Saturday, December 12, 2020

Seized – Movie Review © 2020 Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

 

Above: DVD cover from Dazzler Media (C) 2020 All rights reserved.



Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers, across my desk today from Dazzler Media comes the brand new action film 'Seized'! Scott Adkins does his 'Taken' spin on action as his son is kidnapped by a Mexican Drug Lord! Oh wow, where to begin, The Issac Florentine/Adkins collaboration has happened so many times, that it seems to be in need of a refresh, well in 'Seized' there is a setting refresh and some excellent action from stunt coordinator Larnell Stovall and fight Coordinator Art Camacho. The action is more stylized, but entertaining, and enjoyable.


Story wise, 'Seized' has Adkins doing jobs for a drug lord intent on taking out the other rival drug cartels. Each job gets more and more dangerous as the movie progresses. Although 'Seized; is not a new concept by any stretch, I liked the interplay between Mario Van Peebles Mzamo character and Adkins Nero character. Adkins over the past few years has really powered up his acting level, showing emotion, anger, sadness, frustration more than ever. I really noticed it when he starred in Abduction, and had to have a quiet scene with Truong Ngoc Anh, he handled the dialogue and emotional parts great, and I hope he is able to expand on this.


Mario Van Peebles plays a sympathetic drug lord, I know, an oxymoron, but he implores Nero to take out these guys, because they are 'Bad Guys', one even deals in child trafficking. My only wish here was more interplay between him and the other characters. Breakout surprise here is Karlee Perez who portrays Alanza, Mario's wife in Seized. She is quiet and offers not much until the end, wow, no spoilers, but a gang sized can of whoop-ass was opened and of course her wrestling background has made this possible, but she can act and I def need to see more of her!


The production and lush scenery is a nice changed from the typical Adkins grimy gritty affairs, a good change, hey we all need some tropical happiness. All of the behind the scenes lighting, music, etc... is solid and offers the viewer a clear well lit experience.


Overall, though 'Seized' is fun action romp, perfect for a good cold winter night. 'Seized' rates a 7 out of 10, Karlee Perez rates a 'Maxine' wrestling to acting 10 suplexes! 

 To my UK readers an exclusive contest will happen! Stay tuned for Details! Dazzler Media will be giving away two DVDs of Seized!!!!! 

 

The movie comes out December 28th! Pre order:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seized-DVD-Scott-Adkins/dp/B08HGPZ2ZQ/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1607800793&sr=8-1

 

Thursday, December 10, 2020

"This is the Way"- A Mandalorian Fan Film - Movie Review © 2020 Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

 

Above image: Lauren Mary Kim and Amy Johnston battle it out in 'This is the Way'

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers. This is the way! I must say The Mandalorian has profoundly altered the course of Star Wars. Baby Yoda, Gorgu has exploded into the landscape much in the way the original film did over 40 years ago. Action stars Amy Johnston and Lauren Mary Kim have once again out did themselves. A three and a half minute, well 3:41 blast of insanity 'This is the Way' has just been unleashed. Lauren has doubled on several episodes of the Mandalorian and most recently has worked as the double for Ming Na-Wen and Diana Inosanto! Finally, with the Emmy Awards having a category for stunt performers, the hard working stunt people will be cast in the limelight, out of the shadows!


'This is the Way' is a short film that showcases the tremendous talents of Amy and Lauren, and camera work, VFX, and editing of Cameron Early, also their humor! They are after Baby Yoda, and of course a fight will ensue! They are transported to a barren land for a fight! Credit for all involved in this kick ass short film! Watch Amy summon the power of the force! Timely and entertaining, This is the way! Who wins in a fight between Amy and Lauren? We all do! The ladies are fans of action, fans of comics, and extremely creative all while partaking in action!

 

Watch the entire film on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoKdoGwfyME



Created by Lauren Mary Kim & Amy Johnston Camera & Editing/VFX by Cameron Early Starring Amy Johnston as Ahsoka Lauren Mary Kim as Bo Katan Brendan Wayne as Comic Book Store Owner Warren Jaycox as Restocker Camera Assistant: Claire Hoogenboom Location: Galaxy of Comics Makeup & Hair: Gordon Banh & Talya Boz Dark Saber: Sionnach Studios Ahsoka Sabers: Noah Fleder


Special thanks to America Young. Thanks to Galaxy of Comics for letting us film at your awesome store! Go check it out peeps! https://galaxyofcomics.com/ Thanks to Noah Fleder for giving us great sabers! Check his work out guys! https://www.youtube.com/user/forcesto...



Of course check out the Dan's Movie Report interview with Lauren where she details her short film Kali Dairies Series: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2019/01/lauren-mary-kim-interview-c-2019-danny.html


Make sure to subscribe to Disney+ for all things Star Wars, support action and stunt performers!

