The Mortal Kombat star plays an LA cop returning home to avenge his brother’s murder in this charming piece of grindhouse schlock
On an unnamed island in the Caribbean, a cartel boss named Manuel (Edoardo Costa) kills bartender Akeem (Tristan Duncan) merely because he spills a drink on Nora (Cami Storm), a young singer Manuel was planning to lock up in his villa and force to sing only for himself, like a canary. The murder is not only grisly and bad management practice, but also consequential because it brings down the wrath of Akeem’s brother Mark, an LA policeman. It turns out Mark grew up on the island where he left behind an ex-wife, Akilah, his mother and lots of old friends. Swearing to find out how Akeem really died, he moves back and a series of fisticuff face-offs ensue as he works through the chain of command,...
On an unnamed island in the Caribbean, a cartel boss named Manuel (Edoardo Costa) kills bartender Akeem (Tristan Duncan) merely because he spills a drink on Nora (Cami Storm), a young singer Manuel was planning to lock up in his villa and force to sing only for himself, like a canary. The murder is not only grisly and bad management practice, but also consequential because it brings down the wrath of Akeem’s brother Mark, an LA policeman. It turns out Mark grew up on the island where he left behind an ex-wife, Akilah, his mother and lots of old friends. Swearing to find out how Akeem really died, he moves back and a series of fisticuff face-offs ensue as he works through the chain of command,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Stars: Michael Jai White, Edoardo Costa, Cami Storm, Jackson Rathbone, Esther Brooks, Wayne Gordon, Gillian White, Amber Townsend | Written by Michael Caissie, Philippe Martinez | Directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino
The Island wastes no time in establishing just how evil its villain, Manuel is. As he’s talking to Nora, a singer auditioning at one of his properties, the waiter spills her drink on her. His response isn’t to fire the man but to stab him in the neck and tell the shocked woman, “Go get cleaned up, you work for me now.”
In Los Angeles Mark and his partner Phil are working undercover setting up a drug bust. This being an action film it naturally goes bad, but that’s not the worst thing Mark is going to have to deal with today. He gets a call telling him his brother has been murdered on the island where they grew up.
The Island wastes no time in establishing just how evil its villain, Manuel is. As he’s talking to Nora, a singer auditioning at one of his properties, the waiter spills her drink on her. His response isn’t to fire the man but to stab him in the neck and tell the shocked woman, “Go get cleaned up, you work for me now.”
In Los Angeles Mark and his partner Phil are working undercover setting up a drug bust. This being an action film it naturally goes bad, but that’s not the worst thing Mark is going to have to deal with today. He gets a call telling him his brother has been murdered on the island where they grew up.
- 8/15/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
"He's never going to stop... you can't save him." "But I can save our island." Saban Films has revealed an official trailer for The Island, another trashy B-movie action thriller – not to be confused with Michael Bay's sci-fi thriller The Island of 2005. This will be out in July for anyone interested in watching. From the stunt coordinator / director Shaun Paul Piccinino, who you have never heard of and never seen any of his other movies anyway. When his brother is killed, LAPD officer Mark (Michael J. White) leaves the city to return to the island he grew up on. Seeking answers and ultimately vengeance, he soon finds himself in a bloody battle with the corrupt tycoon who's taken over the island paradise. Starring Michael Jai White, along with Jackson Rathbone, Gillian White, Gabriel 'G-Rod' Rodriguez, Cami Storm, Wayne Gordon, Gabriel Rios, and Edoardo Costa as Manuel. This junk should...
- 6/8/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Producer Ali Afshar and Esx Entertainment has become a big supplier of holiday movies for HBO Max with count ’em, three coming up: two on Thanksgiving — Holiday Harmony and A Christmas Mystery and one one on Dec. 1, A Hollywood Christmas.
