Film Review: “The Warrior Queen of Jhansi”

THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF JHANSI
Starring: Devika Bhise, Rupert Everett
Directed by: Swati Bhise
Rated: Rated R
Running Time: 1hr 42 mins
Roadside Attractions 

Held in as high regard in India as Joan of Arc in France, Rani Lakshmibai (1828-58) became a heroic martyr during the 1857 Indian Rebellion against the despotic British East India Company. While the British were successful in putting the revolt down, it placed India on a 90-year path to independence and Rani’s actions served as an inspiration then and now to generations of Indians. “The Warrior Queen of Jhansi” is based upon Rani’s story of rising from being a commoner to leading an army against the world’s lone superpower of the day. Sadly, this heavy-handed historical drama is not a fitting tribute to Rani’s legend as it fails to generate any sense of suspense; its acting and direction is stilted; its dialogue is often cliché; and it plays loose and fast with the facts. 

Our heroine of the story narrates some historical background at the beginning by telling how she was born on the banks of the Ganges River. Rani (Devika Bhise, “Mosaic”) then vaguely describes how the British East India Company gradually seized more and more power in India over the decades. The story then flashes through her early years like a streak of lightning complete with nauseatingly stiff dialogue. If you don’t blink, you learn that as a teenager, Rani married the ruler of the state of Jhansi. After a son dies in infancy, the couple adopts a nephew as their own to become the male heir. 

In the meantime, Indian soldiers forced to serve the British East India Company revolt in vengeful fashion after their rifle Enfield cartridges are coated in pig fat, an insult to both Muslims and Hindus. Back in England, Queen Victoria (Jodhi May, “Defiance”), with her Indian Muslim advisor by her side, the story of which was detailed in 2017’s “Victoria & Abdul,” wants cooler heads to prevail while her British advisor (Derek Jacobi) is consumed with hubris and is quick to crush the revolt with brutal force. This is a problem because the British army in Jhansi, commanded by experienced officer Sir Hugh Rose (Rupert Everett) but ordered around by East India Company representative Sir Robert Hamilton (Nathaniel Parker, “The Perfect Host”), has become bogged down by cholera. 

Now a widow, Rani trains her people how to use swords, bows, running obstacle courses, and fighting from horseback. Since any real backstory is nonexistent and there is a lack of character development, it is incomprehensible, without any explanation, that Rani is suddenly an expert military trainer and commander. There are a couple of vague references to her combat experience later, but that is perfunctory at best. Moreover, the discombobulated story continually skips across time while Rani’s adopted son seems to never age. It all comes across as ridiculous and unbelievable without any emotional impact on the viewer besides confusion and boredom. 

Eventually, Rose’s force attacks Rani’s well-fortified palace in Jhansi and the ensuing action resembles the often silly, overly exaggerated fight sequences from the brilliant comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” It goes without saying that there is no real suspense to the final battle scene, which is poorly choreographed and not representative of historical events. It doesn’t help that in the buildup there are sappy lines like, “She’s an idea. And ideas cannot be captured or owned. She belongs to her people, and not the East India Company.”

 Rani of Jhansi was a hero for the ages, but this film about her life should be shot off into space and lost to the ages.

Book Review “Ultimate Warrior: A Life Lived ‘Forever’: The Legend of a WWE Hero”

Author: Jon Robinson
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: September 8, 2015

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I like to think that I drew up in the heyday of the wrestling. I remember the wrestling greats of that time including Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Razor Ramone, The Undertaker and my personal all time favorite the Ultimate Warrior. This guy was a absolute nut case when it ran out to the ring! I remember seeing him live at an event probably in 1991 or 1992 and going insane when he came out. His energy was like nothing I had ever seen and probably still unmatched today. He went up against legends like Hulk Hogan in matches like the epic battle of Wrestlemania VI. I vividly remember watching this pay-per-view event in my living room with all my friends at the time as a kid. Times like this are unforgettable. Unfortunately, the legend is no longer with us…but thanks to the WWE, his legend will live in forever. “Ultimate Warrior: A Life Lived ‘Forever’: The Legend of a WWE Hero” is an amazing tribute to one of the best wrestlers in the business. Triple H kicks off the book with a great introduction. Even with all the feuds in the business, I enjoyed getting reading this opening. Dana Warrior also gives a heartfelt foreword to the this book giving us an inside look at the Warrior outside of the ring. This book is a must own for any wrestling fan!

