Tag Archives: Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance

So Very Vida’s Successful Blog Launch Party in Conjunction With the World Networks

All of Hollywood was a buzz, as noted actress, voice over artist and fashion blogger Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project, Jimmy Kimmel Live) just had the exclusive, jam packed launch party for her self-titled blog, www.soveryvida.com, at the glitzy W Hotel Hollywood on June 29th. Ever the media maven, Vida hosted the event in conjunction with www.theworldnetworks.com, which was founded by savvy entrepreneur Lousine Karibian.

 

Aligning with the W was on point with Vida’s brand as she has showcased many high end events  in the luxury goods market such as the Rand Review, exclusive Oscar and Emmy Gifting Suites, front row coverage of LA Fashion Week, The Film Fashion Awards and countless other high-tier, private events. “Hollywood is such an integral part of my career and I’m honored that I got the chance to collaborate with Lousine, The World Networks and the W for this event. Lousine is a real visionary and she has created such a wonderful organization that really empowers all types of entrepreneurs especially women, which is what I strive to do with my blog and in all aspects of my media career. More than anything though, I was touched by the support of so many friends and colleagues coming out to support me. Though I do go to events as a blogger, it can often be a very solitary experience as it is full of deadlines and mastering word press and constantly in a state of follow up and pursuit of what is timely and blog-worthy. So to see all my fabulous guests there for me, on a very warm night in Hollywood, with at least 6 big events going from the Paley Center, to a Zac Efron premiere, and even a Paris Hilton perfume launch, well, I’m truly excited and grateful for all of this warmth and support. I also wanted to thank the lovely ladies at the LA Fashion Magazine as well as the staff from Malin + Goetz, who stopped by as well as my amazing hair and makeup teams, Maryam from Chic Look, and Jade and her wonderful Moonstar Cosmetics and Starving Artists Project team,” said Ghaffari. Vida was dressed in a Sue Wong gown, her hair was by Maryam Motaghy of Chic Look Salon in Valley Village, CA. Vida’s head makeup artist was Jade Martinez, founder and CEO of Moonstar Cosmetics. She was assisted by makeup artists LiliaYeremyan and her sister Sher Yeremyan, who is the owner of Mazi Salon in Glendale, CA.

Vida getting glammed celebrity makeup artists Shog and Sher

Numerous celebrities and attended this event such as celebrated actor Ford Austin (Bosch, Dahmer vs Gacy, Facebook Live with Ford and Vida), his wife, Emmy-winning producer Lauree Dash, Kate Linder (The Young and the Restless, Mother’s Day), Actress/Radio Personality Amber Lynn (Host ofRock’N’SeXXXy Uncensored, star of Who’s Jenna?), Pej Vahdat (Bones-series regular, Shameless), Larry Thomas (Seinfeld), Isaac C. Singleton Jr. (Deadpool, Guardians of the Galaxy), Assaf Cohen (American Sniper, Entourage), Gabriel Jarret (Real Genius), Carrie Lazar (The Magnificent Seven), Rico E. Anderson (Star Trek: Horizon, the Fosters), Kim Estes (Fresh Off the Boat, Pretty Little Liars), Cecilia Specht (Scandal, Partners), Dawna Lee Heising (Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance), actor/filmmaker/on-air host Tyrone Tann (Lavanderia,Blooob, Stauros Entertainment), Hoyt Richards (The Mangled, Intersection),Reatha Grey (Off Their Rockers, Betrothed), Anna Easteden (Two and a Half Men), actress/model Max Wasa (House of Manson, Playboy Playmate), actress and model Dani Sciacca (The Witch Chronicles 2), Jon Mack (Blunt Force Trauma, Saw 6), Michelle Bernard (Any Given Sunday, Grease Live!), Actress and model Miki Black (CSI: NY, Maxim,Benchwarmer), Mandy Amano (Teeth and Blood, Crank: High Voltage), Actress/model Natasha Blasick (Days of Our Lives), Musician Martin Blasick, Actress/model Lisa Cash (General Hospital, Maxim St. Patty’s Day girl), entertainment attorney Nadia Davari, and filmmaker Steven Aryamlooi (My Girlfriend’s Back, Love…& Other Four Letter Words) as well as internationally renowned fashion designer Sue Wong, HSH Rudolf Kniase Melikoff (Kingdoms of Armenia, Georgia, and Imperial Russia). Also in attendance upper echelon of style makers and influencers such as RachelMcCord of the popular McCord List, Motown Maurice and others to show their support for Vida and her thriving blog. The gift bags were full of great juices courtesy of Bai, products from Adin of California, GreenFish premium detergent and a copy of The LA Fashion Magazine, who was a media partner. Supporters for the event were Jhenyaby Melanie Gasparyan, Lululemon Athletica, Dawn Christie and Sue Wong.

