The Tournament Movie Review (2009)

Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers! In anticipation of Ms Kelly Hu's arrival to the Sunshine state at the amazing Magic City Con, I revisit this classic action film. For more info go to the official site @ http://www.magiccitycomiccon.com/

Initially my review posted on the Kungfucinema.com site but alas, that site is no more, so in the interest of my audience, enjoy! Keep reading Dan's Movie Report for more info, and exclusives! Kelly can also of course be seen on Arrow as China White, X Men as Deathstrike. and of course the action show Martial Law! THE TOURNAMENT is full of action, and crazy!

Languishing in development and production hell for what seems to be an eternity, Scott Mann's film THE TOURNAMENT finally gets a proper DVD release Oct 20th. The "combat death game" genre has been inundated with several films throughout the years such as BATTLE ROYAL, BLOODSPORT and THE ULTIMATE GAME. THE TOURNAMENT makes its mark by delivering a knockout punch with over the top action and enough plot twists to keep the viewer interested.

The story opens seven years ago with Ving Rhames character in a final bloodbath in a sordid meat packing company with two other assassins vying for the title of "World's Greatest Assassin". The scene is ultra sadistic, chaotic and bullets are flying like candy from an out of control mechanical Pez dispenser. As soon as Ving wins the battle, the environment rapidly shifts forward to the present day and the next tournament begins.

The present day battle, taking place in England, centers on 30 contestants all vying for a 10 million dollar prize and a chance to be hailed as the "World's Greatest Assassin". Each of the contestants is fitted with a two way tracking device which not only allows them to be seen by the game's ringleader, but also to be tracked by each other, on a blackberry type gadget. There are street cams, sat cams which are logged in with real time feeds to record the action for high stakes gamblers relaxing comfortably in front of jumbo screens surveying this game of death.

Each one of the devices contains a personal explosive as in the movie FORTRESS. The devises are heat sensitive and the tracking lights go out when either removed or the person expires. This is never fully explained, nor is it consistent. This fact is a major incongruity and contradiction, while also rather confusing. The relative ease as to which one of the contestants removes their device is bizarre. Probably the 10 million dollar prize would force people to want to stay in the game?

THE TOURNAMENT is a "story on the fly" auctioneer. The audience learns on the go about the characters, their faults, past history, and special skills while the action is occurring. There are several twists as the action unfolds and to divulge more about them would deter from the enjoyment of the fast paced, diversified story, which includes an unwilling participant who happens to be a priest. Revealing anything about him or why he is involved would deter from a plot complication which occurs quite early in the film.

Kelly Hu from "X-Men 2" and Martial Law plays a Chinese assassin named Lai Lai Zen with a strong set of hand to hand combat skills, combined with lightning fast reflexes. She has several interesting fights in the film. The filming style used when she is involved is like the Jason Bourne series, close up in your face action. The edits are sometimes a bit quick. This slightly deters from the action, but keeps the viewer engaged. The stunt martial duties are expertly performed by 3rd degree black belt Tea Kwon Do instructor, stuntwoman Kimberly Chiang. Ms Chiang recently completed a stint as fight coordinator on THE 100! For more information on her blast your browsers to my exclusive interview, which includes photo from THE TOURNAMENT! http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2014/08/kimberly-chiang-interview-exclusive-c.html

Kelly Hu has astonishing onscreen presence in THE TOURNAMENT especially as her character is drugged to implant the chip. She has to go through a wide variety of emotions throughout the film and commands the screen with her intensity and fortitude. A lead part such as this might catapult her back into the action realm.

Ving Rhames plays Joshua Harlow the past winner of the contest and a grieving husband. The story unfolds revealing find out his wife was murdered by one of the contestants. Usually relegated to big scary guy in his films, Rhames plays the role with passion and perhaps delivers one of his most dominant performances in his career.

This movie is so unbelievably violent and the pace is astonishingly frantic almost in the style of SHOOT `EM UP. THE TOURNAMENT also contains a variety of elements to offend everyone. Not for the faint at heart, this movie includes nudity and violence in the same scene, as a strip club becomes a warzone. One of the characters, playing up his crazy cowboy mentality, kills people and dare I say an animal not even in the game just for fun. If these facts are bothersome by all means stay away, the audience has been warned.

The twelve million dollar budget was used to full effect with hand to hand combat, knife fights, gunfights, and a battle on a Double Decker bus! The action is nonstop for 90 straight minutes. Oddly there is a bizarre montage in the middle with the slowest music possible, bullets and bodies are flying. Perhaps this is some sort of an attempt of a dichotomous allegory or maybe simply budget or time constraints.

Watch also for talented and in this film crazy Rachel Grant as Lina Sofia! Rachel played 'Peaceful' in DIE ANOTHER DAY, but she is not so peaceful here! Win an autograph of Rachel on my site! Go to http://www.dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2015/10/rachel-grant-die-another-day-james-bond.html

Even with the incongruities, distractions, rather bad box art, and plot holes this is an unyielding, forceful, and memorable action film. THE TOURNAMENT features several blink and you miss it sequences and is worth repeat watching and should have had a theatrical run. The recommendation is a strong rent even a buy, especially if you liked SHOOT `EM UP or BATTLE ROYAL.