Official Premise: With signature moves like the Warrior Splash, epic battles against Hulk Hogan, Sgt. Slaughter, Macho Man Randy Savage, and The Undertaker, and impassioned speeches that struck fear into his opponents and inspired warriors across the nation, the late Ultimate Warrior became one of the most revered figures in WWE history. Here, for the first time, the complete legend of The Ultimate Warrior is told in full, from his humble beginnings as a self-proclaimed “small, insecure kid who wasn’t into any sports” to his rise to WWE fame as the most powerful force in the universe. Through both action and candid photographs, personal ephemera, including original Warrior art and detailed journal entries, insider stories and exclusive interviews with WWE legends, and intimate accounts from the Warrior family, this unique biography brings the legacy of The Ultimate Warrior to life like never before. Relive the Warrior’s most intense matches and rivalries, and get to know the man behind the face paint in this one-of-a-kind volume. Filled with intense action and little-known details, Ultimate Warrior: A Life Lived Forever is a celebration of the Superstar who left an inimitable mark on WWE and redefined sports entertainment for generations.

Insight Editions always delivers the most informative and books on the market. They are also innovate with their releases. If you were a fan of the Ultimate Warrior you will recall his ribbons from his wrists. Well this book has ribbons included as a clever way to hold your page (see image). This book is jam packed with information about the former wrestler, his career and his life. I really enjoyed this book since it wasn’t just a flashy biography. It was also has a very intimate feel to it as well. The images in the book are absolutely gorgeous and easily transport me back to my favorite days of wrestling. In fact it makes me want to go back and re-watch old Wrestlemania events! This is a book that I can look through for years to come. There is so much included in this that you would need to go slowly through with a fine comb to absorb everything. Even though the Warrior is no longer with us, it is books like this that are going to carry on his name and keep him in the spotlight that he deserves. I will proudly be displaying this book prominently on my coffee tables for months to come.

Photo provided by Insight Editions. © 2015 WWE, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Ultimate Warrior: The Ultimate Collection”

Actors: Ultimate Warrior
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: WWE
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Run Time: 540 minutes

Collection: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ever since I started watching wrestling in the late 80’s, no question Ultimate Warrior was and still is my absolutely favorite wrestler. When this Blu-ray was released on April 1st, I reached out to WWE for to request and also inquire about an interview with the man himself aka Jim Hellwig. Well, I ended up hearing back on April 9th from WWE and unfortunately it was a little too late for the interview. On April 8th, my childhood wrestling hero passed away. This was just three days after he was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame on WWE RAW. I have had this Blu-ray for a few weeks now and honestly it has been hard to review. I know he has a rocky career in the business but Ultimate Warrior, he was a her of mine growing up. Luckily WWE has really delivered a truly amazing collection of his work and it feels even better because it was before he passed and not cashing in on his death. A must have for any true Warrior fan!

Official Premise: He is one of the most colorful and intense Superstars of all time, the Ultimate Warrior! Now for the first time ever, WWE honors his illustrious career with this ultimate collection of bone-crunching matches. Feel the power of the warrior over 3-discs, featuring battles against all his biggest rivals such as Hulk Hogan, Jake Roberts, Ravishing Rick Rude, Sgt. Slaughter and more! WWE fans have long awaited another Warrior DVD since the controversial release of 2005’s The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior. Finally, with over 7 hours of matches from this larger than life Superstar, the action on this home entertainment release is truly OUT OF CONTROL!!

“Ultimate Warrior: The Ultimate Collection” is among the best Blu-rays from WWE Home Video label to date. The Blu-ray is presented with a 1080i transfer with both 1.78:1 and 1.33:1 aspect ratios. The 1.78:1 content is comprised of interview clips with The Ulimate Warrior. The matches are presented with an 1.33:1 aspect ratio, which it should be so that it retains the original appearance and image integrity. Due to this, in terms of Blu-ray quality, there is some issue with some finer details but it is expected and in no way ruins the experience. These are amazing to have all on one Blu-ray.

