Saturday, August 18, 2018

Black Lightning: Tobias's Revenge! HollyShorts Film Fest EXCLUSIVE!! (C) 2018 Dan's Movie Report!

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!!! Click header text!

AOF screening Tuesday August 21st 2018! 8pm block:  https://www.actiononfilmfest.com/product-page/black-lightning-tobias-s-revenge-directed-by-choice-skinner 

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, as you know, blazing a trail, a path less traveled, makes for far more interesting material that I feel fortunate to obtain. Yes, I could spend my days copying other sites, I chose however, to support the fine people who allow me an exclusive look inside their project.


 

My readers are a discerning bunch of creatives and passionate people who already get the news from bigger sites but want to go inside the story. I applaud all indie sites, even the ones who do share news, as much research work is involved. The biggest thrill for me however, is to see passionate people do amazing things like Choice Skinner has done with Black Lightning: Tobias's Revenge. I mean check out the Cannes Film Fest screening info, mind you this is a fan film!http://sub.festival-cannes.fr/SfcCatalogue/MovieDetail/a5db613b-65bd-474f-9d4f-d38d1467cf14
WOW!



and HollyShorts in the same year for a FAN film that is I shall say it FX%ing Mind boggling! On this special post I present exclusive photos from the HollyShorts Film Festival at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, YEAH that is the one, incidentally the fest is Academy Award certified so films that win are eligible for Oscar contention!




ALL photos are EXCLUSIVE to Dan's Movie Report and were provided to me by Choice Skinner and Sachiko Ishida, Brandon Moten has taken some of the photos and his name is watermarked into the ones he took. Watch for more exclusives early next week on www.action-flix.com as well! 

For further information and updated screening information including Action on Film Info please check out the Official Facebook Page @  https://www.facebook.com/blacklightningfanfilm

Choice has been Nominated for an award as well! 
Please check out the official site for screening times. https://www.actiononfilmfest.com/program

Final Comicon Appearance for the film will be @
Black Lightning- Tobias’s Revenge will screen Saturday August 18th at the 2018 Michigan Comic Con taking place at Cobo Center (Hall C)1 Washington Blvd Detroit, MI 48226! If you’re going check it out. It screens at 5:30 PM in room 337!!! This is our film’s last Comic Con appearance. It’s been real ya’ll!! #michigancomiccon

 

Friday, August 17, 2018

Alpha (2018) Movie Review (A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!)

Above: Poster of Alpha from IMDB

Alpha (2018) Movie Review


Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. In keeping with my promise of course to support actors, directors, and action professionals who have taken time out of their hectic schedule to conduct an interview with me, just had to see the newest film starring Natassia Malthe, Alpha. Actually Natassia told me about this film back when it was called 'Solutrean' which actually is a tool making style during the time of the film, which takes place appx 20,000 years ago. http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2016/06/actress-natassa-malthe-in-solutrean-as.html

Interestingly enough, Natassia and I have conducted 3 interviews as well, I find her enlightening and honest every single time, and it was exhilarating to see her on the big screen again. Please check out our older interviews-


As for 'Alpha', it is a very moving visceral feast for the eyes. Rugged landscapes, dangerous slopes, and hunting with weapons constructed out of stone and wood, permeate the film. Essentially we have a singular story on how man first domesticated the wolf and began to live in harmony for the good of the hunt and the pack. Alpha is so much more than that. Layers upon layers of hierarchy with the human tribe mirroring the wolf tribe. Tau, played deftly by Johannes Haukur Johannesson, portrays the tribes leader and father to Keda. Tau teaches the tribe youth how to properly make the stone spear heads if they pass then they are included in the hunt. The process is unforgiving, and those who do not pass, are not treated with respect.

We witness the hunt, Keda, Kodi Smit-McPhee is virtually in every scene and in the initial hunt, without spoiling it let us just say things do not go as planned. In fact they go horribly wrong, essentially this is the main focal point of the movie, his long, arduous, treacherous journey. How he has to learn to make fire, find shelter, and ultimately learn that survival alone is not as easy as survival in a pack. Even if that pack is just a lone wolf.

The action tide ebbs and flows in 'Alpha' ranging from calm, to downright scary in a cave. Although the dialogue, all not in English is sparse, the emotions from all of the characters are palpable. The pain of the father losing his boy on the hunt, the grief, to the tribe members trying to comfort him. Natassia Malthe plays Rho, the boy's mother. Natassia showed her range with her somber face, and caring emotion first when she learned of her son's apparent death.

'Alpha' is a film which requires work from the audience. First of all, if one is not used to reading subtitles, then perhaps, watch a film with subtitles prior, I would say to train your eyes. Secondly, because there is so little dialogue, the audience is forced to pay attention to the character movements, facial and body expressions, and landscape location. Essentially director Albert Hughes tells the story through eyes of the characters in it rather than explaining it to his viewers.



Again, for the well educated film attendee, 'Alpha' is a really interesting ride, and quite possibly the way we did involve ourselves with wolves as in reality a pack of wolves and a pack of humans would almost invariably be in conflict, but with two wounded souls, the only option is to band together for survival. Again, the wolf is let known his place in the hierarchy order. Always eating after Keda. That said, they protect each other and since the wolves already hunt in packs, with the beta female and males often driving the prey to the alpha, it makes perfect sense that the two of them would team up to survive.

Watch for an appearance by Leonor Varela as the tribe's Shaman. The thing is due to the fact this film takes place long before the birth of modern religion or organization, many times a healer relied on medicine derived from various plants and animals and of course praying to the stars and heavens. Leonor is a great actress, was interesting to see her in this role

I opted for the 2D version at a regular theater as the museum near me decided not to show it in IMAX format. I do like to view films in 2D first, especially ones with subtitles. Even in 2D the print was pretty crisp, with vibrant sound and color. Obviously much of the movie was actually filmed outside, and it allowed for more massive scope and creative use of the camera. The running time at 97 minutes felt about right, that said, would have been interesting to have 5-10 minutes more of the tribe prior to the hunt. Alpha is definitely a film to see in the theater.