 




Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Occupation: Rainfall Explodes Into Australian Cinema 1/28/2021!!! New Trailer!! © 2020 Dan's Movie Report - Danny Templegod

 

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers. 'Occupation: Rainfall' will have is Australia theatrical premiere on January 28th, 2021! Actress Jet Tranter recently attended a screening, and was interviewed on Australia Today Show. The film makers have unveiled a fresh new poster and trailer! The new trailer showcases the amazing action and SciFi madness of 'Occupation: Rainfall'! Trailer courtesy of Monster Fest. Please adjust browsers to desktop mode.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8tofjqqrV8


Please check out the Dan's Movie Report interview with director Luke Sparke @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2020/11/director-luke-sparke-interview.html


For screening and additional information please visit the Official Occupation Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/occupationthemovie


Keep it locked in to Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com for more exciting news and exclusives in 2021!

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

JuJu Chan Interview: Jiu Jitsu Chat! © 2020 Dan's Movie Report - Danny Templegod (JuJu Chan-Szeto)

 

Above Image: Promotional shot of JuJu Chan in character from Jiu Jitsu. (C) 2020 Paramount All rights reserved, used for promotional purposes only.

 

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers. Actress JuJu Chan stops by for a brand new interview. JuJu can be seen in the brand new film from Paramount, 'Jiu Jitsu'. The film also stars Alain Moussi, Marie Avgeropoulos Frank Grillo , Nicolas Cage and Tony Jaa . The movie is a nod to old school SciFi films, fun and entertaining. JuJu shares her thoughts on Jiu Jitsu, working with Tony Jaa, Nic Cage, and what she is working on in Hong Kong currently. Sit back, relax, grab some tea, time to get behind the action with JuJu!


Danny Templegod: Chat about the audition process for Jiu Jitsu? Was the role of Carmen written for you, or was it a casting?


JuJu Chan: I didn’t find out till after I arrived in Cyprus for the shoot, but the role was indeed written for me, so there was no audition process for me. I was offered the role and seeing Nicolas Cage, who I’m a huge fan of, and Tony Jaa (we’re both with the same agency and have been looking for projects to work on together) were on it, I jumped at the opportunity.


DT: Your character seemed tailor made to your personality, that is why I asked haha. I make it no secret that I freaking loved the film, a throwback to old school 80s SciFi action, with an added martial arts twist, what attracted you to the script and to your character?


JC: It just seemed like such a way-out-there fun idea! I mean, anyone who writes a serious critique of the film doesn’t get it. It was never meant to be a serious film. It’s pure high concentrate martial arts entertainment tailored for the hard core lovers of M.A. action out there! For me, I loved that the Carmen character was both a killer fighter and a bit of a girly girl when it came to her relationship with her man. She’s kinda like me that way…LOL

 

Above Image (C) 2019 Daniel Herron, All rights reserved. Image used for promotional purposes only, not monetized.
 


DT: Yeah I never understand people slamming a fun film. Chat about working with Nic Cage, always respected his acting prowess, were there nerves or was it relaxed working with him. Perhaps let the world know , some things you learned or tips acting wise you may have picked up from him as I know you are a student of film always learning and growing.



JC: Any nerves that I would have had working with Nic were all dispelled by him the first day we met. On day one I arrived at the stunt gym where he was rolling with the stuntmen, doing BJJ. As soon as he saw me he got straight up, walked to me with his hand out to shake, and introduced himself like he was a complete unknown actor. I mean, he’s fricking Nicolas Cage! But he turned out to be the most humble, hardworking, and talented actor I’ve ever worked with. He made it very easy for everyone to work with him. And he did most of his own action! That’s dedication for you. I learned so much from him it’s hard to list it all. But it’s not just about the craft, it’s also about how to collaborate and get more from people. He’s every bit the star he deserves to be.


DT: What a cool story, I hope you can work with him again! I am thrilled you got to work with Tony Jaa as well, a real talent and honorable man, chat about his fighting skill and humble attitude. I always mentioned you to him in our communications. I am sure you both had the opportunity to train together, chat about working and training with Tony.

 

Above Image (C) 2019 Daniel Herron All rights reserved, used for promotional purposes only, not monetized.


JC: Tony’s amazing skills are known by anyone who’s seen him in action. He just has a way to make his moves look so powerful, yet he’s always in control and you feel safe working with him. And he is so Zen to be around… any pressure during the shoot seems to be repelled away by him. Definitely looking for more projects to work with him again!


DT: The location of Jiu Jitsu was lush and amazing, chat about working in Greece and the variety of locations you used.


JC: So we filmed in Cyprus. I didn’t know this until I arrived there, but it’s known as the Island of Love because the Goddess Aphrodite was said to be born there. It’s just such an amazingly beautiful country, and for such a small nation there’s so much to see and do there. You can go skiing in its mountains in the morning, then hit the beach in the afternoon! We shot in its countryside, a cave and on sets. As you know the film was set in Myanmar, and I think the set designers did a pretty good job with making everything look like it was there.