Holiday Harmony follows singer/songwriter Gail (Annelise Cepero) who lands an opportunity to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the big time, and heads cross country—until she breaks down in Harmony Springs, Oklahoma. With just two weeks to get to the iHeartRadio Christmas Eve performance of her dreams, she takes the advice of local Jack-of-all-trades, Jeremy (Jeremy Sumpter), and takes on a group of misfit kids hoping to perform in a Christmas Eve Gala of their own. Gail and Jeremy grow close, but if she’s going to fulfill her lifelong dream, she may have to leave him and the town she’s grown to love behind. Brooke Shields...
Holiday Harmony follows singer/songwriter Gail (Annelise Cepero) who lands an opportunity to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the big time, and heads cross country—until she breaks down in Harmony Springs, Oklahoma. With just two weeks to get to the iHeartRadio Christmas Eve performance of her dreams, she takes the advice of local Jack-of-all-trades, Jeremy (Jeremy Sumpter), and takes on a group of misfit kids hoping to perform in a Christmas Eve Gala of their own. Gail and Jeremy grow close, but if she’s going to fulfill her lifelong dream, she may have to leave him and the town she’s grown to love behind. Brooke Shields...
- 11/19/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Project stars Edoardo Costa and Michael Jai White.
Msr Media International has unveiled a first-look image of action thriller The Island, featuring Edoardo Costa and Michael Jai White.
The title, currently in post-production, is helmed by US director Shaun Paul Piccinino, and produced by Msr Media’s Philippe Martinez and Highfield Grange Studios’ Alan Latham, with Msr Media International representing world sales.
An LAPD officer takes down drug traffickers with his wise-cracking partner, until his brother dies under mysterious circumstances.
The officer returns to the island he grew up on his search for answers about his brother’s death, which...
Msr Media International has unveiled a first-look image of action thriller The Island, featuring Edoardo Costa and Michael Jai White.
The title, currently in post-production, is helmed by US director Shaun Paul Piccinino, and produced by Msr Media’s Philippe Martinez and Highfield Grange Studios’ Alan Latham, with Msr Media International representing world sales.
An LAPD officer takes down drug traffickers with his wise-cracking partner, until his brother dies under mysterious circumstances.
The officer returns to the island he grew up on his search for answers about his brother’s death, which...
- 11/2/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: We hear that four holiday movies have received HBO Max release dates as of Wednesday: Legendary’s Christmas Story sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas for November 17 this year, and three yuletide titles from Esx Entertainment: Holiday Harmony and A Christmas Mystery both on November 24 and A Hollywood Christmas on December 1.
A Christmas Story Christmas from director Clay Kaytis and producers Irwin Zwilling, Marc Toberoff, Cale Boyter, Jay Ashenfelter, Peter Billingsley and Vince Vaughn follows Ralphie, who is all grown up now. He must deal with Christmas and all that comes with it, this time as a dad. Peter Billingsley reprises his role as Ralphie. Erinn Hayes, Julianna Layne, River Drosche, Rd Robb and Scott Schwartz along with Zack Ward and Julie Hagerty also star.
The romantic drama Holiday Harmony from producers Ali Afshar, Lauren Swickard and Daniel Aspromonte, and directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, follows singer-songwriter Gail, who...
A Christmas Story Christmas from director Clay Kaytis and producers Irwin Zwilling, Marc Toberoff, Cale Boyter, Jay Ashenfelter, Peter Billingsley and Vince Vaughn follows Ralphie, who is all grown up now. He must deal with Christmas and all that comes with it, this time as a dad. Peter Billingsley reprises his role as Ralphie. Erinn Hayes, Julianna Layne, River Drosche, Rd Robb and Scott Schwartz along with Zack Ward and Julie Hagerty also star.
The romantic drama Holiday Harmony from producers Ali Afshar, Lauren Swickard and Daniel Aspromonte, and directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, follows singer-songwriter Gail, who...
- 8/24/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Screen Media has acquired North American TV rights to Salvage Marines, a sci-fi action series starring Starship Troopers alum Casper Van Dien that will stream on Crackle Plus next month.
