Friday, March 15, 2019

Triple Threat (2019) Movie Review - A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive © 2019 Danny Templegod

Above: Poster of Triple Threat (C) 2019 Well Go USA used for promotional purposes only.


Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, the event action film of 2019 is here. Triple Threat will finally be released Worldwide beginning with a 150 screen blast on Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 in the USA. Dan's Movie Report is thrilled and honored to be chosen among the few journalistic outlets to screen the film early and provide thoughts on the project.

Because this is a very early review, and many portions of the plot and character development are integral to the audience enjoyment of the film, I have decided that this will not only be a spoiler free review, but a timeline and nuanced unspecific review, more like random thoughts, not following any structure. 

Above:  Exclusive photo of Michael Bisping, Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins, the bad guys of Triple Threat!! (C) 2019 Well Go USA, Exclusive to Dan's Movie Report
 

Director Jesse V. Johnson crafts a undulating masterpiece in Triple Threat as the audience is inserted right into the story literally from the opening moment of the film. Lush images of a jungle in South East Asia is the backdrop for an opening to set the stage. Triple Threat is meant to be a theater movie, and one to crank the volume up! While many comparisons on the web have been made to The Expendables, ultimately I see a far more personal story here. Each character, is given a voice in the action, and time is taken to allow the actor to show emotion throughout.

Another element in Triple Threat that is particularly enjoyable is the interplay between characters who have a very tenuous relationship, The audience at times never knows if the person will be deceitful. This is what can be considered the third element, the protagonists, the antagonists, and those whose alliance suits their own needs and focus. Again revealing this, will spoil the story. Of course it is well known who the bad guys are. Scott Adkins, Michael Bisping, Jeeja Yanin, Michael Jai White, and Ron Smoorenburg are an elite band of hired mercenaries. Enough details regarding the action have come out, who fights who, and some of the locations of the fights. 

Above: Actress Celina Jade, the glue that holds Triple Threat together! (C) 2019 Well Go USA exclusive to Dan's Movie Report
 

Celina Jade, in her most complete character role to date, plays a Billionaire's daughter who is intent on ridding the city of Bangkok of crime, but of course so many want to stop her. Celina is an amazing actress, Triple Threat is a movie where she has to push through a myriad of emotions, all the while keeping focus on what she must do to accomplish her goal. She forms a bond with Tony Jaa's character in Triple Threat, and the fact they have worked together prior in Skin Trade shows.

Tony Jaa is a force of nature, The man is pushing hard to get is acting skill at the top level. Wait, what the hell are you saying Danny? Yes, the thing is, this is what sets Triple Threat apart from I can safely say, 95 percent of all other action films, the acting. Jesse, took his time explaining to the actors, what he wanted in a particular scene, so much focus, the result is not only the actors show more emotion, but ultimately the film more watchable. Ron Smoorenburg, told me that Jesse gave him the motivation for his character and the reasoning behind why his character is wearing the glasses, a nerdy Rambo! Ron said it helped him, feel the character. Action actors, are mainly known for kicking ass and being stoic onscreen, In Triple Threat, the characters are flawed and have things happen to them that requires emotion. So important this is, Jesse sets the bar high for his actors, and gets results in Triple Threat.

Pointing out a few strong highlights of Triple Threat, the first one being just a great action sequence, and fight between Tony Jaa and Ron Smoorenburg. The full force fight is close quarters, hard, angry, and no body part is left without bruising. Fight choreographer Tim Man, has truly crafted some of the most entertaining action in a long time in Triple Threat. His action prowess is well documented, and he keeps leveling up in each outing. Speaking of fights, a sequence near the end was choreographed by the amazing Luke LaFontaine, and his style is different from Tim's, actually this allows for diversification in the action and completely works for the story.

Scott Adkins explodes with emotion in Triple Threat, he is the angry yelling villain we all needed to see. Gone is the stoic, I will kick your ass and be done mentality, now he is raw, visceral and raging. He is not only the leader of the group of mercenaries he is angry throughout the film. This leads to rash decisions and unpredictable actions, the makings of a great action movie!

All of the elements are solid in Triple Threat, lighting, cinematography, and scope. Triple Threat feels big, by that I mean perhaps a film of 5-10 times the budget. Rolling in at a crisp 96 minutes, felt a touch short, but the edit kept the story moving, I sincerely hope a complete Blu-Ray is released with director commentary, deleted scenes, and a deconstruction of some of the action and locations.

