Olga Kurylenko gains ‘Momentum’ as a female action star!

"Momentum" Theatrical Poster

"Momentum" Theatrical Poster

With two video game adaptations, a Bond flick and a handful of other action packed titles under her belt – actress/model and former Bond Girl – Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) is officially an action star. We furthermore rest our case with the newly released trailer for Momentum, the debut thriller from Stephen S. Campanelli, which also stars James Purefoy (The Following).

When an infiltration expert with a secret past accidentally reveals her identity during what should have been a routine heist, she quickly finds herself mixed up in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a master assassin and his team of killers. Armed with her own set of lethal skills, she’s out for revenge!

Look for it in theaters on October 16th, 2015. Don’t miss the trailer!

Posted in News |

Private Eyes, The | aka Mr. Boo (1976) Review

"The Private Eyes" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Private Eyes” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Michael Hui
Co-director: John Woo
Cast: Michael Hui, Sam Hui, Ricky Hui, Stanley Hui, Shih Kien, Angie Chiu, Chen Hung Lieh, Huang Ha, Tsang Choh Lam, Richard Ng, Billy Chan, Chan Laap Ban
Running Time: 94 min.

By Matthew Le-feuvre

Hong Kong comedy veteran, Michael Hui, has, for veritable reasons, seemed to excel both artisitcally and commercially whenever he’s temporarily halted, taken stock and examined his lively career with honest conviction: afterall, comedy in all of its unique and vivacious forms is a far more complex discipline to reproduce, even sustain, compared to, say, the traditionalism of the bard. However since the early 70’s, Hui has perpetually strived to reinvent himself, often employing a symbolic blank canvas to draw inspiration from.

With this uncommon approach, Hui has ably maintained an array of conciously realized and distinguishable characters, each retaining singular quirks and visual nuances befitting of any superstar of Hui’s worth: if it isn’t outrageous disguises or goofy gimmicks, his sardonic verbal dexterity is an equal strength not to be overlooked; in fact, Hui’s repertoire – which could be directly matched with the late, great Peter Sellers – is so multi-faceted and perfectly delivered he’s even funnier when his personas act in a laconic manner, exhibiting wry (facial) expressions or gestures of bemusement – sometimes at the expense of physical discomfort. A craft that deservedly warrants appreciation.

A former English teacher, Micheal Hui (aka Hui Kune-Man) made an extraordinary debut as a game show host on HKTVB in 1971. Following on from his extensive, needless to say, highly animated television work, Hui co-partnered with his younger brother, Sam, to present The Hui Brothers Show – a weekly airing that was constructed around reciprocal banter, jovial songs (from Sam) and short, intelligently devised sketches. Again risible and idiosyncratic, yet pleasingly, family orientated without the slightest suggestion of profanity or crass dialogue, The Hui Brothers Show swiftly catapulted both Michael and Sam into film stardom; though initially with rival production studios, while middle brother, Ricky eventually graced the kinetic proceedings as a daffy addition, tantamount to enunciating deadpan retorts, cock-tailed with either coy embarassment or blank faced stupidity.

Prior to the Hui’s triumvirate collaborations throughout the mid to late 70’s/early 80’s with unsurpassed classics such as: Games Gamblers Play (1974), The Last Message (1975) and Security Unlimited (1981), the monopolistic force of the renowned Shaw Brothers were duly impressed with Micheal’s brand of infectious genius to the point of contracting the elder Hui to spearhead a series of comedy slanted features (a genre the Shaws’ hadn’t really delved too much into beforehand!). The first, The Warlord (1972) was for its era, sharply tongued and irrepressibly funny, despite containing mildly controversial sub-themes. A huge box office sensation that almost went toe to toe with Bruce Lee’s The Way of the Dragon (1972), expeditiously the Shaws’, undoubtedly gratified, injected further time and sponsorship into Hui’s ballooning popularity: what annually suceeded was The Happiest Moment (1973), Scandal (1974) and Sinful Confessions (also 1974) until – like the majority of contractees – Hui objected against the financial restrictions imposed by the Shaws’ then-apparent ravenous preoccupation with wealth.