Interestingly enough 'Alpha' is rated PG-13. Seems the producers wanted teenagers and kids to watch this film with their parents. Sort of like a history lesson. History this early could have been portrayed much more brutally, yet we know what happens, and at times the over use of blood, and gore is just not needed, especially in this case.

Special congrats go to the animal trainer, who trained the 'wolf dog' for this film, if ever an academy award was needed for best acting for an animal, this is it! The dog matches shot for shot the actors moods and intensity.

Above: My ticket to 'Alpha' Support films - go to the damn movies!
 

Overall 'Alpha' is a great film, very watchable, and actually has the intrinsic “I have to watch again” factor. 'Alpha' rates a very strong 8 out of 10. I am very interested in seeing if additional footage is on the Blu-Ray, as seems even more of a story was told, thus this is a def buy on home video.

For more information on 'Alpha' spear your browsers over to the official Facebook Page @ https://www.facebook.com/AlphaTheMovie/


Thursday, August 16, 2018

IDTV Action Fest Announces Winners for 2018!




Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, without further fanfare I present the winners for the IDTV Action Fest below. As an important note, there is no distinction between short film and feature film at this festival with regards to awards, it is simply the best actor overall (Male or Female) same with the other categories.


"Our programming this year was beyond anything we could have imagined. THANK YOU to all the filmmakers who submitted your films, we are humbled by the decision to submit to our festival. Without further ado we are honored to announce the WINNERS of IDTV Action Fest 2018."


Best Action Actor: Bryan Larkin - Dead End
Best Action Sequence: Deviants
Best Action Choreography: Kowloon Killers
Best Action Team: Blindsided 2: The Game
Best Action Film: I Am White Tiger
Best Action Script: Finding Alexandria by Sayem Huq
Martial Arts Spirit Award: Dom Fred (director)


For further information:  https://www.facebook.com/idtvactionfest/
Official IDTV Fest website @ http://www.idtvactionfest.com/

Please check out my exclusive reviews of IDTV Action Fest 2018 selections!  All Exclusive, all the time- Dan's Movie Report!!

Blindsided: The Game - https://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2018/05/blindsided-game-2018-movie-review.html
Truy Sat- https://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2016/10/truy-sat-2016-movie-review-c-2016-dans.html
Beyond Return:  https://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2017/09/beyond-return-2017-movie-review-dans.html
When Kids Grow Up: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2016/06/when-kids-grow-up-movie-review-c-2016.html


Jackie Chan's Bleeding Steel! Hot New Contest With Action-Flix.com!



Greetings valued readers of Action-Flix and Dan's Movie Report! Once again we have teamed up to do a giveaway! Keep Checking back with both sites for details! One Blu-Ray per site will be given away.

Contest @ www.actionflix.com  https://action-flix.com/action-flix-home-page/blu-ray-giveaway-contest-win-one-of-two-copies-of-jackie-chan-s-bleeding-steel

 John over @ Action-Flix.com posted about Bleeding Steel back in July --- 


Tuesday, July 10, 2018 (Original Post from www.action-flix.com)

After hitting a massive home run with this year's action-packed drama The Foreigner, martial arts and action icon Jackie Chan is back with another exciting new import which is the Sci-Fi Action Spectacular Bleeding Steel. 

The film is currently playing in select cinemas and is available to rent on all Digital Platforms but the film is primed and ready to be released this August from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Check out the official Blu-Ray box art and trailer below!



A special force agent is assigned to protect a scientist and his creation from a sinister gang in Bleeding Steel, arriving on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital), DVD, and Digital August 21 from Lionsgate. This film is currently available On Demand.

Honorary 2016 Academy Award® recipient Jackie Chan plays Hong Kong police inspector Lin Dong, who learns that a biochemical invention has been surgically implanted into his missing daughter. With help from a hacker, Lin tries to connect the dots between the device, a sinister army, and a strange phenomenon called “Bleeding Steel.” Packed with nonstop action and thrills, the Bleeding SteelBlu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively. 


OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

In an action-packed drama reminiscent of ‘80s techno-sci-fi thrillers, Jackie Chan stars as Lin, a police inspector in modern Hong Kong. While tracking down a deranged, mech-enhanced villain, Lin discovers that a geneticist’s lost biochemical invention has been surgically implanted into his missing daughter. With the help of a young hacker, Lin connects the dots between the device that haunts his daughter, his enemy’s sinister army, and a strange cultural phenomenon called “Bleeding Steel.”


CAST
Jackie Chan (Rush Hour, Jackie Chan’s Who Am I?, ShanghaiNoon), Show Lo (Hi My Sweetheart, Journey to the West), Nana Ou-Yang (To the Fore, Mission Milano, Beijing Love Story), Callan Mulvey (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, 300: Rise of an Empire) and Tess Haubrich (The Wolverine, Alien: Covenant, Infini)


Pre-Order Bleeding Steel now from Amazon.com!
Bleeding Steel comes out on August 21st 2018!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Producer/Director Roel Reiné (2018) Exclusive Interview!! (C) 2018 Dan's Movie Report

Above: From Roel FB page-- Production Begins! Wu Assassins! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8652642/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_1


Exclusive 2018 Update: Roel in Vancouver working on two episodes of brand new Netflix Series Wu Assassins!

Roel has completed work on the period action film Redbad. It has had some screenings in Europe, watch for new exclusive interview soon on your home for detailed interviews, Dan's Movie Report! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6155374/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_2 

Above: Roel with the IMAX camera for Marvel's Inhumans!

Above: Roel working on Hard Target~


After interviewing the amazing Ann Truong, connecting with Katrina Grey, and purchasing the extended Blu-ray edition of Hard Target 2, I had to have a sit down with the amazing Roel Reiné about the film. Both Ann and Katrina have told me that he was the best director they have ever worked for, so organized, and fastidious. Enough of my babbling, sit back, relax, get some tea, take a hard trip bacl to Thailand for the shoot of Hard Target 2!