Disc One includes some matches that really speak to me because I remember seeing these for the very time when I was younger. I even have seen a few of these live, which makes them even more special to have on home video.

  • Career Match: Blade Runners vs. Perry Jackson & Shawn O’Reilly. UWF — April 11, 1986.
  • Career Match: Dingo Warrior vs. Chris Adams. World Class Championship Wrestling — August 8, 1986.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Barry Horowitz. Challenge — November 7, 1987.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Steve Lombardi. Superstars — November 14, 1987.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. “King” Harley Race. Boston Garden — March 5, 1988.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. Los Angeles Sports Arena — July 15, 1988.
  • SummerSlam Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Honky Tonk Man. SummerSlam — August 29, 1988.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match : Ultimate Warrior vs. Honky Tonk Man. Philadelphia Spectrum — December 17, 1988.
  • Title vs. Title: Intercontinental Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Boston Garden — February 11, 1989.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. “Ravishing” Rick Rude. SummerSlam — August 28, 1989.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Bob Bradley. Prime Time Wrestling — September 18, 1989.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Brian Costello. Prime Time Wrestling — December 25, 1989.
  • Ultimate Warrior Confronts Andre the Giant: Brother Love Show. Superstars — July 29, 1989.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Andre the Giant. Madison Square Garden — October 28, 1989.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Andre the Giant. Saturday Night’s Main Event — November 25, 1989.
  • Ultimate Warrior Promo: “Crash the Plane.” Challenge — March 10, 1990.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Mr. Perfect. Madison Square Garden — March 19, 1990.
  • Title vs. Title: Intercontinental/WWE Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Hulk Hogan. WrestleMania VI — April 1, 1990.
  • WWE Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. Tokyo Dome — April 13, 1990.
  • WWE Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Saturday Night’s Main Event — July 28, 1990.
  • WWE Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Ted DiBiase. The Main Event — November 23, 1990.
  • WWE Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Sgt. Slaughter. Huntsville, AL — January 7, 1991.

If you thought that Disc One didn’t have enough, disc two continues right up with some more amazing matches from his career.

  • Steel Cage Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. “Macho King” Randy Savage. Madison Square Garden — January 21, 1991.
  • Career Moment: Ultimate Warrior Ends Brother Love’s Career. Superstars — March 2, 1991.
  • Retirement Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. “Macho King” Randy Savage. WrestleMania VII — March 24, 1991.
  • Career Moment: Ultimate Warrior on Paul Bearer’s Funeral Parlor. Superstars — April 13, 1991.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Undertaker. Maple Leaf Gardens — June 2, 1991.
  • Career Moment: Gene Okerlund Interviews Ultimate Warrior and “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Superstars — July 25, 1992.
  • Career Moment: “Riding on the Edge of a Lightning Bolt.” Superstars — November 14, 1992.
  • WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior & “Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Ted DiBiase & I.R.S. Saturday Night’s Main Event — November 14, 1992.
  • Career Moment: “Faster Than a Cheetah.” RAW — March 11, 1996.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Hunter Hearst-Helmsley. WrestleMania XII — March 31, 1996.
  • Career Moment: Ultimate Warrior Returns — RAW — April 8, 1996.
  • Career Moment: Mr. McMahon Interviews Jerry “The King” Lawler and Ultimate Warrior. RAW — June 10, 1996.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Jerry “The King” Lawler. King of the Ring — June 23, 1996.
  • Career Moment: Ultimate Warrior Interrupts “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan. Nitro — August 17, 1998.
  • Ultimate Warrior Promo: From RAW — October 26, 1998.

If the two dozen plus matches aren’t enough…there is still seven bonus matches listed under “Blu-ray Exclusives” section on the disc. Thanks again WWE for delivering this amazing Blu-ray to my collection and I will be sure to continue to keep the Warrior’s memory alive!