By then, the balloon had burst, and pastures new beckoned in the form of Golden Harvest, home to numerous ex-clear water bay refugees: Jimmy Wang Yu, Lo Wei and Huang Feng for example. Happily, Hui was permitted to establish ‘The Hui Brothers Film Company’ in association with Golden Harvest president, Raymond Chow and his business counterpart, Leonard Ho. Together with his sibblings, and an almost carte blanche arrangement, Hui began developing scripts which in comparative terms were innovative and fresh, yet not all critics were receptive or enthused with the content. However that all changed in 1976 with the highly anticipated release of The Private Eyes.

Hailed as one of the funniest films – by Hong Kong standards – of the 70’s to emerge in consequence to a flagging industry still (though temporarily) fixated with Bruce Lee’s commercial absense. Hui, instead, ingeniously and mirthfully takes centre stage as Joseph Wong Yeuk-Sze, a parsimonious, uber conceited and utterly inept private eye, who is more attentive too his social status and bank balance than investigating the likes of amorous philanderers, fraudsters, a mad bomber and/or predictable shoplifters.

Plot-wise, Private Eyes on first viewing could appear as a rootless exercise into the profit margin, anchored only by witty dialogue and situational slapstick as Hui’s script/direction more than counterbalances for what could be perceived as (a) deliberate incoherence. Antagonists and protagonists (Shek Kien and Richard Ng, respectively) alike drift into the activiities and disappear with frequent regularity only to reconvene at the picture’s finale, staged in a local cinema during the projection of A Queen’s Ransom (1976). But on further inspection, Hui has constructed this masterpiece like a gliding sequence of interlinking mini-sketches scaffolded by co-stars, Ricky and Sam Hui, as fledging assistants, Puffy and Lee Kwok Kit – each as wacky in their approach to surveillance as Michael/Wong is to displaying (in)effective hand-to-hand combat. This was highlighted in a 1990 documentary entitled The Best of Martial Arts (aka The Most Deadiest Art). Famously, it is a scene in which Wong believes his wallet has been lifted by an opportunistic pickpocket. He pursues his suspect into a hotel kitchen where a ludicrous duel ensues as cooking implements, a pair of footlong sausages (substituted as Nunchakus) and a wok are all dynamically employed under the careful arrangements of Sammo Hung Kim Po.

To divulge more, specifically pertaining to Hui’s spirited Bugs Bunny visage or impromptu flatulence as a result of eating too many carrots, or demonstrating aerobics with an uncooked chicken would be considered an unsolicited grievance, especially to latent audiences interested in rediscovering cult retrospectives. Nevertheless Private Eyes is a film that, if nothing else, assuredly justifies acclaim. There are no enigmatic complexities, spiritual metaphors or Taoist philosophies contained therein: it’s simply an irresistible treat!

(This review is dedicated to Michelle Capps: an angel who walks in the light).

Matthew Le-feuvre’s Rating: 9/10

Posted in All, Chinese, Golden Harvest, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Lionsgate’s new U.S. trailer for ‘Zero Tolerance’ starring Adkins, Nguyen, Daniels and Kosugi – plus DVD release date!

"Zero Tolerance" Theatrical Poster

"Zero Tolerance" Theatrical Poster

Over a year ago, we filled you in on a Thai action movie called Angels, which starred Sahajak Boonthanakit (Streetfighter: Legend of Chun Li), Dustin Nguyen (The Rebel), Gary Daniels (City Hunter) and Ammy Chanicha (The Hangover 2).

Sadly, Angels was never released anywhere, except Vietnam. But now, after a series of re-shoots, re-edits, newly added star power – and even a fresh movie title – Angels will be seen by the rest of world in the form of Zero Tolerance.

In Zero Tolerance, two former para-military operatives, Johnny and his police detective friend Peter, search Bangkok to find the killers of Johnny’s beautiful daughter Angel – Leaving carnage and retribution throughout city.

Angels filmmaker Wych Kaosayananda (Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever) had this to say about the Angels/Zero Tolerance makeover: “Angels has undergone some pretty radical changes since the start of 2014, we’ve done some additional shooting and added Scott Adkins to the cast and it should be released sometime this year under the new name, Zero Tolerance.”