DT: How much time was spent on principle photography in the open spaces in Hard Target 2.

RR: I shot the whole movie in 20 or 21 days. (20 days, wow , incredible) That is the nature of the beast when you are doing low budget action movies. The budget was 4 million USD, and we shot all over Thailand. Mainly in the north around Chiang Mai, it was a blast. Wait no haha, that was where we shot 'Man With the Iron Fist' there. We shot Hard Target 2 in and around Bangkok. We shot in a place a few hours south of Bangkok, there we shot all the jungles. If I remember correctly we spent 2 and a half weeks shooting in the jungle and we spent a week and a half shooting in Bangkok for the Thai city scenes, the fights, and the opening, and that material.

To give you an idea, the opening fight in Hard Target 2 (The Arena) I shot that in one day! (Ed Note, I was astonished, I asked for clarification) (Yes one day, and Scott (Adkins) he is just an incredible actor and fighter, he designed the whole opening fight sequence in the arena. He was a real trooper, of course for me I am running around with the camera it is tough, but for him it is even harder (tough) because he has to do every fucking thing and the acting and the fighting as well. He (Scott) was just an incredible person to work with.


DT: Speaking of casting, your Hard Target 2 had something unique to a Scott Adkins film, a women with heart and soul. I loved the casting of Ann Truong as the local village lady, I felt she added heart to the film without a clunky love story. How did you manage to wrap a heartfelt story around so much action.?

RR: Yes, having a script that works is so important, and having an actor (Ann) that knows performance, and it is easy to focus on that. I must say that of all my movies, my focus is always the story itself, the drama, and the human interaction. It is really never the action for me as a focal point, the action is easy, the drama and the story telling is the tough part. That is the reason I enjoy my films watching them and making them, as the drama is the focus, and they work on that level. A lot of the action scenes I design myself, in the script it says there is a fight or a chase etc... Then together with the local stunt team in the case of Hard Target 2 the amazing Seng Stunt Team coordinator, I will decide on the design of the fight based on locations, things I think that is “cool” and based on things that a particular actor is good at. If you work with Scott, you know what he is good at, so it is advantageous to use that. Especially shooting in Thailand, I always use Seng Stunt Team. His team are real pros and they are behind the Ong Bak series. He is one of the best stunt co-odinators I have ever worked with anywhere in the world.

With him we just go creative and see 'what can we do here what can we do there' then we design it. What I always do and that is why I can complete principal photography in such a short time 20 days Hard Target 2. It is important to do a lot of prep before hand, prep is the most important thing.

DT: Mentioning prep, how much time did you have for preparation before the start of principal photography?

RR: We had five weeks, it is rather short but if you are really thorough, and also Scott is, he came in two or three weeks before shooting. He started rehearsing on the fights. In the prep I will make all the decisions, then when you hit the set, we are ready. I also chose specific sets where I can do the drama, story, and emotion. I also chose the sets where I can have the action on location. This allows me to split the set, (Have two teams) Between action and drama. We will set up an action scene, example it will take the team two hours to build the shot, or to build some complicated explosion or stunt rigging. Wile that set up is going on I will go to the drama side of the location shoot that dramatic scene with two or three cameras, then I leave one or two cameras with the action people to set up a complicated shot. When they (The action team) are ready to begin shooting I bring the other two cameras from the drama set, shooting with all four cameras in the action piece, and tell them how to reset it. This process takes about an hour or two to reset, during that time I go back to the drama, so it is a continual process.

DT: Wow, what an amazing insight, really saving time. Basically you answered my next question, now we move to one of my favorite scenes in Hard Target 2, a real guilty pleasure. The fight on the train with the sultry Ann Truong and the dangerous Rhona Mitra. Discuss the set up and execution of the fight, with regards to set up time and filming conditions.

RR: With these scenes especially when dealing with actors who are not seasoned and trained fighters like Scott is. Ann and Rhona are not 'trained' fighters (Ed Note- Roel was also talking about screen fighting, Ann knows how to fight, but this is different dynamic) What you had was two doubles that were Synchronizing and mirroring the fights. The actors in turn look at the doubles and mirror the fights from the doubles. That is how I shot that sequence. I recall that we shot the sequence in only one day, it was pretty tough as it was so hot (nearing or exceeding 100 degrees) Both actresses were real troupers and gave it their all. They went for it hard. For a few of the spot gags (stunts like falling off the train and between the train) because when Rhona Mitra's character is kicked between the train it is a really dangerous sequence. Actually that is a stunt guy double actually bending into that position. It was a very dangerous stunt.

DT: Speaking of the fights in Hard Target 2, there is a girl on guy fight, a tricky fight sequence with Rhona and Scott Adkins. Describe the dynamic of the cunning vs brawn fight, girl vs guy type fight.

RR: The good thing about Scott Adkins is he then runs that moment. He is the one telling Rhona to really hit me full on as hard as you can. He was really pushing her to use her full power. There was full contact, that is what made the fight believable. Yeah that was really cool, as it made Rhona aware of what she could do, she was also daring Scott to come closer and fight and do the same thing. It was really a team effort between the two of them to make it really look good. My job as a director on that sequence was relatively easy just to point the camera haha, because it is them doing this. The only thing I could do is come up with a cool ending where Scott kicks her through some wood planks. The fight though is completely managed by Scott and Rhona themselves. The choreography was executed by Seng and his team, they designed the fight but ultimately as with any fight it is up to the two actors to make it believable. It was up to them to make it work and they did, they both really went for it.

DT: The went for it and it was damn brutal. Speaking of action, chat about working with Jeeja and doing the final fight on the bridge in Hard Target 2. Must have been amazing to work with great action people for the climactic fight in the film.