Some small gripes are the lighting near the final fight sequence, which was shot in an different location. The back lighting was cool, but the overhead lighting did not allow the audience to see the action as well, I did do a second pass with the brightness turned up, it was better, but the colors washed out a bit. Not a gripe, but because the film is in multiple languages and subtitles are used, certain characters voices, are louder than others, of course this cannot be helped, but letting the audience know what to expect. I would have liked to see a back story on the mercenaries, prior to them being inserted into the jungle, even 3 minute montage, may have helped. Jesse, to his credit does in effect do this through a past vision element, but again, a few moments prior, may have helped character motivation, and for the audience to feel more emotion towards them.

Those minor elements aside, overall Triple Threat is a great film, one that has not only repeat watch- ability, but memorable quotes! Not wanting to spoil them, I will point out one such quote from Celina Jade saying after she is whisked away on a boat, to Tony Jaa and his unlikely friends. “Can I trust you guys?” Then looks worried. A pensive moment, yet something adding a bit of levity do to the timing of the statement ha, usually this is said prior to a daring rescue!

As for a rating, whew, "Triple Threat is a bombastic, fantastic, masterpiece, pushing the limits of character!" YEP, that is it in a nutshell. Explosive in action and dialogue, Triple Threat delivers the goods, in a blood soaked package! Even the minor gripes are minuscule compared to what the team has accomplished. The film rates a 9 out of 10, it is that good. All one can hope for is either a part 2 or another film starring some of the same cast! Kudos to Well Go USA, for pushing the boundaries of their own company as well and really putting focus on such a great property, by releasing to theatrical on 150 plus screens!!!

For detailed information:  https://www.triplethreatfilm.com/

Please check out my partner site www.action-flix.com where John and I do a dual interview with both Director Jesse, and Ron Smoorenburg! .

Here is all of the information to BUY the film legally!  Also to watch in theater! http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2019/03/official-triple-threat-news-chinese.html


Thursday, March 14, 2019

Trigonal: Fight For Justice (2018) Movie Review A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!!

Above: Poster for Film! All rights reserved, for promotional purposes only!


Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, Although I did an interview with actress Sarah Chang for this movie a while ago http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2018/08/actress-sarah-chang-interview-2018-dans.html , signals got crossed and I never was able to view my copy for review, that said I look on IMDB and lo and behold zero reviews, I am calling this outside of JoBlo, a Dan's Movie Report IMDB exclusive and, by far the best Filipino Film EVER!

Here we go! I was all hot and lathered up about watching Buy Bust and reviewing it, especially after hearing many people on the web chatter about it. After watching it, I decided not to review, I totally respect the hard working people who made it, but again, I am not going to slag a film I disliked when other great films are out there.

Above: Lead Actor Ian Ignacio  and lead actress Rhian Ramos go through an emotional and physical hell in Trigonal!


Phase one story. The Trigonal (I will refer to the film as that for the balance of my review) sets up it's lead character with heart and emotional concepts, We get more than the typical 3 minute plot opening and then right to the action, we get a life prior to. We see a husband and wife together, happy naturally sharing life. A family bond is established. Interestingly enough, the fact Trigonal gives the audience time to breath and enjoy the joyous surroundings.

Above: Director/Writer and bad ass cop! Vincent Soberano

What is cool is the entire city, was involved they got cooperation from local law enforcement, thus no surprises! This also allowed for Vincent Soberano, who wrote and directed the film to have a cool character of a law man, who is actually SMART! When does this ever happen in a crime action-drama, that would be never! Yep In Trigonal, the law asks for tips from

The lead actor Ian Ignacio who portrays Jacob Casa is amazing. He is shown going through a full gamut of emotions from tears to rage when his wife is attacked, again no spoilers, let us just say although he was also in Buy Bust, Ian has a chance to show his real range in this film! Basically he is forced to fight in a tournament, yeah it is not all what you are thinking, as multiple stories rage on about this tournament. Special drugs from corporate fighters, crime, wrapped in a human story, I say no more!

Above: Sarah Chang! Top action coordinator today in the Philippines, and she is a great and natural actress, humble and hard working!