In addition to Adkins being added to the cast, Kane Kosugi (Choy Lee Fut, Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear) will also be appearing in Zero Tolerance. We haven’t seen a splice job like this since Jackie Chan’s The Protector. Regardless, having Nguyen, Adkins, Daniels and Kosugi in one movie makes up for any questionable production tactics. | Watch the trailer.

Updates: Lionsgate is releasing the DVD for Zero Tolerance (read our review) on December 1, 2015 (Pre-order at Amazon.com). Watch the official North American trailer right now!

Posted in News |

Cynthia Rothrock, Gary Daniels, Daniel Bernhardt, Kathy Long and Chris Mitchum team up for ‘Action Star Christmas’!

"Action Star Christmas" DVD Cover

"Action Star Christmas" DVD Cover

Get in the holiday spirit for Action Star Christmas, an upcoming film starring Cynthia Rothrock (Righting WrongsNo Retreat, No Surrender II), Gary Daniels (Tekken, City Hunter), Daniel Bernhardt (Matrix Reloaded, Bloodsport 2), Kathy Long (Knights) and Chris Mitchum (Master Samurai, Chinese Commandos).

Think of it as a Christmas B movie meets The Expendables minus the violence. Whatever the case, it’s a perfect gag gift stocking stuffer for fans who love low-budget action flicks of the 90s and 70s.

Action Star Christmas (formerly known as Santa’s Summer House) hits DVD on November 3, 2015 (pre-order at Amazon). Until then, we leave you with the trailer for Master Samurai, a Filipino action classic starring Chris Mitchum. Enjoy!

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Bloodsport/Timecop | Blu-ray | Only $7.99 – Expires soon!

"Bloodsport & Timecop" Blu-ray Cover

"Bloodsport & Timecop" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for the Action Double Feature, featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Bloodsport & Timecop.

Van Damme makes his screen debut in 1988’s Bloodsport, the stirring brawlfest about the first Westerner ever to win the Kumite, Hong Kong’s fierce, full-contact fighting competition.

In Timecop, a traveling politico (Ron Silver) sets out to change the past so he can pave his career path to the White House. But a Time Enforcement Commission cop (Van Damme) is on his trail.

Order this Action Double Feature from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Zero Tolerance | aka Angel | DVD (Lionsgate)

Zero Tolerance | DVD (Lionsgate)

Zero Tolerance | DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2015

Lionsgate presents the DVD for Wych Kaosayananda’s Zero Tolerance (read our review) starring Scott Adkins (Wolf Warrior), Dustin Nguyen (The Rebel), Gary Daniels (City Hunter), Ammy Chanicha (The Hangover 2), Kane Kosugi (Choy Lee Fut) and Sahajak Boonthanakit (Streetfighter: Legend of Chun Li).

In Zero Tolerance, two former para-military operatives, Johnny and his police detective friend Peter, search Bangkok to find the killers of Johnny’s beautiful daughter Angel – Leaving carnage and retribution throughout city. | Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Zero Tolerance from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Luc Besson is bringing a ‘Taken’ prequel to NBC

"Taken 3" Korean Theatrical Poster

"Taken 3" Korean Theatrical Poster

Luc Besson (Lucy), who co-wrote and produced all three of the Taken movies, is producing a Taken TV series for NBC.

According to Deadline, the series will be a prequel to the movies and will reference Bryan Mills’ “particular set of skills” that he “acquired over a very long career.” Since the series is an origin story, we assume that Liam Neeson will not be reprising his role as Mills.

The upcoming Taken series is not the first time a Besson production made its way to the small screen. In the past, Besson’s La Femme Nikita (1990) and Transporter (2002), were also adapted to TV.

We’ll keep you posted as we hear more.

Posted in News |

Cityonfire.com’s ‘Black Coal, Thin Ice’ Blu-ray Giveaway – WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Black Coal, Thin Ice | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Black Coal, Thin Ice | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Black Coal, Thin Ice (read our review) to three lucky Cityonfire visitors. To enter, simply add a comment to this post and describe, in your own words, this video (Warning: Explicit Content).

We will be selecting a winner at random. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you for your home address. Additionally, you must ‘Like Us‘ on cityonfire.com’s Facebook by clicking here.