RR: For me it was an absolute blast, Jeeja is such a famous star in Thailand. I really liked her films. Chocolate was amazing. Seng and her know each other. In one of the rehearsals that Scott was there she came to the rehearsal and I met her and said I was a big fan and kind of like a joke I said hey do you want to come to the movie and do a little thing, some action. She was like 'yeah why not' . So that was kind of how it went. (Ed Note: That is amazing and proves, ask for what you want, who knows you may get it) Lets put her in the action and lets go for it. That fight Katsu is also a fight choreographer he is the guy who 'dances' with her during the fight, the two of them are also in one of the Thai films (Chocolate) Since they worked together previously, they both came up with some unique moves, then Seng and Scott came up with some ideas, so it was a real collaboration on the final fight sequence designing that part of the fight.

DT: The fight was amazing but so was the location, chat about the bridge location for the final fight.

RR: I remember I really wanted to do this whole ending on the roof of this building in Bangkok, and we actually designed it for that. We then lost the location, which was at the time a real bummer. The local producer Chris Lowenstien, said hey know this really cool bridge, he showed me pictures, then I went scouting with him to the bridge. When I saw the bridge I thought wow it is spectacular.

I thought the bridge was huge gave a massive scope to the ending. Probably never would have realized that on the rooftop location.

Exactly, of course.

DT: Thanks for the incredible insight to Hard Target 2. Wow! My mind is blown, seems someone is ready for A list action! Give this man 100mil and haha, the movie theater just might topple over!

This concludes part one of the massive interview! Get ready kids, more hard knowledge is gonna be dropped your way soon!

Now as your teacher in action, I humbly submit your homework assignment: drive, fly crawl, or run to a real museum to watch Marvel's Inhumans! The first two episodes were shot on dual Alexa 65mm 4k museum cameras! Phase two of this massive interview will drop from the sky in September! When you want to unleash hell, don't talk about it, go and do it!

For information on the amazing Seng Stunt Team, blast your browsers to: https://www.facebook.com/Seng.Stunt.Team/

For information on the intellectual and unrelenting Ann Truong: Check out her exclusive Hard Target 2 interview on Dan's Movie Report: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2016/11/ann-truong-interview-c-2016-dans-movie_52.html

For Katrina Grey happenings, please visit her official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/katrinagreyofficial/
Watch for new interview with her soon!

Finally, special thanks go to the ladies Ann and Katrina, for pointing out this spectacular film, and having the heart and mind to prove that film is truly worldwide! To Roel, um, seems you sir have unleashed hell, just hope the IMAX can take it! Keep Reading Dan's Movie Report!

Exclusive Roel Promo for Dan's Movie Report: 

Inhumans IMAX Exclusive Movie Review: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2017/09/marvels-inhumans-review-museum-imax.html

Inhuman's Interview from Roel, Exclusive --- http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2017/09/director-roel-reine-exclusive-interview.html











Actress Katrina Durden Interview (2018) A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!!




Katrina Durden blasted across the big screen in Doctor Strange, and her intense performance, along with the intricate movie, warranted an detailed interview. After watching Doctor Strange three times in the theater, and of course buying a Blonde Zealot Funko toy, haha, I knew the time is right to go in hard and fast to interview this talented and humble lady, discussing Doctor Strange, her role in the new Street Fighter series and of course her extensive action training. Katrina is wonderfully inspiring young and talented lady, ready to work hard in the action world, get ready folks, a worldwide exclusive interview with the BLONDE ZEALOT: Katrina Durden!

Update August 2018: Katrina Durden is training for new project with stunt action specialist Tara Macken! Keep reading Dan's Movie Report for more details soon! Check out this bad ass new video! Incidentally Tara Macken has been featured on my site numerous times including a massive interview: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2013/04/tara-macken-interview-exclusive-dans.html




Check out Katrina's 2018 acting demo on Vimeo @  https://vimeo.com/258418776






Chat about your childhood. and how you caught the action bug so to speak, was there a person in your life when you were a child that had a profound impact on your life?



My parents were creatives so I was left to my on devices. I became fascinated with films, cartoons, comic books and video games, their stories and characters; particularly the strong female ones. Their abilities and self confidence, something an awkward kid that never really felt like she fit in aspired to have. At the same time, I was a bit of a tom boy, and back when kids still payed outside, the only kids that made me feel at home were largely boys with their simple philosophy and rough and tumble way of handling things. It made sense to me. Then slowly I was exposed to the likes of Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, 80's and early 90's action films and was of course, like pretty much everyone you must speak to, was fascinated. 



What can you remember one of your early Sensei's teaching you that still sticks in your mind today?



Its not really a particular lesson, but the discipline and diligence that's instilled from being involved in martial arts, and sport as a whole really, is so important. I would never say I'm particularly innately talented. But I'm super passionate about what I do and will put everything I have in to improving and developing, and supporting others on their quest around me - I think paying it forward is one of the most important things we can do. 


Chat about your acting training ,and what made you decide that you wanted to be in front of the camera?



I've been performing, off my own back, since I was circa 13, whether it be dance, amateur dramatics, poetry or music. I studied at school and did two years of performing arts at college, did summer schools and workshops at places like Sylvia Young's and Moscow Arts Theater, was part of a theater company and was lucky to do a placement at a theater in Paris. During this time, my dad passed away which put my future into a bit of a tail spin. Performing had to be put to one side as I attempted to build a viable career in Sports Science and Human Performance to support myself and my family. But that itch wouldn't go away. Fast forward a couple of years, and a few more experiences, and I met some incredible people in the world of film-making and action who reignited and helped me add fuel to the the flame and made me realize that itch was there for a reason. If I didn't give myself a shot, if I didn't know, I would forever wonder "what if". So I got to work studying anywhere and with anyone I could. My uncle is a film, TV, theater and ex Royal Shakespeare Company actor, and also sat on the admissions board at the Central School of Speech and Drama so he coached and mentored me, as did actor and film maker, Joey Ansah. Life is a people experience, and this is a people industry and I've been so lucky to have met and learned from some great ones. Other than that I still take classes and seek to learn continuously; I'll always be a student of my passions.

I noticed that your area of study is Human Performance, describe to my audience the training and classes you have to undertake in that curriculum, how also does it make you a better actress, and more well rounded person?