All is not entirely serious, and this is a good thing! Actress and stunt coordinator and fight coordinator Sarah Chang brings her self and her adept team in! I am serious! Once the action starts Sarah turns on the sarcasm and the violence, no spoilers! The dialogue she gets to say, has many references to interesting action movies of years gone by. She is like the nerdy girl, yet serene, another very complex character. I will chat about one scene as Sarah is shooting pool badly, ahahah, when thugs come into the bar she hides under the pool table a true laugh out loud moment! Again no spoilers as to what happens next!

I really like Rihan Ramos as Annie Casa, her portrayal of the innocent wife who also owns the Dojo with her husband, is heartfelt and honest, she is a pro actress, and gets in a bit of action in the beginning herself! No Spoilers!

Yes there are villains! Of course there are, A copious amount of fighters dot the landscape of Trigonal. The final third of the movie is an all out action assault in the yep, TRIANGLE shaped ring haha!

No Spoilers! The lead villain is a colorful character who rolls very heavy with two very large powerfully built women as his private attache! Boom! Enter Leigh Guda who I interviewed 6 yrs ago for my site, again she is a fitness person and not going to lie I was thrilled to see her in front of the camera not just training others! Leigh has honor, power, and channeled a rage, again she had zero action and fighting skills prior to this film but Sarah Chang worked hard to train her, now she has continued it! She looks the part of massively rough menace!

You have evil chemist and many other bad guys!

Part 2, the quality of the filming, I could see everything clearly! Yep, even dark scenes were lit in such a way to see the action, like corner or side lighting. In Buy Bust I turned my Netflix brightness to max and still it was a blur of blackness. UGH! Trigonal powers through with excellent top notch rate camera work from the entire team of which Jeff Centuari is a part of! He knows how to film action!

The sets and look of Trigonal are of high quality and easy to see, nothing is hidden, You see a serene temple, a hospital, a fight arena, a Dojo, this is not the claustrophobic film, it is shot in various locations so added a more epic feel to it.

Between the great story, easy to like and easy to hate characters, Trigonal: Fight for Justice is a win on so many levels, despite the difficult road to make this film, it was well worth it! This is my Dan's Movie Report action special mention, indie budget, solid acting, and great story, coupled with the best action coordinator working in the Philippines today Sarah Chang, yep I will say this she worked 20 hour days, always smiling, building others up not tearing them down, honor in action! I got this film at 2am and watched til 4am last night and watched again, then again! Each time noticing more nuanced things! Repeat watchability factor is very high, Trigonal: Fight For Justice rates an 8.5 out of 10 yes it is that freaking good, now I hide under a pool table an wait for fallout from the wannabees never was people and the internet trolls haha! Smile in the face of anger, be serene be Sarah Chang and Vincent Sabrono!

I am waiting a real proper USA premiere for this film, that said, or do we deserve it or mindless drivel, ok yes I like mindless drivel!

Please visit Trigonal: Fight For Justice Official Facebook Page @ https://www.facebook.com/thetrigonal/

Watch for more on Dan's Movie Report and www.action-flix.com










Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Avengement! Adkins Action film, with Jesse V. Johnson directing sells to Samuel Goldwyn Films (Exclusive) Dan's Movie Report!!

Above: Scott Adkins in Avengement!! (C) 2019 Samuel Goldwyn Films! For Promotional purposes only! All Rights Reserved!!

For director Jesse V. Johnson's latest exclusive 3000 word interview please visit https://action-flix.com/action-flix-home-page/exclusive-director-jesse-v-johnson-the-triple-threat-interview




Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers on the heels of Triple Threat releasing all over the USA next tuesday comes the announcement that Avengement has been sold! More will follow!
SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS ACQUIRES U.S. RIGHTS TO THEACTION-PACKED FILM ‘AVENGEMENT’ STARRING SCOTT ADKINS


Los Angeles, CA ( March 13 , 2019) –Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that the company has acquired U.S. rights to Jesse V. Johnson’s action thriller AVENGEMENT. The film stars Scott Adkins (ACCIDENT MAN/DOCTOR STRANGE), Craig Fairbrass (LONDON HEIST), Nick Moran (LOCK STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS), Thomas Turgoose (KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE/ THIS IS ENGLAND), Kierston Wareing (FISH TANK/100 STREETS), and Louis Mandylor (MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING/IN THE EYES OF A KILLER). The film will be released in theatres and on digital May 24th. Bleiberg Entertainment produced the film through its Compound B genre label and is handling worldwide sales.