  • Career Match: Dingo Warrior vs. Matt Borne. World Class Championship Wrestling — October 24, 1986.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior & The British Bulldogs vs. Demolition & Mr. Fuji. Maple Leaf Gardens — July 24, 1988.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Dino Bravo. The Main Event — February 23, 1990.
  • Career Moment: WrestleMania 6 Contract Signing. The Ultimate Challenge — March 25, 1990.
  • Career Moment: WrestleMania 7 Contract Signing. Road to WrestleMania 7 — March 17, 1991.
  • Career Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Sgt. Slaughter. Tokyo Dome — March 30, 1991.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Ultimate Warrior vs. Goldust. In Your House — April 28, 1996.

In closing, here is a little tribute to the memory of The Ulitmate Warrior…I dare you to try and watch this without a shedding a tear… RIP Warrior!

Blu-ray Review “Mulan: Rise of a Warrior”

Actors: Zhao Wei, Jaycee Chan, Kun Chen
Directors: Jingle Ma
Rated: TV-MA
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Run Time: 115 minutes

Film: 3 out 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I can’t help it (and I am sure I am not the only one), whenever I think about “Mulan”, I can’t help but think about the 1998 Walt Disney animated film. Well before watching “Mulan: Rise of a Warrior”, you must separate that connection because it is two very different film. There is no smart-talking dragons here, sorry Eddie Murphy. The director Jingle Ma, who is known for action films like “Tokyo Raiders” and “Seoul Raiders”, really had a vision for this and for the most part he is successfully in making it work. The film itself seemed a little too long for me but it is packed with great performances and impressive action sequences. So I think it is worth recommending to check out for a renter at least.

Official Premise: When barbarian hordes threaten her homeland, the brave and cunning Mulan disguises herself as a male soldier to swell the ranks in her aging father’s stead. The warrior’s remarkable courage drives her through powerful battle scenes and brutal wartime strategy. Mulan will be no stranger to sacrifice as she rises to become one of her country’s most valuable leaders. She’ll lose dear friends to the enemy’s blade—but can she win the war before her secret is exposed?

I originally though that this was an odd title for Funimation to be releasing since they are primarily known for releases some of my favorite Japanese animes. But I give them credit for rescuing this film, which was shot back in 2009, and gave it a proper Blu-ray release. In fact, they released this as a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack, which is a real treat. The 1080p transfer works with the epic feel that this film brings especially in the battle scenes. This release also comes stocked with both a Mandarian Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and also an English dub with same specs. I preferred the original language track for sure over the dub but I still like having the preference.

There is no much in terms of quantity for the special features but there is great content. The “Making of Mulan” runs the length of a feature film just over 70 minutes. I enjoyed this quite a bit, there is a lot of great footage included in here. You really get a feel for the depth of the production within this feature. The other extra is a collection of interviews with the cast and crew, which runs about 15 minutes, also worth checking out for sure. Both extras are presented in Mandarin with English subtitles. So like I said no a lot of extras but they pack a solid punch. Great job overall, Funimation! Hope to see more live-action entries in your upcoming library as well, as your normal kick-ass animes.

 

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CON-X KC to benefit Wounded Warrior Project

CON-X Kansas City, a three day Horror, Sci-Fi and Pop Culture Convention, will be held September 14-16, 2012 at the Ramada Conference Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Each year the convention chooses a worthy charity to highlight. This year they have chosen the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between their time on active duty and their transition to civilian life. The event will include film screenings, a dealers room and Q&A sessions with some of the featured guests.

Among the guests scheduled to appear: Walter Koenig (“Star Trek”), Denise Crosby (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Margot Kidder (“Superman the Movie,” “The Amityville Horror”) Bob Gunton (“Shawshank Redemption”), James Tolkan (“Back to the Future” series, “Top Gun’) and Kansas City native Sandahl Bergman (“Conan the Barbarian,” “All that Jazz”). Also scheduled to appear are stars from the “Stargate” and “Paranormal Activity” series.