When I originally decided to study sport and human performance, it was almost as a response to what had happened in my life. What was the closest thing to the things I loved? Performance, action, martial arts, human ability. It seemed the smart choice. Again, from my early influences, I was fascinated by the human body and its capabilities, and elite sports people and movement artists, are an example of the closest thing we have to super humans. I had also studied psychology in college because I was also fascinated by human behavior and the human mind and how far it could go. It was a close toss up. But studying sports science gave me a clear understanding of the functions of the human form, how to improve performance and fuel and look after oneself physically. That's an important part of training, of action and indeed of the modern industry. But I think, like anything really, its another page in my story, another chapter in my book to draw on and I think the art of acting is also developed in the art of living life, experiencing different situations, vocations, meeting people on all different paths and listening to their stories and adding to your emotional intelligence. I've spent time as a trainer, a coach, a kids teacher, a journalist and so on, and I've learned from all of those experiences and the people I've met along the way. 

Chat about the audition process, if there was one, or how you were selected for Doctor Strange.



I was recommended to the casting director, Reg Poerscout-Edgarton, by a friend of mine who knew and had worked with him previously, one of my closest friends and fellow actors. I went in, did the audition, and then came out not thinking too much of my efforts. About 4 weeks later, I get a call to come in for a stunt assessment and then training began, about a month after that I was confirmed for the role.

Once you landed the role, did you undergo a lengthy training process? What are some of the things you had to learn for your Zealot part?



We spent a good few months training under the most awesome Jojo Eusebio and Vincent Wang in a mixture of martial arts styles, including Silat, Cali, JKD and Kung Fu, and of course the choreography itself. We spent a lot of time previzing the action sequences. We had a lot of wire work to do so we spent lots of time rehearsing and getting comfortable with the stuff we were going to do on screen - the whole thing was a lot of fun - a lot of hard work, but an incredible learning experience.



Above Katrina Durden as The Blonde Zealot in Doctor Strange


Curious when you started filming, what some of the instructions were for you to get in character, did they give you the menacing stare directive, and how did you approach your character, did you sit with the script and act it out?



The script had it all - it was our bible. It showed us our place in this Strange universe. And Mads was such an incredible commander, and Scott Derrickson, our general. They led, we followed. 



Share a strange ahaha, and or unusual story from the set of 'Doctor Strange' 



So many! We had so much fun on those sets - from magic tricks, to dance battles and general douchebaggery - it was just incredible to be part of the wild ride. Wouldn't even know where to start. I will say that one of the hardest things I've had to do is try to keep a straight face standing in front of Benedict Wong as he's chuckling himself at the end of the Hong Kong section.

Chat about working with your friends Scott Adkins and Zara Phythian, does it make things easier when mates are on set?



Ah most definitely. The dream is and has always been to do what you love with the people you love and respect. And I've been so lucky to have done that. Both Zara and Scott are such talented performers, both in action and drama, and had been an inspiration early on as pioneers of the UK in the action industry, so again, getting to work with people you really respect as people and professionals is always great. Particularly when they're mates.

What are your thoughts on the film, I am sure that you liked it, but curious if you watched it and are thinking if you did this and this differently etc...?

The film is phenomenal, a real visual masterpiece and a testament to the team that made it happen. I don't think I'd ever be presumptuous enough to think id change anything, but I guess, with a great story and so many great characters it would have been awesome to just see more of it all. 


Above: Katrina Durden as Decapre in Street Fighter: Resurrection



Shifting gears, chat about Street Fighter: Resurrection and your bad ass character Decapre, what is her origin and her strengths, judging from your reel, she is a relentless bad girl.



Decapre is a character that was first made playable in SFIV and she is one of Bison's personally programmed female army, The Dolls. Her appearance resembles that of Cammy, however her face is scarred from the experimentation done to her by M Bison. This is a sore spot for Decapre and reason for her wearing her trademark mask, and also the reason for her intense hatred of Cammy, although raised as sisters. Her programming, some say was too good, bringing about certain robotic mannerisms and way of speaking, however it had also left her volatile. Calm, then berserka style rage when provoked - made her such an interesting character to step into. And I'm such a fan of Street Fighter, that getting to be part of that universe was also a dream come true.

Do you like playing the antagonistic characters, you are such a kind lady so this is acting? 



Ah, thanks man! I think it's always great playing bad girls. People are an interesting mix of light and dark and exploring the darkness in an appropriate setting is always fun. Especially when antagonists are multi layered. For example, Decapre was doing the bidding of her chief and commander, M. Bison, a man that then abandoned her and bid her to die as if disposable, bringing about a different mix of emotions which was great to explore. 

Who are some of the directors, producers and actors you would like to be given the opportunity to work with in the future



There are so many, I could be here forever. There are so many actors, directors and producers that inspire me constantly I almost don't want to limit my answer. I just love working with passionate, talented people and I've been lucky in having done that so far, I hope to be fortunate enough to continue to do so.

Speaking of the future what are some of the projects you have coming that you can discuss?



Well, Street Fighter: Resurrection should be getting a wider release very soon and as for upcoming work, I'm hoping 2018 will continue to be a bright year... ;-)

Katrina in 10 years is, A. acting, B. Producing, C. Teaching or D. A combination, what are your long term goals?

Hopefully all of the above. Film making fascinates me. But for sure, longevity. To survive and create. First and foremost I want to be the greatest actress I can be, and I am always learning. But the more and more I grow within this industry the more I would like to expand into directing and writing given the experience and opportunity.



Advice to young people wanting a career in the entertainment field?



Do it. With all your heart and everything you have. And love the process. The destination is less important than the path itself, enjoy its twists and turns. And invest in good people. They will make the journey amazing. 
Above  Katrina Durden interviewed for Dan's Movie Report a video!!!

Check out this Exclusive video for Dan's Movie Report featuring Kagtrina Durden and Lee Charles!! Live at a Doctor Strange Screening!