While released on furlough from prison, a lowly criminal evades his guards and returns to his old haunts to take revenge on the people that made him a cold-hearted killer. It’s an epic, bloody battle to search for the soul he lost years ago on the streets of an unforgiving city.

AVENGEMENT was directed by Jesse V. Johnson, from a screenplay he wrote with Stu Small. The film was produced by Ehud Bleiberg and Joe Karimi-Nik; and executive produced by Nicholas Donnermeyer and Scott Adkins.

“It’s a hard-hitting gangster film with fight scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat,” says Ryan Boring, Director of Marketing & PR at Samuel Goldwyn Films.

AVENGEMENT marks my sixth film with Jesse V. Johnson and there's a very good reason why we keep working together. Jesse allows me to play in the action genre sandbox that my fanbase expect whilst simultaneously pushing me to stretch myself as an actor. Along with co-writer Stu Small he crafted a story that allowed me to create a unique and interesting character who I relished playing. Can't wait for everyone to meet Cain Burgess," says star/executive producer Scott Adkins.

“Every film you get to make is a gift, and as such you must be sure to attempt to create something worthwhile. With  AVENGEMENT, Scott and I worked very carefully to author a character and scenario that was original and fresh, with action sequences that were justified and exciting without repeating anything we had done before,” says director Jesse V. Johnson. “With Cain Burgess, Scott has built a nuanced, interesting but paradoxically, a both frightening and sympathetic character. A man who has tempered his pain and rejection into a carbon steel tool for revenge, but this is not revenge in the skindeep film-noir style, this revenge is deeper and more resonating, a satisfyingly baroque almost elegant retribution.”


ABOUT SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned and operated motion-picture company that develops, produces and distributes innovative feature films and documentaries.

The company is dedicated to working with both world-renowned and emerging writers/filmmakers and committed to filmed entertainment that offers original voices in uniquely told stories. This is best exemplified by the Academy Award® nominated SUPER SIZE ME; Sundance winner GOOK written and directed by Justin Chon; the critically acclaimed feature debut by Francis Lee GOD’S OWN COUNTRY; SXSW winner MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND; the high-school drama BLAME directed, written, and starring Quinn Shephard; LGBTQ musical drama SATURDAY CHURCH; ALLURE starring Evan Rachel Wood; Warwick Thornton’s Australian western SWEET COUNTRY starring Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, and Hamilton Morris; the Wim Wenders film, starring James McAvoy and Academy Award winner® Alicia Vikander, SUBMERGENCE; the family film ZOO; NANCY, a psychological thriller starring Andrea Riseborough; COLD SKIN from director Xavier Gens; and A BOY A GIRL A DREAM starring Omari Hardwick and Meagan Good. Upcoming releases include Ondi Timoner’s bio-pic MAPPLETHORPE starring Matt Smith, Russia’s historic drama SOBIBOR, Joseph Cross’ directorial debut SUMMER NIGHT, and the Karen Gillan & David Dastmalchian lead film ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW.

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Fighting Spirit Film Festival 2019! Get Ready for Triple Threat! Full Program Details! (C) 2019 Dan's Movie Report



Above: Fighting Spirit Logo with added date to festival! (C) 2018 Fighting Spirit festival , used for promotional purposes only

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, while we are a week away from the USA premiere of Triple Threat I have some news regarding the Triple Threat premiere and showing of other films at the Fighting Spirit film festival in Birmingham on April 28th, 2019 !!

Above: Official Poster for Triple Threat (C) 2019 Well Go USA! Used for Promotional purposes only


The Official link has been set up to preview the amazing event.  


To check out past events, including an amazing UK. Premiere of The Debt Collector, please follow this link below and check out these radical videos from past events!


To fuel your appetite for Triple Threat an 8 second blast! Tony Jaa and Ron Smoorenburg BTS fighting all exclusive all the time on Dan's Movie Report! 



This video is exclusive to Dan's Movie Report! Never before shown!






In addition to the U.K. Theatrical Premiere of Triple Threat four winners of the 2018 Fighting Spirit short films will also show!

TRANH AND NOWAK

Godefroy Ryckewaert | 2017 | French | Action Comedy | 22 mins
An action comedy film featuring two special agents skilled in close-up combat: Tranh, a young intelligent, down-to-earth woman, and Nowak, reckless, adventurous, and somewhat narrow-minded. They are on a undercover mission to recover paintings which belong to the government, stolen by a German esthete, Otto Von Schnitzel, head of a neo-Nazi faction.