For more information go to www.conxkc.com
To make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org

“Warrior” Books, Posters and Shirts Giveaway [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

To celebrate the release of “WARRIOR”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway the following shirts, books and posters. If you would like to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite fighting movie. This giveaway will be open until Friday Sept.16th and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Click here to view our raving review for “WARRIOR”

Here are some of the great items we have available for this giveaway:

– Tom Hardy / Joel Edgerton Mini Posters
– “WARRIOR” Tap-Out Shirts (Men & Woman Various Sizes)
– The Men of Warrior Coffee Table Book

Film Review “Warrior”

Starring: Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte
Directed by: Gavin O’Connor
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 20 mins
Lionsgate

Our Score: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Philadelphia is known as a sports town. Philly gave us Doug Allison, who history tells us was the first baseball player to wear a glove in the field. Also from the City of Brotherly Love: basketball player Lloyd Bernard Free, who in 1981 legally changed his name to World B. Free. But the town’s biggest claim of local talent belongs to fighters. Sonny Liston. Joe Frazier. Bernard Hopkins. Heck, even Rocky Balboa hails from Philly. In “Warrior” we learn that there are two more fighters to watch. The Conlon Brothers.

Paddy Conlon (Nolte), celebrating 1000 days away from the alcohol that cost him his family, spends his days listening to “Moby Dick”, the book-on-tape following him from home to the car and back. He arrives home one night to find Tommy (Hardy) waiting for him. He has a favor to ask.

Brendan Conlon (Edgerton) is a high school teacher. And a former MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter. With an ever rising mortgage looming over his head, he’s decided to make a little money on the side fighting. YouTube footage of one of his weekend battles gets him suspended from school. With the bank breathing down his neck he comes to the only possible solution. He visits his friend Frank (Frank Grillo), who owns the local gym. He has a favor to ask.

One part “Rocky,” one part “The Wrestler,” “Warrior,” in the wrong hands, could be your average ESPN movie of the week. But anchored by three outstanding performances the film soars and reaches all the right chords. Nolte, his face weathered from life (has it really been 35 years since he played young Tom Jordache on “Rich Man, Poor Man?”) would easily make my short list when Oscar nominations come around. As a man trying everything…anything…to right the wrongs of the past, Nolte’s performance ranks with his work in “The Prince of Tides” among his career best. I must say that I was only familiar with Edgerton thanks to his role as Luke Skywalker’s future Uncle Owen in “Star Wars: Episode II and III.” Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Conan O’Brien, he does a fine job here. But the revelation here is Hardy. So good as Eames, the master of disguise in “Inception,” Hardy explodes off the screen in what is truly a star making performance. And he’s ripped! I can’t wait to see him as Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Director O’Connor, who fluidly shot “Miracle,” the story of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team, is just as strong here. His camera takes you into the ring so close to the action that you can almost feel every punch. The script is fairly tight, with a subplot of Tommy as an Iraqi war hero with a past the only distraction. Sport fans will recognize Olympic gold medal winning wrestler Kurt Angle as Russia’s entry into the films main event, a 16 man winner take all war called Sparta. And kudos to stunt coordinator/fight choreographer J.J. Perry for some of the best ring action ever committed to film.

Lionsgate Annonces National Sneak Preview Screenings of “Warrior”

LIONSGATE ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SNEAK PREVIEW SCREENINGS OF WARRIOR

General Audiences Can See The Film On Labor Day Weekend, In Advance Of Its September 9th Release

Santa Monica, CA, August 30, 2011– LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, today announced a special sneak preview screening program for the inspirational sports drama WARRIOR.  The screenings will be held on Sunday, September 4th at 7:00 pm, at theaters nationwide.  The announcement was made by Lionsgate’s co-COO and Motion Picture Group President Joe Drake.

To promote the sneak previews, Lionsgate has partnered with Twitter to designate the hashtag #WARRIORMovieSneakPreview, which Lionsgate has also sponsored as a Promoted Trend, allowing Twitter’s powerful user base a direct link to buy tickets and continue to spread the tremendous word of mouth the film is receiving.

