Warrior: Left Behind. This upcoming actioner starring Olivier Gruner (Nemesis), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Skin Trade), Armand Assante (The World at Our Feet), Eric Roberts (The Expendables), Mark Dacascos (Drive), Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3), Kelly Hu (Crade 2 the Grave), Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, Danny Trejo (Machete), Costas Mandylor (Fist of the North Star), Tony Todd (The Crow) and Michael Madsen (Kill Bill Vol. 1). Beyond the Game reunites Gruner and Tagawa with their Lost Warrior: Left Behind director, Erken Ialgashev. Unfortunately, not much more is known about the film, but we’re sure this will change soon, so stay tuned! - Thanks to Lucas Nunes Sampaio for the scoop! |
| Josh Trank’s ‘Fantastic Four’ gets a new trailer! Posted: 19 Apr 2015 01:01 AM PDT  "Fantastic Four" Theatrical Poster Josh Trank, the co-writer/director of 2012′s Chronicle, scored a major hit with that film’s ‘found footage’ take on the superhero genre. He’s been rewarded with the task of rebooting the Fantastic Four. The movie will star Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell, Reg E. Cathey and Tim Blake Nelson. It has a release date set for August 7, 2015. This will be 20th Centry Fox’s second attempt at launching Marvel Comics’ cosmic family into a successful movie franchise. Trank will be assisted by producer Matthew Vaughn, a filmmaker who has some experience with comic book material: he directed both X-Men: First Class and Kick Ass. | Watch the 1st teaser trailer. BREAKING NEWS: Watch the newest trailer! |
| Mike Moeller is a sensation with ‘One Million Klicks’ Posted: 18 Apr 2015 12:00 AM PDT  "One Million Klicks" Theatrical Poster After taking the lead in 2012′s Arena of the Street Fighter, German martial artist Mike Moeller is back this year with One Million Klicks. It’s the first project from production company Silent Partners, which was recently formed by Mike Leeder along with Ruediger Kummerle. The movie is a German language modern day actioner, which follows the well worn genre trope of a good hearted fighter being drawn into an underground martial arts tournament being shown on the internet… think Bangkok Knockout. However with Moeller in the lead, some solid action should definitely be on the cards. Mike Leeder recently reported that Evolutionary Films, the London based sales and production company, have been appointed as international sales agent to represent the movie, and will be being taken to Cannes. Click here to watch the latest trailer! |
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