Watch for more on Kelly Hu coming in 2016, on your home for exclusives Dan's Movie Report!

Natassia Malthe Interview! '4Got10' (C) 2015 Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!

Greetings valued readers, time for another interview on your home for exclusives, Dan's Movie Report! Natassia Malthe's diverse career in the film world has taken several twists and turns. From playing Typhoid in the original 'Elektra', to Brynna in 'Vikingdom' , she has made her mark in action, and drama. Fast forward to 2015, Natassia brings passion, forcefulness, and verve to her latest character Christine, in '4Got10'. She plays a bad girl in this film and is brutally honest in her interview. Grab a cup of tea, while Ms Malthe, drops some knowledge....3-2-1. Go! Incidentally, if you have not read her two other interviews on Dan's Movie Report, kindly check those out as well!

2012 interview @  http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2012/01/natassia-malthe-interview-c-2012-dans.html

'Vikingdom'  interview @  http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2013/10/natassia-malthe-exclusive-vikingdom.html

How did you get the part of Christine in '4Got10'?

I got the part through my friend Michael Pare. I have done many movies with already. He vouched for me. Thank you Michael! I really appreciate it when actors support other actors, especially in such a self centered driven business.

Yes, it is always important to support others, that is cool, it is good at times to skip the arduous audition process. What attracted you to the script?

It felt like a gritty film that I could have fun with, which I did. The characters in '4Got10' seemed fun to play, and I had never done a character such as Christine before.

Yeah I noticed that your character haa a cunning, devious side, and very likable, hahaha. In addition, I noticed very cool indie people worked on the film, did you have a chance to chat with Dolph or Danny Trejo during the production?

I spoke a lot to Dolph because we have worked together before and laughed about our last experience together. We were both going through endings in relationships and we both looked older in our last film because of the personal stress we both had . I did terrible on that film and my acting was the worst . I was experimenting on something that did not work. Obviously, my break up at the time did not help my judgment of character.

I met Danny in a Mexican restaurant before shooting right by set. I was too shy to say hello and introduce myself, right then, but later that day I did. It was kind of dorky but I asked him for a picture of him and I and then forgot to get one . He was very nice.

I think you are a natural in films with the two of them. Any unusual stories on the set of 4Got10?

I brought my old boyfriend John Foo on set, and they gave him a job on the spot, right before he booked the new show Rush Hour. He was straight off the boat from Thailand broke so it gave him some pocket money while he was testing for Rush Hour. Obviously, John won't be in that position again. We were all very happy when he booked Jackie Chan's character in the new show.

Another story: This was my first movie as a mother. I had recently gave birth to my son William, and I was calling babysitters on my minutes off camera, stressed out of my mind. I barely had sleep while filming the movie and I think I felt pretty off with my body. I was very sick the day of the sex scene. I had food poisoning, great timing...

Wow, now that is a crazy story, and proves that you have to put aside issues, when the camera rolls.. How to be romantic, when doubling over in pain, Natassia, that was a great effort. Shifting gears a three part question, How much input did you have on your character? Were the director and producer open to your take on Christine? What did you think of your character, anything you would change?

I had a lot of input because a lot of it was improvised. I really like to do that. You don't have to feel restricted by text that way . The director Timothy was very helpful too. I really liked my character, if I would change something it would probably be my hair and make up and perhaps the out fits I chose to wear.. maybe it would've been even more fun if i played even more bratty. Bratty is funny to play.

You make a great brat! Natassia, I must ask, some more sexy scenes in '4Got10', is the prep any different than the salacious stuff in an Uwe film or, just go and get it over with? Do you prepare differently with each actor on each film?

I did not prepare for that scene. I was too busy worrying about food poisoning. I was however less worried about the scene then Uwe's sex scene in 'Bloodrayne: The Third Reich''. In that film I did the sex scene Uwe Boll made me do without my desire to do it, I called my agent, but he was sleeping on the other side of the world . I held up production freaking out, and I had a screaming match with Uwe about it. It got so tense on set. I caved in and eventually did it, as I was holding up production and could get sued. I don't know, but I wasn't happy about that scene.

Thanks for giving me the honesty, respect, let us end this interview on a positive note, What is next in the movie realm for Natassia, new films or projects?

My next movie is Four Towers I think. We are waiting for all the schedules to click. I am in Australia right now so auditioning is a little scarce.. I will know more about what to do with my career from Australia when I get better acquainted with the scene here...

Natassia, I can always count on you to be straight forwad and honest For my Dan's Movie Report readers, watch for more on Natassia, as each production she works on a new interview will appear!

Thanks Dan always good to hear from you:)

Roy Horan and daughter Celina Jade Share Insightful Wisdom Through 'Innovea' (New Videos!)