The Blu-ray & DVD for Black Coal, Thin Ice will be officially released on September 29, 2015. We will announce the 3 winners on that day.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by September 29, 2015 to qualify. U.S. residents only please. We sincerely apologize to our non-U.S. visitors. Winners must respond with their mailing address within 48 hours, otherwise you will automatically be disqualified. No exceptions. Contest is subject to change without notice.

WINNERS: Ben, Nadine M., and Ian J.

Posted in News | Tagged |

Jason Statham hits the small screen with ‘Viva La Madness’

"The Mechanic" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"The Mechanic" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Jason Statham is coming straight to your living room! In 2013, Statham (Crank 2) acquired rights to J.J. Connolly’s novel Viva La Madness (follow-up to Layer Cake). The project, which was expected to be a motion picture starring Statham, remained in limbo for nearly 2 years; but as of today, THR announced that Viva will now be a TV series. Statham is still the star (filling in Daniel Craig’s shoes). No network is currently attached.

So what can we expect from it? Here’s the rub, via Amazon: Viva la Madness moves to international crime with trans-Atlantic drug deals, money laundering and high-tech electronic fraud, portrayed with the same uncanny believability. The anonymous hero of Layer Cake is pulled back into the drug game before he can escape to a sunny retirement.

Expect more updates from Viva La Madness in the future!

Posted in News |

Undeclared War (1990) Review

"Undeclared War" Chinese DVD Cover

“Undeclared War” Chinese DVD Cover

Director: Ringo Lam
Cast: Danny Lee Sau Yin, Tommy Wong Kwong Leung, Peter Liapis, Vernon Wells, Olivia Hussey, Rosamund Kwan, Louis Roth, Dean Harrington, Victor Hon Kwan, Mars, Jonathan Isgar, Brad Kerner, Mark King, Jameson Lam
Running Time: 103 min.

By Paul Bramhall

In 1990 it seemed Ringo Lam could do no wrong. Having established himself as a director of realistic and gritty action thrillers with his …on Fire series (City on Fire and Prison on Fire were both released in 1987, followed by School on Fire in 1988), the production company Cinema City decided to put their money where their mouth is. Armed with a sizable budget, Lam was tasked with helming the action movie Undeclared War, with the intention of breaking the international market.

Shot almost entirely in English, on release the movie tanked both critically and financially. Much like Kirk Wong’s Taking Manhattan made a couple of years later, it seemed Hong Kong audiences simply weren’t ready to go and watch a local movie where they’d have to read subtitles, and the result was a box office bomb. Internationally it didn’t fare any better. Up against action flicks like Die Hard 2, what was considered a big budget production in Hong Kong still didn’t stand a chance when compared alongside Hollywood blockbusters in the same vein.

The result was Undeclared War quickly became forgotten, destined to become an entry in Lam’s filmography that would either be overlooked or glazed over whenever discussing his work. Watching the movie 25 years on from when it was first released though, it’s fair to say that there’s a lot to enjoy. The grittiness that Lam had become known for is arguably present and accounted for, while the flair for action that he’d cement with Full Contact in 1992, is here clearly a work in progress, but still solid nevertheless.

Despite having a cast which has many central characters played by gweilos, a fact which hardly inspires confidence from a 1990 Hong Kong movie, surprisingly all involved turn in serviceable performances. Beginning in Warsaw, a CIA agent played by Peter Lapis witnesses the brutal murder of the U.S. ambassador, including his wife and child, at the hands of a terrorist played by Vernon Wells. Many will probably recognize Wells as the apocalyptic gang leader pursuing Mel Gibson from Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. The Australian actor also famously played Bennett, the memorable villain from the Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle Commando. After tracking Wells to Hong Kong, Lapis is reigned in by the local law enforcement, played by Danny Lee, of The Killer and Tiger on the Beat 2 fame (which was made the same year). Eventually of course, Lapis and Lee end up putting aside their differences and team up to take Wells down.