The dystopian futuristic series follows Samuel (Van Dien), who works as a factory laborer on planet Baen 6. When Samuel learns that his wife is pregnant, he does the only thing he can to ensure his child will avoid the same societal debt he has – enlist in the planet’s military ranks as a salvage marine. Armand Assante also stars in the series alongside Peter Shinkoda.
Launching in July, the series is directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, co-written by Sean-Michael Argo and Rafael Jordan and produced by Philippe Martinez for Msr Media, Jake Seal and Jamie R Thompson for Orwo Studios, and Terry Bird from Black Hangar Studios. Msr Media’s Karinne Behr and Lee Beasley are executive producers along...
The dystopian futuristic series follows Samuel (Van Dien), who works as a factory laborer on planet Baen 6. When Samuel learns that his wife is pregnant, he does the only thing he can to ensure his child will avoid the same societal debt he has – enlist in the planet’s military ranks as a salvage marine. Armand Assante also stars in the series alongside Peter Shinkoda.
Launching in July, the series is directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, co-written by Sean-Michael Argo and Rafael Jordan and produced by Philippe Martinez for Msr Media, Jake Seal and Jamie R Thompson for Orwo Studios, and Terry Bird from Black Hangar Studios. Msr Media’s Karinne Behr and Lee Beasley are executive producers along...
- 6/6/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Shaun Paul Piccinino's dirt racing feature "Lady Driver", stars Grace Van Dien, Sean Patrick Flanery and Christina Moore, now streaming on Netflix:
"...when a rebellious teen embarks on a solo summer journey to connect with her roots, she finds herself in a new world, geared up for the ride of her life, and discovers she had the drive in her all along..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Lady Driver"...
"...when a rebellious teen embarks on a solo summer journey to connect with her roots, she finds herself in a new world, geared up for the ride of her life, and discovers she had the drive in her all along..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Lady Driver"...
- 5/4/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Grace Van Dien stars alongside Sean Patrick Flanery, Christina Moore.
Arclight Films has added the female-led racing film Lady Driver starring Grace Van Dien to its sales slate heading into Cannes.
Van Dien, who starred as Sharon Tate opposite Matt Smith in Mary Harron’s Charles Manson drama Charlie Says, will play the lead alongside Sean Patrick Flanery and Christina Moore (Disney’s Jessie).
Forrest Films, the new distributor launched by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas of Lucas Oil and actor-producer Ali Afshar, will release the film theatrically in the Us on October 25.
Lady Driver is set in the world of...
Arclight Films has added the female-led racing film Lady Driver starring Grace Van Dien to its sales slate heading into Cannes.
Van Dien, who starred as Sharon Tate opposite Matt Smith in Mary Harron’s Charles Manson drama Charlie Says, will play the lead alongside Sean Patrick Flanery and Christina Moore (Disney’s Jessie).
Forrest Films, the new distributor launched by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas of Lucas Oil and actor-producer Ali Afshar, will release the film theatrically in the Us on October 25.
Lady Driver is set in the world of...
- 5/2/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Grace Van Dien stars alongside Sean Patrick Flanery, Christina Moore.
Arclight Films has added the female-led racing film Lady Driver starring Grace Van Dien to its sales slate heading into Cannes.
Van Dien, who starred as Sharon Tatte opposite Matt Smith in Mary Harron’s Charles Manson drama Charlie Says, will play the lead alongside Sean Patrick Flanery and Christina Moore (Disney’s Jessie).
Forrest Films, the new distributor launched by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas of Lucas Oil and actor-producer Ali Afshar, will release the film theatrically in the Us on October 25.
Lady Driver is set in the world of...
Arclight Films has added the female-led racing film Lady Driver starring Grace Van Dien to its sales slate heading into Cannes.
Van Dien, who starred as Sharon Tatte opposite Matt Smith in Mary Harron’s Charles Manson drama Charlie Says, will play the lead alongside Sean Patrick Flanery and Christina Moore (Disney’s Jessie).