Final thoughts:



Thank you for having me Danny :-) always a pleasure and thank you for your support!

For More information on the amazing Katrina Durden blast your browsers to her official Social Media Pages @








Monday, August 13, 2018

Los Angeles Overnight (2018) Movie Review © 2018 Dan's Movie Report




Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report Readers. Special thanks go to Los Angeles Overnight Star Ashley Park, for letting me know about the film and the fact that it is available free to watch for Amazon Prime Members!

Every so often a indie flick comes along with some really amazing dialogue, that makes the viewer pay attention to detail and allows for introspection inside the minds of the intersecting characters. Getting right into it, Writer/Producer Guy J. Jackson really has created a noir crime thriller. Hard to compare it to any other film, maybe in theory to Pulp Fiction, but unlike Pulp Fiction the main focus is not on the main criminals and the fact that Priscilla (Arielle Brachfeld) is more forced into the stealing due to her inability to make ends meet as an actress.

The cool thing here is the actors all had a chance to shine and share in the meaty dialogue. Legendary actress Sally Kirkland portrays Miss Chantilly a woman dead set on opening a high class club in NYC, and recruiting young waitress/actresses to staff it. Her scenes are lavishly embellished with a side of sarcasm and crazy. Ms Kirkland always lights up the screen. I do wish she had more screen time, but the film had a tight running time of 93 minutes, obviously things were cut out, but I do feel the film could have used 10 more minutes of run time to make the characters more developed.

Ashley Park portrays Abelie, with a quiet yet dangerous intensity. Her character is seemingly innocent at first until we find out her true intentions, quite ruthless. I do hope to see Ashley in more roles like this where she has a chance to get in some intellectual dialogue, with colorful character development

Being that this is the first feature film from director Michael Chrisoulakis, I was rather astonished he pulled of such a great debut film as it is a tough road often for a director to make the jump from short films to features. He did a great job with the actors, and handled the copious dialogue, by allowing his actors to show their particular strengths.

All of the behind camera accoutrements including lighting and sound are clear and easy to see the and hear the dialogue. Again showing the importance of good A.D.R. (Ed note: Additional Dialogue Recording) people. With many of the scenes shot outside, it would be very easy to overlook the variety in volume, and thus even in bigger budget films some of the outside dialogue can be harder to hear.

Plot wise the story is entertaining, actually has repeat watch factor, I do hope Amazon makes the film eventually available on Blu-Ray with extra footage etc..., and commentary track. It would be very interesting to hear Guy and Michael's though processes on each character and actor portraying them.

Overall Los Angeles Overnight is a very good film, surprisingly intellectual, and full of witty, sometimes truculent, sordid dialogue. Although the dialogue from actors can be a bit loquacious at times, things move fast, and it is on to the next person dropping his or her own ruminations in a vocal setting! Los Angeles Overnight rates a very strong 8 out of 10, a must own!

Check out the Official Facebook Page of the film @  https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesOvernight/

Watch for new interview with star Ashley Park in the coming weeks!!! Until then please check out her older interview exclusively on Dan's Movie Report @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2015/11/ashley-park-interview-c-2015-dans-movie.html

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Re: Born (2016) Movie Review - A Dan's Movie Report EXCLUSIVE!!

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. The initial U.S. screening of the action film Re: Born took place Friday August 10th in Austin Texas at the IDTV Action Fest. Since this is a really early review and no other U.S. Outlet has seen the movie, I have decided that this will be a more concise description of the film, with no plot spoilers, nor any really detailed information.

Reborn represents an achievement in action and tone. To me it has a bit of the tonality of the original movie The Crow. Reborn is dark, brooding, yet with a glimmer of hope. The actors move through the scenes, like a silent glider on a stream of air, yet when the time is right to touchdown, the landing sometimes can be a bit rough! The violence in Reborn is very stealthy, fighters approach with little fanfare and in a flash they are dispatched.

Tak Sakaguchi wears many hats in Re:Born, as he wrote, starred in, and choreographed the action. Tak is in expert in action, and seems to allow other actors their time to shine as well! The action is ultra violent and probably the in the TV MA or hard R rating. Also in some ways this film can be considered a supernatural horror film, as the character is literally named Ghost and moves like one.

The description of Re:Born is found on the Official Website @ http://udenflameworks.com/reborn/en/story.html
In fact on that site, fans can view the entire production process, many photos, full cast information as well.

Although the one man vs an army plot has been used in several films, in Re:Born however, the fighting is followed by calm moments, almost like a reluctant hero, yet with honor and purpose. A couple of scenes stand out, for action. We see a calm placement of a dinner in a microwave, as many thugs approach quietly inside a small store. One by one thugs are dispatched using various items in the store. What is cool is it is not a melee, more of an appear then disheartening act to remove the next thug, each in creative ways. One thug breaks a bottle for a weapon, yet the bottom of the bottle is eventually how he meets his demise! Another cool scene is in a phone booth, he is calling Sachi and is calmly speaking, and up walks a seemingly innocent school girl, except haha, she has a knife and there is a struggle, let us just say it was rather creative, and as soon as things are wrapped up so to speak he completes his call! Again, creative action, clever dialogue, a zen feeling wrapped up with the dichotomy of action!

Minor gripes about the lighting in the film as it is pretty dark, I think some corner lighting and a small overhead light would have illuminated the action a bit better. The action is fast, and crazy yet, Would have liked to see some more creative camera angles, maybe more overhead or slightly to the side over, Again this is really nit picking as fantastic as the film is.

Above: RE: Born autographs from the official Facebook page of the film.

Remember this is a subtitled film, not dubbed, thankfully. Although I only speak English, well somewhat ha, I feel that always watching a film in it's original language is important to get the vocal inflection. When a character is angry, sad, happy, or pensive, the audience can feel their conveyed ideas. Re: Born has a good amount of dialogue including one of the characters in a wheelchair so, we can witness his pain and suffering, yet a glimmer of hope, all through sound of voice.