There are plenty of other familiar faces in the mix as well, from Rosamund Kwan, playing a news reporter and Lee’s girlfriend, to Mars, here in a rare bad guy role playing one of Wells’ lackeys. It’s a mix that almost certainly shouldn’t come together, but perhaps due to having a talent like Lam in the directors chair, and a script that avoids being hokey, Undeclared War succeeds at being a tight little action flick. It may not be the big budget effort it was aiming to be, but with expectations lowered, it’s definitely a unique entry into the genre and keeps up a brisk pace throughout.

The script was penned by multiple writers, and amongst them is Louis Roth, who is probably the reason why the English lines hold together so well. Roth is one of those actors who’s in the background of so many Hong Kong movies of the era, perhaps most famously as the customer on the receiving end of Chow Yun Fat’s “You don’t like my rice!?” line from A Better Tomorrow 2. Here he also takes on the role of a character vital to the plot, however I’m sure his biggest contribution, considering what many English language exchanges are like in HK movies of the era, must be his work on the dialogue. Both Danny Lee and Rosamund Kwan’s lines are almost all in English, and they deliver them with aplomb, with no unintentional moments of humor in sight.

For fans of Hong Kong action and Lam’s realistically gritty style of film making, both are present and accounted for, although perhaps in a different way than audiences at the time were hoping for. The assassination of the U.S. ambassador takes place before the movies title has even appeared on screen, and throws in machine gun totting nuns, explosions, and a helicopter for good measure. The type of blood squib in use also has a unique look to it, similar to the style used in Johnnie To movies like Exiled, when someone gets shot a cloud of red mist erupts from the victim. It’s just as unrealistic as the gallons of blood erupting from a gun shot wound, but it’s definitely visually arresting, and gives the violence a different feel from many movies of the same elk.

Lapis also shows a welcome abandon in his action scenes, seemingly not afraid to get thrown around and take some falls. An exciting foot chase that has him in pursuit of Wells ultimately ends up in a confrontation with Mars, which has them falling down stairs and going at each other on a bridge with anything they can get their hands on. Another scene has him get into a fight with Lee, which sees the both of them scrapping it out in a brawl on the street that doesn’t pull any punches. In many ways it’s Lapis’ lack of gracefulness which makes the action more exciting, as it makes it more relatable, especially in a speed boat chase sequence were you can see he’s visibly clinging on for dear life.

The fact that Lee and Lapis spend almost half of the movie locking heads with each other also makes the respect that eventually forms between them seem more believable. They both bring a down to earth type quality to their characters, and by the time they team up, a lot of their banter is genuinely funny and believable. What’s especially refreshing about Undeclared War is the way Lapis is the butt of many HK situational jokes. In an era where we’ve seen Jackie Chan play the fish-out-of-water in an endless stream of Hollywood movies, whether it be paired with Chris Rock, Owen Wilson, or whoever else, it’s nice to see a movie that puts the shoe on the other foot. Lee is the one calling the shots as the Hong Kong local, and Lapis is the American on foreign soil who has to try and fit in, and it remains that way throughout.

In fact the whole movie does well to play off the tensions between the local HK police force, the British authorities in charge, and the American CIA trying to call the shots. The political subtexts and character relationships aside though, Undeclared War was made as an action flick, and on that basis it delivers. During its 103 minute run time there should be enough gun shots, grenades, explosions, and chase sequences to keep any fan of Hong Kong cinema happy. It may not be Ringo Lam’s best work, and there are a couple of glaring plot holes (look out for Lee getting shot in the arm, then in the next scene miraculously seeming to be completely fine!), but for a slice of HK action from the territories golden era, you can do a lot worse.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 7/10

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , |

The Eliminators/The Dungeonmaster | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

The Eliminators & The Dungeonmaster | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

The Eliminators & The Dungeonmaster | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: December 15, 2015

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray Double Feature for 1986’s The Eliminators and 1984’s The Dungeonmaster (aka Ragewar).

In The Eliminators (watch the trailer), a former pilot (Andrew Prine) rebels against his creator, teaming up with a scientist, a pet robot Spot, a riverboat guide, and a martial arts warrior (Hong Kong’s Conan Lee). In The Dungeonmaster (watch the trailer), a demonic wizard challenges a computer programmer to a battle of technology vs. sorcery!

Pre-order The Eliminators/The Dungeonmaster from Amazon.com today!