Forrest Films, the new distributor launched by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas of Lucas Oil and actor-producer Ali Afshar, will release the film theatrically in the Us on October 25.
Lady Driver is set in the world of...
- 5/2/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Super Power Beat Down is becoming a highly anticipated video series in the geek community. With each new installment, more and more nerd debates erupt about who won, who lost and who Bat in the Sun should use in their next Spbd entry. Following Punisher vs Red Hood, next up is Casey Jones vs Kick-Ass. No super powers here, just good ol' fashioned fisticuffs. Who do you think will win this one? Former WWE superstar John Morrison plays Casey Jones. Actor Shaun Piccinino plays Kick-Ass. The new video should premiere sometime in September on Machinima. Kick-Ass vs Casey Jones (@TheRealMorrison) Super Power Beat Down coming soon to @Machinima! pic.twitter.com/sbXs9LCeR5 — Bat in the Sun (@BatintheSun) August 4, 2014 Friend of the site, Aaron Schoenke, director of Spbd, standing between Kick-Ass and Casey Jones. Related Content: Super Power Beat Down: Punisher vs Red Hood Super Power Beat Down:...
- 8/5/2014
- ComicBookMovie.com
As much as I love movies that find actors flipping through the air like poorly-animated action figures, sometimes I just need some dudes in a room beating the crap out of one another. I don’t care how much money you have in your budget, computer-generated effects can’t replicate the intensity of two people engaged in well-choreographed hand-to-hand combat. When I’m in the mood for something brutal and realistic, I always hit the indie film circuit. Directors Shaun Piccinino and Jason Sanders 2012 action flick “The Lackey” is an unassuming low-budget endeavor that delivers everything you could possibly want from the genre. All of the fight scenes contained in the flick are top-notch, and provide the same level of thrills you’d find in Jason Statham’s best efforts. What’s even more impressive is that the movie gets better on repeat viewings. I honestly cannot recommend it enough.
- 4/13/2013
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
An indie action revolution is headed our way, folks. Feel free to mark my words right now. Although Hollywood continues to pump out some decent action-oriented endeavors every now and again, there’s a strong underground movement starting to take shape, proving you don’t need outrageous budgets or industry A-listers to craft an engaging cinematic experience. At the foreground is director and star Shaun Piccinino’s “The Lackey”, a film which looks downright fantastic. Since the flick is starting to make the film festival rounds, a new promotional video has been pieced together. Not surprisingly, it hits the spot quite nicely. Here’s what the picture is supposed to be about: In this Guy Ritchie-like action flick, Jude St. Clere discovers he has a daughter by his junkie ex-girlfriend. He vows to take care of her and leave his shadowed past behind him. Completely broke and with his daughter starving,...
- 8/11/2012
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
Want to see a drunk guy stomp the monkey snot out of two asshats looking for trouble? Then perhaps it’s time for you to feast your uncomfortably bloodshot eyes on this faux “viral video” from director/star Shaun Piccinino’s action flick “The Lackey”. Judging from the clip, Piccinino and company seem to have a grasp on what it takes to stage tense, brutal fights. If this is any indication of what’s in store for prospective viewers, I think we’re in for a solid ride. For those who are late to the party, a synopsis: In this Guy Ritchie-like action flick, Jude St. Clere discovers he has a daughter by his junkie ex-girlfriend. He vows to take care of her and leave his shadowed past behind him. Completely broke and with his daughter starving, he reluctantly takes on one last job which quickly entwines him dead...
- 6/17/2012
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
If you’re going to promote your indie flick, you’d better do something memorable. That’s precisely what director Shaun Piccinino and company are attempting to do with these comic strip ads for their upcoming actioner “The Lackey”. It’s a pretty slick alternative to the same old one-sheets, and they certainly leave an impression. Can’t wait to check this one out. Take a peek or two at this synopsis: In this Guy Ritchie-like action flick, Jude St. Clere discovers he has a daughter by his junkie ex-girlfriend. He vows to take care of her and leave his shadowed past behind him. Completely broke and with his daughter starving, he reluctantly takes on one last job which quickly entwines him dead smack in the middle of a bloody mob war. Knowing that his chances of making it out alive are slim, he plunges in guns blazing – because...