 Video! @ https://www.facebook.com/innovea/videos/1230076430351197/?fref=nf

Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers, after interviewing Celina Jade in 2014, I changed my website to all exclusive. I have for the past 30 years been inspired by her father Roy Horan and his wisdom which transcends mere film and is an inspiration to life beyond mere existing, His new venture 'Innovea" seeks to form enlightenment and out of the box thinking. Please check out the new FB page @  https://www.facebook.com/innovea?fref=ts The Hong Kong based company looks to partner with firms to engage, and energize new thoughts and ideas. As an independent writer, I am looking for new ideas, new ways to approach Dan's Movie Report.

For more on Celina Jade, please check out her exclusive interview on Dan's Movie Report @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2014/07/actress-celina-jade-interview-exclusive.html

Rachel Grant "Die Another Day" James Bond 2015 Contest! Free Entry! (C) 2015 Dan's Movie Report

This is the photo! You will get one photo, 8X10 autographed, on pro paper! (C) 2015 Contest will run until December 31st 2015. In addition The Photos are also available for appx $30.00 US and this is of course a tax deductible donation!  Please go to the website for info and to order! All money's raised will go to build and stock a school/shelter! http://www.rachelgrant.tv/shop/4589703732

Padua Charity main site @  http://www.paduacharity.com/


Greetings my U.S. Readers! Yes this is a contest designed specifically for people inside the United States! With the upcoming November release of the new James Bond film "S.P.E.C.T.R.E.", I figured it was the perfect time to unleash a brand new hot contest on your home for exclusives, Dan's Movie Report!

Also for you sexy photo lovers I have this particular photo:

So what the hell are you waiting for, enter, unless frightened!


Rachel Grant starred in the film "Die Another Day" as Peaceful, but her life has evolved into so much more. a native of the Philippines, she was so moved and touched by the devastation, from the terrible typhoon, she devoted time and effort to not only help, but raise money through sales of her autographed photos, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to building a school/shelter for the small village that was wiped out during the storm.

As a writer, I feel that this is an amazing worthwhile charity, so the photos that I am giving away were bought for the contest and to support her cause. I encourage my readers to support the charity as they are a licensed non profit and all of the proceeds go to the Padua Charitable Fund.

What do I have to do to win you ask, just comment on the post with your name and email, the comments will remain private, until the contest is completed! Thanks!

Keep reading Dan's Movie Report for more exclusives, next contests will be Nina Bergman, and Amy Johnston! Get ready! It is go time!

4Got10 Movie Review (2015) (C) Dan's Movie Report

Above Photo: Cover for 4Got10 from IMDB


Greetings film addicts, what we have here is a slick, and guilty pleasure called 4Got10. The film has the outward appearance as your average crime drama, however the crazy beginning proves just the opposite.

'4Got10' opens in a dusty location and the audience sees many dead people, and one guy left alive. A drug/money exchange gone wrong. Who is the criminal, what is the motivation. All of these facts are left up to guessing. What is known is that Danny Trejo plays the baddest drug kingpin this side of the Rio Grande named Mateo Perez. In this crazy shootout his son is killed, not going to say by who, but '4Got10', has some twists and turns. Danny Trejo is his usual amazing bad guy self, snarling and angry, and he did a great job in '4Got10'

The film is not without faults, every bad character in Perez's gang is just 'random thug' it is like they die and there is now feeling. I think much of the basic one dimensional acting perhaps is attributed to the the quip one liners. There is action, but many stop motion quick cuts at times spoil some of the immediacy of it. Also Dolph appeared to move and talk really slow like on some pain killers, not sure, I know he is amazing in Skin Trade, wanted to like him in this film, but just seemed to be disinterested. I am sure a lot of this was due to budget constraints. Seems the producers had an great cast, but the money was spent on them and not on accouterments to make the movie even better.

There are some bright spots in '4Got10', and this keeps the film flowing. Lead actor Johnny Messner as Brian Barns, had a complex and detailed character. He seemed to skirt the law, and cannot figure out why. He has memory loss, and no I will not spoil the end. He had good emotion and facial expressions throughout 4Got10. Natassia Malthe as Christine, wife of Mateo Perez's Lawyer has some really cool lines and, what can I say, she adds some sultry into this testosterone fueled action pic. Natassia is enjoyable to watch, and has that likable quality. Watch for a third interview with her, soon on Dan's Movie Report! Michael Paré as Sheriff Olsen is a real bastard and plays the part solidly. I hated him, by the end, and that means he was doing his job. I enjoyed the sardonic writing by Sean Ryan he made the film fun, and not too serious. He injected humor to '4Got10'.

Here is 4Got10 on Amazon instant video @  https://www.amazon.com/4GOT10-Vivica-Fox/dp/B015JT7ORI/ref=tmm_aiv_title_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1444800426&ref_=tmm_aiv_title_1&sr=8-1

'4Got10' is not a great film, but a solid rent, and a modern day western style. I actually think it was far better than some other 'twisted tale type films'. The film rates a 6.5 out of 10.