Re: Born is a film that pushes the envelope, yet seals the same envelope in a solid package. I am interested to see how the rest of the World and of course a U.S. Audience will enjoy it. Re:Born rates a 7.5 out of 10, a must purchase! The film unleashes to the USA September 24th

Ghost fight your way to the official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/yujishimomura.reborn/

Actor Marko Zaror Interview (2017) Dan's Movie Report Exclusive 2 Part Interview!

Above: (C) 2016 Ben Burton Scott Adkins and Marko Zaror in Savage Dog

Update 2018: Watch for more Marko Exclusives! Keep reading Dan's Movie Report! Although the trailer for Alita: Battle Angel has been released, I am holding the new interview until closer to the December premiere date.

Also please check out Marko's exclusive interview for Defenders! https://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2017/08/actor-marko-zaror-chats-defenders-dans.html



With the release of Savage Dog, as promised, part 2 of the massive Marko Zaror interview. Please read part one for more information, which follows below part 2! Sit back, relax, and prepare to get SAVAGE! Dan's Movie Report will unleash part 3 in September for Alita: Battle Angel. To correspond with part 3, a Marko Zaror autographed contest will take place details will be announced in October!


Chat about how you prepared for the role of Rastignac and shed a bit of light not about the plot but about his back story

Savage Dog, what a great experience. It was to shot this past year and that Jesse trusted me with the role, because it was a very challenging role. I can say it was the most challenging role of my career for sure. I have known Jesse for 18 years since when I first moved to L.A. The first time I arrived to L.A. We met on the Universal Lot Jesse was directing a movie called 'Pit Fighter'. Recently I returned to L.A. And Jesse said Marko, I have a role for you for a new movie, then I read the script and I saw this crazy, crazy role. I was like wow it is the first time I was going to have a large amount of lines and big acting scenes on an English speaking movie, a very heavy character with a dark past. It was a great opportunity for me I just took it! I loved the story, It looks amazing. The movie is solid and beautifully shot, Jesse did a great job directing. He told me he was very happy with the movie. I look forward to the U.S. Release. I am sure you guys will be surprised as it is a totally different role or character for me. It is such a unique movie.

Chat about the action in Savage Dog.

The film has incredible action, of course you know Scott (Adkins) He is just a very talented martial artist and a very talented actor.

Working with Scott Adkins, is there a certain level of respect when you guys are together?

I met Scott in 'Undisputed 3' I know that movie was really popular, and the fight we did together was very well received. Scott is an incredible human being, he was so cool with me when we first met in undisputed 3, of course as a martial artist at the very beginning there was a bit of tension. Then we just started working hard and developing the best fight scene we could possibly do. Undisputed 3 was a unique experience Scott and I stayed in touch after the film, we chatted once in awhile. I am so happy to see how his career has taken off. When Jesse came to me with Savage Dog and wanted me to play a prominent role, I of course said yes. I always love to work with people who can inspire you, and you admire and are just all around good human beings. I think Scott is one of those people. Even though Scott and I worked together, the dynamic is Savage Dog is such a different movie, a totally different world we can do something unique. That is why I am so happy with this film as Savage Dog is so wild and different. I told Scott, next time we work this is the last time you beat me in a fight haha! If I am not your friend then I am gonna have to beat you up.

For me as an action lover and having supreme respect for JuJu Chan, I am curious of you thoughts on her, she has a real honor and respect for the legends of Martial Arts. I am super thrilled you had the opportunity to meet an work with her.

JuJu is a very nice girl, we spent more time outside the set then on set. We did not have many scenes together, we met on set and we were like hey lets get together with the team of the movie. I was able to get to know her more. She went with me and some friends to see 'Sultan' when 'Sultan' was premiering in L.A. That is how I got to know here she is really nice. She is very humble and at the same time she is so talented. She is a bad-assed martial artist. I haven't worked with her on set much. I am looking forward for that. I always told her if you need someone in China to do a movie with you than I would love to be that person, she seems like a good person to work with.

Same question with Cung Le, chat about working with him.

 I spent more time on the set of Savage Dog with Cung Le he is very talented of course. Cung Le is a big inspiration. His transition from the UFC to acting becoming one of the best fighters doing movies. He is just so talented. He has amazing charisma and he is a nice person also. Very humble. He has an inspiring career and inspiring life. from being so successful in his fighting career, now to be successful in the movie industry. I really admire him, we get together and cook one day, along with JuJu. It was a fun time.

Chat more about Jesse and the relationships forged after Savage Dog wrapped up.

I am really honored to be in Savage Dog and am so happy he is doing great now with his new projects. What happened with Savage Dog, is Jesse put together not just talented actors but good human beings, people with good hearts. You can see that in the movie, it will come across on the screen. That is the magic of Savage Dog and the lasting friendships we forged. It will be an experience I will for sure never forget.

Please check out my exclusive review on Dan's Movie Report @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2017/07/savage-dog-movie-review-c-2017-dans.html

Please check out Marko's exclusive shout out to Dan's Movie Report @

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aUKSWECHGY

On to Part One!!!





Greetings lovers of action worldwide, today you are in for an amazing treat. An insight to a life of action and honor from Marko Zaror. The first part of this multi-part interview focuses on his early life and training. Over the course of the next year or so, the remainder of this interview, perhaps the longest and most detailed one I have every completed will be unleashed on Dan's Movie Report. Watch for a special project specific interview from Marko about Savage Dog coming later in 2017, and finally the Alita: Battle Angel interview later in 2018! on Dan's Movie Report as well. Enough of my babbling on, time to go inside the mind of Marko and get his thoughts on the action on and off screen!


Chat about your upbringing in Chile and how you became interested in acting.


When I was a kid I really loved martial arts, all the way from the time I was 6 or 8 years old. What really made me make the decision to dedicate my life to martial arts was when I saw Enter the Dragon and Bruce Lee. That movie was really so powerful for me, it really just changed my life. The film was a strong inspirational moment. I saw Bruce Lee's energy, his charisma, it was so powerful, it was from that moment I was sure I wanted to 'live' that to go that way. I remember I saw that movie when I was eight on TV, and my life changed since that moment. I started training, I started searching for more of his (Bruce Lee's) movies, that is how I started becoming interested in martial arts.