- 6/8/2012
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
I’m really digging these stripped down, back-to-basics action flicks that have been coming out of the indie scene over the past few years. There’s a lot of undiscovered talent rattling around out there, and, thankfully, these individuals are starting to make their own movies. Director Shaun Piccinino has kind enough to send over the trailer for his mixed martial arts actioner “The Lackey”, another low-budget endeavor that has the potential to kick your dirty teeth down your nasty little throat. The film has a go-for-broke feel about it, which is what every action flick should strive for. I also helps that I enjoy watching people beat the crap out of one another. Have a quick look at the official synopsis: In this Guy Ritchie-like action flick, Jude St. Clere discovers he has a daughter by his junkie ex-girlfriend. He vows to take care of her and leave his shadowed past behind him.
- 5/10/2012
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
Back in September we brought you the first clip from the upcoming low budget Pa zombie flick Phase Two, and now, the crew would like to wish you a Merry Christmas!
Phase Two is a Sci-Fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic future as survivors of a deadly virus try to adapt. Reynolds (John Ross Clark), a high strung professor, and Sonya (Jessica Erin Sylvia), his tough-minded assistant, fight to find a cure and take in a naive teen, Angela (Tattie Grace), who recently lost her father. Jim (Matt Thompson), a tough guy commando, and Eric (Robin Steffen), a scrawny movie quoting warrior, battle outlanders, gangs and infected while trying to salvage anything along the way. Frank (Shaun Paul Piccinino), an honest G.I., and Derek (Luke Bishop), a ruthless soldier, are sent on a mission that tests their morals.
Clip after the break.
Embedded video stripped, see full HTML version.
Phase Two is a Sci-Fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic future as survivors of a deadly virus try to adapt. Reynolds (John Ross Clark), a high strung professor, and Sonya (Jessica Erin Sylvia), his tough-minded assistant, fight to find a cure and take in a naive teen, Angela (Tattie Grace), who recently lost her father. Jim (Matt Thompson), a tough guy commando, and Eric (Robin Steffen), a scrawny movie quoting warrior, battle outlanders, gangs and infected while trying to salvage anything along the way. Frank (Shaun Paul Piccinino), an honest G.I., and Derek (Luke Bishop), a ruthless soldier, are sent on a mission that tests their morals.
Clip after the break.
Embedded video stripped, see full HTML version.
- 12/15/2009
- QuietEarth.us
Apparently, this film from relative newcomers Jason Sanders and Bryce Hatch has already been picked up by Lionsgate for distribution and it looks like it's already in post. From the video below, I can see the use of the word "zombie" in the description, and while they don't exactly look like normal fare, you know how these things go today. Let's hope this one has an actual storyline, because as of now, I'm not really digging it.
Synopsis:
Phase Two is a Sci-Fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic future as survivors of a deadly virus try to adapt. Reynolds (John Ross Clark), a high strung professor, and Sonya (Jessica Erin Sylvia), his tough-minded assistant, fight to find a cure and take in a naive teen, Angela (Tattie Grace), who recently lost her father. Jim (Matt Thompson), a tough guy commando, and Eric (Robin Steffen), a scrawny movie quoting warrior, battle outlanders,...
Synopsis:
Phase Two is a Sci-Fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic future as survivors of a deadly virus try to adapt. Reynolds (John Ross Clark), a high strung professor, and Sonya (Jessica Erin Sylvia), his tough-minded assistant, fight to find a cure and take in a naive teen, Angela (Tattie Grace), who recently lost her father. Jim (Matt Thompson), a tough guy commando, and Eric (Robin Steffen), a scrawny movie quoting warrior, battle outlanders,...
- 9/23/2009
- QuietEarth.us
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