 

Above Photo: JuJu Chan as Carmen gets to using her favorite weapon in Jiu Jitsu (C) 2020 Paramount All rights reserved, image used for promotional purposes only not monetized.
 


DT: Very interesting about Cyprus, I thought you filmed in both Greece and Cyprus locations. Chat about the long action take you posted about and how important that is to continuity rather than quick, blink and you miss it edits. Did you have some fights that were edited for time, curious what else was filmed? After the opening part at the military base took like several minutes, to set the story, the rest of the film moved very quickly, some parts seemed time edited.



JC: When acting take by take it’s very difficult to gauge what the film will finally look like. That’s really the director’s job. Honestly, when I finally got to watch the film it was quite different to what I remembered of the script. But for my part, it was extremely important to me to get the action right. Luckily I was working with a great stunt team, with fantastic fight choreography from Alain, Ryan, Max and the Thai stunt team. And it was great that they all wanted to bring out the best in each of us, so fighters like Tony and Frank got to show off their best moves, and I got to do what I most wanted to do. Of course that meant I got to show off my double nunchakus, which is my favorite weapon.


Long fight takes are what shows off the physical skill of an actor. Look at the great fight sets of Lau Kar Leung, a master of Hung Kuen who directed some of the most iconic Hong Kong martial art films. He had a great staff fight against Sammo Hung which to me is one of the greatest onscreen fights. The choreography was so intricate! I want to do onscreen fights like that. So with 'Jiu Jitsu' I wanted long takes whenever I could.

 

Above Photo: JuJu Chan as Carmen, gets to kicking a thug in 'Jiu Jitsu' (C) 2020 Paramount All rights reserved, used for promotional purposes only, not monetized.
 


DT: I refuse to spoil the plot of course for those who have not seen 'Jiu Jitsu', but it does follow parts of the original 'Predator' film, yet feels more physical, what are your thoughts on the story in general not just your parts?


JC: … Ummm… I’ve never seen 'Predator', so this story is all new to me. LOL!



DT: Ok JuJu, homework, time to watch the original 'Predator', haha! I will say that 'Jiu Jitsu' is getting some major ads and even a limited theatrical run here in the U.S., I know Antony told me that the initial premiere was supposed to be in Las Vegas, do you know if there any plans in 2021 to do a second theatrical push, or even a cast and crew premiere?


JC: I haven’t heard anything like that yet. Really, this pandemic has put a real spanner in so many plans that people aren’t willing to organize any events yet. Let’s see how things pan out later in 2021.



Above Photo: JuJu Chan interviewing three times US National IBJJF Champion, Mike Powers, for her new reality show ‘Fight’ N Chance’. Below photo: Crew and participants of show.(left to right): James Louey-Producer, JuJu Chan-Host and Producer, Mike Powers-Coach, Jenee Slusarek-Participant, Duncan Gillespie-Participant, and Antony Szeto-Producer Images (C) 2020 used for promotional purposes only, not monetized.

 

DT: I know you are working on two new projects. Perhaps in a sentence or two describe the reality show you and Antony are working on in Hong Kong, and the Database for Champion Martial Artists.



JC: Right now I’m working on two projects: A reality TV show that introduces a different style of martial arts through the eyes of a new student, and a database for martial artist called WarriorDB.com. It’s still being built but it’s live. If anyone is interested in adding data to it have a go!

 


 


Thank you JuJu, for another entertaining and informative chat! Watch for a JuJu Chan autographed photo contest early in 2021!!


Connect with JuJu:


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jujuchan   JuJu Chan-Szeto

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jujuchanszeto/  JuJu Chan-Szeto

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3634777/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jujuchanszeto JuJu Chan-Szeto

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JuJutheArtist  JuJu Chan-Seto


Sunday, December 6, 2020

Paris International Film Festival! Final Submission Deadline December 7th, 2020! © 2020 Dan's Movie Report - Danny Templegod

 


Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, I recently connected with the festival director of the Paris International Film Festival! Jenna tells me tomorrow December 7th is the final day to submit films, I know I am late to the party, that said, the festival is very cool and I plan to be more involved for 2021! The event takes place February 4th thru the 14th 2021! Please visit the official site @ https://www.parisintlfest.com/

This is a live event at a theater. Submissions are through Film Freeway and linked through here: https://filmfreeway.com/ParisIFF


Submit your films and scripts to Paris Int’l Film Festival until tomorrow December 7th, all genres and languages are accepted. Join PIFF’s community to receive events invites and listen to PIFF’s podcast on all major platforms for tips and insights from industry pros on how to make these transitional times beneficial for you.

 What YouTube said about PIFF : « Diversity and inclusion is important in media and in the film industry. Thank you for your initiatives in bringing light to this topic »

Facebook Official: https://www.facebook.com/ParisIntlFest/

Keep reading for more exclusives on this cool festival!