The action movies in Chile back them they did not exist. There is no real film industry, so my first idea was to be an instructor of martial arts, or maybe compete in the field. Perhaps go to the Olympics fighting for TKD, actually at that time TKD was not even in they Olympics. I did not know what I was going to do with my life, but I was 100% sure I wanted it to be related to martial arts. Little by little, when I started growing up, when I was 18, I got the opportunity to fly to Mexico City, and then I saw a friend of mine, he was living there and was doing low budget movies. That is how I realized this is real, I can maybe make movies and do martial arts in my movies, that is how I started focusing into learning and taking acting classes. Then I went to Telivisa, they gave me a scholarship to study acting to be able to work on soap operas in Mexico, and that is how it all started.


Wow, great insight to your embarking in action, perhaps chat more about Bruce Lee, how he has continued to inspire.


Bruce is like a hero, a father figure, it was so strong you could not believe. I still carry posters of Bruce Lee to every place I go. For example, when I move from one house to another. I fist lived in Mexico, then I lived in L.A. , then back to Chile. There has always been a poster of Bruce Lee in my room, I am so thankful of his work and what he did, and how he inspired people. He was and is a very strong influence on my life and career and everything. I just can say thanks to him for what he did for martial arts and for kids like me, back then to show me the way, and inspire my life.


Chat about your early martial arts training and some stand out moments.


Because I was a big fan of Bruce Lee, I was always looking for Kung Fu to study. I looked for different instructors. I started first with TKD when I was very little, but then I always wanted to be like Bruce Lee, and learn a Chinese style, I wanted to dress with the black pants, and the traditional things as a kid. I wanted to be exactly as Bruce Lee. I was a bit crazy haha, I did not want to grow up so tall, because I wanted to be like Bruce Lee, I did not want to have curly hair. I went into craziness when I was a kid it was so funny. Going back the the styles I started with kung Fu then after some years I did different styles of Kung Fu, I did the short Wing Chun style, then I did the long more Wushu style, but I was not really happy with the instructors, thus I was always searching and looking. When I grew up I started doing karate, (clarify) from 18 on. I got invited to the national team of TKD, so I started doing more of that. I recognized I always had this ability and power with my legs. I focus a lot on kicking, and spins, they told me you could do really good in TKD come and train with the national team. I trained a couple of years with the national team, I competed there a bit. After that I decided to go to Mexico, and started to try out in movies and acting. I started training with Robert (Clarify) he did point fighting, and karate. His style was unique and very dynamic. We started to train, that is the first time I saw these 720 spin kicks and crazy moves I have never experienced before. I was very agile and good in my country but I have never seen all these tricks going on. That was the first time I got attached with the evolution of martial arts, and the 'non traditional' type of techniques.


Wow, must have been an life changing experience, please chat how you adapted.


I started to take more of an athlete approach, such as training with weights, to develop the jumping and speed ability further. It is with this background I started developing my own way of training. I learned these skills, now I need to practice all of these skills to jump higher, faster, kick higher and do all of these crazy tricks.


Thank you for that detailed look inside your upbringing, want to wrap up the first part of this interview by sharing a story from the set of Machete Kills, and how it changed your outlook on film.


Machete Kills was awesome, it was a very big and important moment in my career and my life. Before Machete Kills I did my movies in Chile, I was at a point (in my career) where I was deciding to go into fighting, and stop doing movies and discontinue acting. The movies I did in Chile did very good in the film festival side, but the business side just did not work. The companies producing the films were not doing the right things in terms of distribution, we were not with the right people. Because of this the initial investment was never returned, so I got really disappointed about the industry, I was thinking, this does not work. I cannot keep doing movies and finding investors cause I did not believe in the business, that you could recover your money on a movie.


I was training hoping to compete globally, perhaps in the UFC, I did not think I would make it to the UFC but, I gave it a shot. I started training in MMA and wrestling, I turned and switched my training specifically for fighting. Machete Kills was so important because I was about to travel to Peru and start training hardcore for fighting to get ready for a fight. Suddenly I received a call from the amazing Robert Rodriguez inviting me to Machete Kills. Robert Rodriquez is to me in film the same inspiration as Bruce Lee in martial arts. When I started doing my movies in Chile I always looked up to Robert. He was the one who basically told everyone in the world you can make your own movie with a little camera, you can just do it. He is the best example for that, he is a very big inspiration, thus, receiving a call from him was magical, crazy. I knew that the call meant I had to follow the acting path and forget about my past plans. I did not even think about it one second, ok that was good that you had a plan, but life is showing you the way now. I traveled and met with him, he told me I want to use you in my movie and I have a little role for you.


Wow that is amazing, a new life focus, perhaps expound on that. How was Machete Kills, the experience in general?


It was an incredible experience, it was the first time being involved in such a big production, and working with such amazingly talented people. I was just so happy as an experience on the set it was crazy, because Robert has this unique way to shoot. He is very dynamic and he knows what he wants. We were shooting so fast, in one moment we were shooting in two sets at the same time fight scenes. In one set we were shooting the fight with Danny Trejo, and in the other set we were shooting the final action scene, big action sequence. We shot one scene, and Robert would yell cut and we would be running to the other set, whole the crew reset on the first set. Again Robert would be ready with Action and it was non stop. We would reset and cut and run back and forth, we did that for like 5 hours, it was crazy, it was demanding, yet a dynamic way of shooting an action film. It was an incredible experience. I am so happy to be a part of that movie it is always going to be a nice moment to remember for me.


Thanks so much Marko for this detailed insight into your early life, and for sharing your stories on Machete Kills with Robert Rodriguez. Keep reading  Dan's Movie Report for additional parts of this extensive interview.


For more information on Marko please connect to him on his official social media outlets: