Welcome to Awsom 50!

What once began life as a fanzine, now becomes a full blown source on the internet for fans of all kinds of action movies. Well, that's the hope anyway!

From John Wayne to Jackie Chan, Sylvester Stallone to Sonny Chiba, Cynthia Rothrock to Charles Bronson, Tony Jaa to Michael Dudikoff... basically, there are no limits.

Archived News

A Legend returns... Black Dragon is unleashed!

When it comes to overlooked stars or heroes, they don't come much better than the legend that is Ron Van Cleef. His story is one of remarkable strength and character, and now thanks to Utopian Pictures the action world at large will have the chance to discover this remarkable man. A movie star, a five time World Karate Champion, an innovator of an internationally renowned style of martial arts, not to mention a war hero who trained members of the US Secret Service, this is one documentary you won't want to pass up. Expect a review on Awsom 50 in the near future, and in the meantime you could do far worse than check out the Official Black Dragon website, where you'll find loads more info and a rather enticing trailer. (thanks to Peter Hallett for the heads up)

Displaced prepares to land in the UK...

As if the recent interview with Zara Phythian wasn't enough to hint at just how much promise there is in the British independent action market at the moment, along comes Martin Holland's DISPLACED. Six years in the making, it's secured a distribution deal in America (through Silverline Entertainment), and is receiving world exclusive public screenings at The Island, Cinemafour in St Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire. This takes place for two weeks from March 16th, and advance tickets can be obtained by phoning 01253 722 620.

If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, then head over to the trailers section and see if you are as impressed as I was. Better still, drop by the official website, where you'll find out loads of behind the scenes info, as well as a rundown as to what the story entails. The fact that they managed to secure the services of Sir Ian McKellen for the voice-over role hints at just what promise this movie holds.

It's official, RAMBO IV is a go...filming starts in February!

Riding high from the success of the quite excellent ROCKY BALBOA, Sylvester Stallone recently confirmed during his trip to Australia, that RAMBO IV was not only happening, but that filming was to begin as soon as February (the 23rd, according to numerous movie-related sites). Currently scheduled for a May 2008 release date, Sly also stated that the film would probably be called JOHN RAMBO, rather than the previously announced RAMBO IV: PEARL OF THE COBRA - no doubt in an effort to mirror the success of the sixth ROCKY movie, which was also named simply after its' main character's name.

Some casting news has also been announced, with Sai Mawng, a 40 year old retired Shan resistance fighter, winning the role of a rather ruthless Burmese Commander, whilst Matthew Marsden (ANNACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID) will play a mercenary who works alongside Rambo.

Zara Phythian - A Princess arrives...

Britain's independent film industry is currently being invaded by a glut of martial arts stars in the making, and perhaps the brightest star on this rather exciting horizon, has to be that of Zara Phythian. Already dubbed the "Princess of Martial Arts", she has all the qualities of a true action superstar. With numerous exciting projects in the works, Awsom 50 was lucky enough to be granted an interview - so what are you waiting for? Go ahead and uncover one of the most exciting martial arts prospects in years.

Discovering Zara

Scott Adkins joins Van Damme on The Shepherd

Fans of UK's Scott Adkins (UNDISPUTED II) will be pleased to hear that it has been confirmed that he is indeed to star in Jean-Claude Van Damme's latest project, THE SHEPHERD. Directed by Isaac Florentine (UNDISPUTED II), the story sees Van Damme playing a texas cop trying to prevent ex-navy seals from smuggling drugs from Mexico to the US. With this, not to mention a role in the third Jason Bourne adventure, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, things couldn't be looking better for Adkins.

Statham gets busy busy busy!

Britain's own hard-man Jason Statham is one busy actor at the moment. Not only is he the lead in director Uwe Boll's action adventure opus entitled IN THE NAME OF THE KING: A DUNGEON SIEGE TALE (co-starring Ray Liotta, John Ryhs-Davis and Burt Reynolds), but he's also finished filming ROGUE in which he stars alongside the mighty Jet Li, which entails a plot about an FBI Agent (Statham) seeking vengeance on a mysterious assassin known as "Rogue" (Li) who murdered his partner.

Also announced is the sequel to the remake of THE ITALIAN JOB, entitled THE BRAZILIAN JOB, where he will reprise his role of Handsome Rob. More promising however, is the rumour Jason is attatched to BAKER STREET, which is based on the true story of the 1971 Baker Street bank robbery which was prevented from being told for over thirty years because of a Government gagging order. The real story of how one of the biggest robberies in British history took place with no arrests ever made nor money ever recovered. (thanks to Giangrosso)

Arnie to reunite with Cameron?

There seems to be rumblings around cyberspace at the moment, that a certain Governor has a major part as a scientist lined up in James Cameron's delayed sci-fi project, BATTLE ANGEL ALITA. How much truth lies in such rumours is anyone's guess, but the fact that Cameron has put the film on hiatus, instead concentrating on AVATAR as his Hollywood comeback vehicle, does seem to hint that maybe Arnold Schwarzenegger's film career isn't over after all.

Willis prepares to Live Free or Die Hard

After many years of rumours, Willis dons that vest again for the fourth chapter in the DIE HARD series. Going by the rather cool title of LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, the story sees McClane working with a group of hackers, as they attempt to prevent an internet terrorist organization from bringing down the U.S. infrastructure. Len Wiseman, director of the enjoyable UNDERWORLD, is at the helm, and a Stateside release date of June 29th 2007, is currently pencilled in. The cast currently includes Maggie Q (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE III) and Justin Long (ACCEPTED), whilst there are rumours (according to JewReview.net) that Jeffrey Wright (SYRIANA) will play the head villain.