Moviegoers interested in seeing the film, which Rolling Stone’s chief film critic Peter Travers calls “fiercely moving,” can purchase tickets in advance at www.warriorsneakpreview.com and use #WARRIORMovieSneakPreview on Twitter to share information about the movie with friends.

“We are in a fortunate position in that the best promotional tool for this incredible film is the film itself,” explained Drake of the motivation to allow general audiences this special advance access.  “This is truly a movie for everyone, and as we’ve screened it, people in all demographics- even those who might not have otherwise sought the film out- have been enthralled by its blend of triumphant, inspirational sports storytelling with poignant and powerful family drama.”

Adds David Spitz, who heads Distribution for Lionsgate, “Critics and private screening guests have shown extreme enthusiasm for this film in advance of its release, and we are honored to be able to share the experience earlier than promised with audiences everywhere, especially on a patriotic, family oriented weekend like Labor Day that fits so well with the themes of this particular film. We can’t wait to read the sneak preview audience’s tweets as they become the first consumers to share their reactions with the world.”

About Warrior
Rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton command the screen as two estranged brothers facing the fight of a lifetime­ in Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, a moving, inspirational action drama from acclaimed director Gavin O’Connor (Miracle).

Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from financial ruin.  But when Brendan’s unlikely, underdog rise sets him on a collision course with the unstoppable Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront each other and the forces that pulled them apart, facing off in the most soaring, soul stirring, and unforgettable climax that must be seen to be believed.

A rousing ode to redemption, reconciliation and the power of the human spirit, WARRIOR is also a moving testament to the enduring bonds of family.   WARRIOR stars Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Star Wars: Episode III), Tom Hardy (the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Black Hawk Down), Jennifer Morrison (“House”, Star Trek) and Nick Nolte (Tropic Thunder, The Thin Red Line).  The film is directed by Gavin O’Connor; screenplay by Gavin O’Connor & Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorman and story by Gavin O’Connor & Cliff Dorfman. Lionsgate and Mimran Schur Pictures present a Lionsgate / Mimran Schur Pictures production. A Solaris Entertainment and Filmtribe production.

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution and new channel platforms.  The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel assets. Lionsgate currently has 15 shows on more than 10 networks spanning its prime time production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as “Mad Men”, “Weeds” and “Nurse Jackie” along with  the comedy “Blue Mountain State, ” the upcoming drama “Boss” and the syndication successes “Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne”, its spinoff “Meet The Browns”,  the upcoming “For Better or Worse,” “The Wendy Williams Show” and “Are We There Yet?”.

Its feature film business has generated more than half a billion dollars at the North American box office in the past year, fueled by such successes as THE LINCOLN LAWYER, TYLER PERRY’S MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY, THE EXPENDABLES, which was #1 at the North American box office for two weeks, THE LAST EXORCISM, TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?, KICK ASS and the critically-acclaimed PRECIOUS, which won two Academy Awards®. The Company’s home entertainment business has grown to more than 8% market share and is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 13,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

 

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Lionsgate and AMC Theatres “Warrior” Screening Partnership a Success

LIONSGATE® AND AMC THEATRES® SCREENING PARTNERSHIP A SUCCESS

Advance Screenings of WARRIOR for AMC Stubs™ Members Received Enthusiastically Nationwide

September 1, 2011- LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, and AMC Theatres (AMC), a leading theatrical exhibition and entertainment company, are thrilled to jointly announce the unprecedented success of the AMC Stubs rewards program screenings of the inspirational sports drama WARRIOR. The screenings, which took place at 90 AMC theatres in 47 markets nationwide Wednesday, Aug. 31, marked the first time AMC has offered a free advance screening to members of its AMC Stubs rewards program. Tickets were claimed quickly after they became available to AMC Stubs members on Aug. 12, and over 17,000 people attended the screenings, which were filled to capacity in the majority of their locations.