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Two-Face, move over… Takeshi Kitano kills in ‘Mozu’!

"Mozu" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Mozu" Japanese Theatrical Poster

No plot description is needed for Mozu, the latest Japanese crime-thriller from Eiichiro Hasumi (Assassination Classroom). The film’s trailer speaks for itself – it’s loud, brutal, action packed and Takeshi Kitano (Beyond Outrage) plays the villain – sold yet?

Mozu also stars Hidetoshi Nishijima (Casshern), Teruyuki Kagawa (20th Century Boys: Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End), Yusuke Iseya (Sukiyaki Western Django) and Tori Matsuzaka (Gatchaman).

According to FCS, Mozu hits the screens in Japan on November 7. Given Kitano’s international star-power, we’re pretty sure a North American distributor has their eyes on this one. Don’t miss the trailer!

Posted in News |

1st trailer for ‘Navy Seals vs. Zombies’ with Michael Dudikoff!

"Navy Seals vs. Zombies" Poster

"Navy Seals vs. Zombies" Poster

Whether you want another zombie flick or not, here’s the scoop on Navy Seals vs. Zombies, the upcoming directorial debut of NASCAR driver/stuntman Stanton Barrett, whose stunt credits include Looper and Terminator Genisys.

A city is under siege by hordes of fast moving, flesh eating undead. The infection is spreading. Urban warfare has been unleashed. With no cure in sight and time running out, can an elite unit of badass warriors now survive their most horrific mission of all? Ed Quinn (Revenge), Michael Dudikoff (American Ninja), pro wrestling champion Chad Gunner Lail, Molly Hagan (iZombie), Olympian Lolo Jones and NBA legend Rick Fox star in this explosive military shocker filmed with the participation of former U.S. Navy SEALS.

UpdatesNavy Seals vs. Zombies is coming to Blu-ray & DVD on October 6, 2015 (pre-order today). And of course, don’t miss the film’s new trailer!

Posted in News |

The Golden Cane Warrior | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Golden Cane Warrior | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Golden Cane Warrior | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: November 3, 2015

Well Go USA presents the Blu-rayDVD for the Indonesian Wu Xia epic, The Golden Cane Warrior, featuring martial arts choreography by Hong Kong’s Hung Yan Yan (Shaolin, Coweb, Time & Tide).

The film stars some of Indonesia’s most popular talents, including Christine Hakim, Nicholas Saputra, Reza Rahadian, Slamet Rahardjo, Prisia Nasution, Eva Celia and Tara Basro. | Watch the trailer.

Pre-order The Golden Cane Warrior from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Has ‘The Raid 2’ director popped his ‘Blister’?

"The Raid" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“The Raid” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Back in March of 2014, director Gareth Evans (The Raid 2) told Crave: “I don’t have any plans to do The Raid 3 within the next two or three years so I’m going to take a break from that franchise for a bit… I want to do some some things outside of Indonesia for like two films, then come back to Indonesia and shoot The Raid 3. I have another one I want to shoot with him first. Still in the action genre and it’s something that [Uwais] needs to train for for a fair amount of time.”

There’s a possibility that Evans is talking about Blister, a film with Raid 2 stars Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian, that’s apparently in pre-production phase, as hinted by his latest tweet.

Evans describes Blister as his take on “the contemporary American gangster story with echoes of The Wild Bunch.” This remark should come as no surprise, since Evans expressed his love for the Sam Peckinpah classic in our interview with him back in December of 2013: “Peckinpah invented action cinema, the editing style, cinematography, fluidity – everything I’ve stolen has been from him,” said Evans. Along with Wild Bunch, Evans cites Jackie Chan’s Armor of God and John Woo’s Hard Boiled as the three movies that have have influenced him the most.

Updates: In a November (2016) interview with Impact’s Mike Leeder, here’s what Evans said about this project: Blister is very much something I want to revisit – sometimes you need certain elements to line up just right – especially for a project as ambitious as that one and unfortunately (despite the best intentions of everyone involved) it didn’t quite come through. We prepped that film pretty thoroughly so I do hope, further down the line, it will become a reality. We had far too much killer material for it to end up sitting on a shelf.

Posted in News |