CHOPSTICKS!!

Aeddan Sussex | 2018 | English, Mandarin | Action | 22 mins
Now hunted by the very gang she was once a part of, Shu struggles to find a way of restoring her father’s legacy, all whilst under constant attack from their new leader; her murderous brother Fang.

DEAD END

Carter Ferguson | 2017 | English | Action | 19mins
A seasoned contract killer returns reluctantly to Hong Kong, a city of bitter memories for him. He is to meet a young up-and-coming gun-for-hire to carry out an unspecified job together, but when they do meet his past life resurfaces and leaves both men questioning their motives. A searing, emotional rooftop climax triggers a kick-back against the manipulation they have both suffered.

SHAOLIN WARRIOR MONK

Qing LV | 2017 | Mandarin | Documentary | 5 mins
Harsh Verma was previously as a professional football player at AC Milan - now he is the first Indian warrior monk accepted by Shaolin Temple. This documentary tells his story.


Dan's Movie Report will be on hand for this momentous occasion! Of course! I will be sending an intrepid U.K. Representative to the screening event! Watch for more coming in April! Watch this space for an additional surprise announcement coming soon, from Fighting Spirit Film Festival regarding another premiere!! Fighting Spirit delivers the action and is ready for the next level of events. To learn more about the film Triple Threat, straight from Director Jesse V. Johnson, please read his 3,000 word exclusive interview exclusively on Action-Flix.com! 

Above: Jesse V. Johnson flying through the air to show what is needed for the action! (C) 2017 used for interview purposes only, not for monetizing! www.action-flix.com




In that interview Action-Flix and Dan's Movie Report team up to deliver an in depth, detailed look at all phases of the production! Congrats to the entire team at Fighting Spirit Festival for this amazing event!




Sunday, March 10, 2019

Dilan Jay-Singer/Actor/Producer!! Hollow Point! Trailer is live! (C) 2019 Dan's Movie Report

 Above: Dilan Jay (Credit: his official website)
Hollow Point Final poster on IMDB


Hollow Point Trailer: Is live Now!! 3-19-19!!

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, as most of you know Dan's Movie Report was able to cover the action film 'Hollow Point' last year with exclusive news and photos and videos, currently Daniel Zirilli and Executive Producer Dilan Jay report that the film has not only sold through Bleiberg Entertainment to multiple territories, but the release date should be announced in a few short weeks! This post is dedicated to the multi-faceted Dilan Jay and his bold step to fund a film as Executive Producer, and star!

Dilan Jay has an interesting path to Hollow Point, his first feature, his bio states: Dilan Jay was born in Los Angeles, California. He started his career in entertainment at 12, as a DJ. From there he grew to a Writer/Producer/Singer and debuted his first album in 2018. Dilan began acting in small roles and shorts, but got his first major acting role in the movie Hollow Point, where he plays principal role, Nolan Cooray. As a writer, Dilan has written multiple movies and TV shows of which one of them has been signed to Benny Medina's Production Company, Imprimatur (Adel Nur)

Dilan's latest reel includes footage from Hollow Point!!

Official Website for Dilan @ http://dilanjay.com/


This is an exciting venture, as my readers know, it is often so difficult to do your own thing, blaze a trail and have others along who agree in your quest. Dilan personifies this maverick spirit in his music and his dreams and goals!

Hollow Point offers Dilan a chance to work with seasoned actors including Luke Goss, Michael Pare' and the up and coming action star JuJu Chan. The film promises edge of your seat excitement, along with a detailed story. Director Daniel Zirilli, worked hard on the production, along with the entire cast and crew. Of special note, is the work of Cinematographer Carmen Cabana, who adds her flair for action, and Chad Law's dynamic screenwriting, and the talented Arnold Chon who, worked with the actors as action and stunt Coordinator!!

Watch this site for more news on the project. In the mean time check out some exclusive wrap party photos @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2018/07/hollow-point-wrap-party-exclusive.html

Check out these amazing shout outs live from the set of Hollow Point @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_2G7FdOIe4

Natalie Burn: Detective Plaza

Above:
Carmen Cabana: Director of Photography

All exclusive all the time, Dan's Movie Report! Keep reading this site and www.action-flix.com for the latest in Hollow Point news and more!!