AMC’s Facebook page has exploded with positive feedback from fans about their experience.  Comments offered raves for the film, with one attendee describing WARRIOR as a “Great flick! Crowd was cheering, laughing and crying; often all at the same time” and another adding, “Intense moments!  Everyone in their seats cheering!  Made me feel like I was there ring side and not at the movies!  GREAT film!”  The film also surprised many attendees with its broader than expected appeal.  One AMC Stubs member explained “I usually don’t like sports films but this one truly was special.  A must see.  Thank you,” while another emphasized how much his girlfriend loved the film.  Along with their gratitude to AMC for offering the free members screenings, many fans underscored that they wouldn’t have otherwise seen the film, and that they plan to attend again on opening weekend and will recommend the film enthusiastically.

Said Lionsgate’s EVP of Exhibitor Relations and Operations, Mike Polydoros of the partnership, “We’ve known for some time that the best tool we have to sell the movie Warrior is the movie Warrior, but these particular sneak preview screenings have so many added benefits for all involved beyond the positive word of mouth that we know the film will generate: we love working with our partners in exhibition to add value for their customers in creative ways and drive people to their theaters, and this was a great example of that.  And we got a great marketing boost from this collaboration as well; the invitation was extended to more than 1.5 million AMC Stubs members, which helps raise additional awareness for the film.”

“Lionsgate shared this special film with us a while ago, and we agreed the story was one worthy of providing to our AMC Stubs members as an incremental benefit,” said Sun Dee Larson, Vice President, Film Marketing and Communications at AMC. “Our members were overwhelmingly receptive to the offer and thanked us personally at the screenings for adding this benefit to the already rich rewards we offer. We also received positive feedback on our Facebook page and Twitter feeds.”

About AMC Stubs

  • AMC Stubs members receive a $10 AMC Stubs reward for every $100 spent at AMC, including  tickets, concessions, gift cards, and more
  • Members receive free upgrades on popcorn and fountain drinks every day– pay for a small, get a medium; pay for a medium, get a large
  • Online ticket purchase fees are waived on Movietickets.com and Fandango.com
  • Members have access to an online ticket stub collection to keep their moviegoing memories
  • AMC Stubs costs $12 a year

About AMC Entertainment Inc.

AMC Entertainment Inc. delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 360 theatres with 5,128 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 24 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content.

www.AMCTheatres.com

About Warrior

Rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton command the screen as two estranged brothers facing the fight of a lifetime­ in Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, a moving, inspirational action drama from acclaimed director Gavin O’Connor (Miracle).

Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from financial ruin.  But when Brendan’s unlikely, underdog rise sets him on a collision course with the unstoppable Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront each other and the forces that pulled them apart, facing off in the most soaring, soul stirring, and unforgettable climax that must be seen to be believed.

A rousing ode to redemption, reconciliation and the power of the human spirit, WARRIOR is also a moving testament to the enduring bonds of family.   WARRIOR stars Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Star Wars: Episode III), Tom Hardy (the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Black Hawk Down), Jennifer Morrison (“House”, Star Trek) and Nick Nolte (Tropic Thunder, The Thin Red Line).  The film is directed by Gavin O’Connor; screenplay by Gavin O’Connor & Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorman and story by Gavin O’Connor & Cliff Dorfman. Lionsgate and Mimran Schur Pictures present a Lionsgate / Mimran Schur Pictures production. A Solaris Entertainment and Filmtribe production.

www.warriorthefilm.com

About Lionsgate 

Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution and new channel platforms.  The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel assets. Lionsgate currently has 15 shows on more than 10 networks spanning its prime time production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as “Mad Men”, “Weeds” and “Nurse Jackie” along with  the comedy “Blue Mountain State, ” the upcoming drama “Boss” and the syndication successes “Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne”, its spinoff “Meet The Browns”,  the upcoming “For Better or Worse,” “The Wendy Williams Show” and “Are We There Yet?”.

Its feature film business has generated more than half a billion dollars at the North American box office in the past year, fueled by such successes as THE LINCOLN LAWYER, TYLER PERRY’S MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY, THE EXPENDABLES, which was #1 at the North American box office for two weeks, THE LAST EXORCISM, TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?, KICK ASS and the critically-acclaimed PRECIOUS, which won two Academy Awards®. The Company’s home entertainment business has grown to more than 8% market share and is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 13,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

www.lionsgate.com

 

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