Vida with the “Soup Nazi,” Actor Larry Thomas
Actor Ford Austin with his wife, Emmy award-winning producer Lauree
Vida with Honorable Gregory Karahalios, Consul General of Greece
Vida with actor Pej Vahdat
Vida with Lousine Karibian, founder of the World Networks
Noted actress Reatha Grey
Vida with fashion designer Sue Wong. Vida is dressed in a Sue Wong gown
Vida with noted actress Kate Linder, star of the Young and the Restless
Vida with Actor Assaf Cohen

ABOUT VIDA GHAFFARI

Born and raised in the DC area, Vida Ghaffari comes from a long line of renowned diplomats, scholars, actors/directors, writers, and poets and knows her way around high-end fashion and glamour. Vida wants to uphold the family tradition through the arts and the media. She has been active on the Tinsel town scene as an accomplished actress, journalist, a voiceover artist, and industry insider. With her rich, smart, and sassy signature voice, Vida works steadily as a voiceover artist. Vida recently voiced two characters in the award-winning animated film “Lovesick Fool” created by Emmy-nominated director Dominic Polcino (“The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” and “King of the Hill”). Acclaimed actors Fred Willard, Lisa Kudrow, and Janeane Garofalo also voiced roles in this film. This comedic powerhouse landed a great co-starring role in Mindy Kaling’s humorous and much buzzed about show “The Mindy Project.” She has also starred in Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia“. These projects cap off a number of successes for the versatile starlet. She will soon be shooting a supporting role in multi award-winning filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka’s “Darling Nikki” alongside James Duval (“Independence Day,”Donnie Darko“), Kristine DeBell(“Meatballs”), Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s “Game of Death,””Black Belt Jones”).  She will also star in “Copperhead Creek” opposite James Van Patten (of “Saw” fame), which is a western by Rick Groat. Vida is also nominated for a Best Actress award at the coveted Love International Film Festival which starts today. Vida’s multi award-winning blog was named by On Trend Magazine as a blog to watch. More info about Vida via facebook, twitter, and instagram at her handles @VidaGhaffari and @soveryvida. More info about Vida at www.soveryvida.com

ABOUT THE WORLD NETWORKS:

The World Networks is, as its name implies, an international networking group created and developed by its CEOLousine Karibian in 2011. To its immense credit, this networking group has members from nearly every country on the globe. Karibian is also the CEO and founder of The Armenian American Network (TAAN), which she started in October, 2010. After she had founded TAAN, Karibian’s contacts from different backgrounds asked her, “Could you do this for our people as well?” And so was born The World Networks organization to bridge various ethnic and geographic communities. Not only is Lousine Karibian the entrepreneur’s entrepreneur, but she is also most certainly the net worker’s net worker, having built her company, The World Networks, into a truly global enterprise. She is also a terrific marketing person, as her clients will attest. More info via facebook and instagram at her handle @theworldnetworks and at www.TheWorldNetworks.com

ABOUT STATION AT THE W HOTEL HOLLYWOOD

The elegant yet hip W Hotel is in the heart of Hollywood. Step outside and discover Station Hollywood, located just outside of the Living Room at W Hollywood and adjacent to Hollywood Boulevard. More info athttp://www.whollywoodhotel.com/station-hollywood-bar

Photos courtesy of Bob Delgadillo

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance at AFM

The much buzzed about Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance was the made its mark on a global scale at the popular American Film Market (AFM) with a standing room only screening and meet and greet with the film’s stars. They also had an epic, star-studded party at the 310 Lounge in Santa Monica.

The film's stars from left to right: Mel Novak, Tommy Wiseau, Laurene Landon, Mathew Karedas and Kristine DeBell. Photo courtesy of Albert L. Ortega/Gettyimages
The film’s stars from left to right: Mel Novak, Tommy Wiseau, Laurene Landon, Mathew Karedas and Kristine DeBell. Photo courtesy of Albert L. Ortega/Gettyimages

“We are delighted to present this film to the worldwide audience at AFM and hope that people around the world can experience Samurai Cop 2,” said award-winning writer-director-producer Gregory Hatanaka.

 Filmmakers Bert I. Gordon and Gregory Hatanaka with actress Laurene Landon. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Filmmakers Bert I. Gordon and Gregory Hatanaka with actress Laurene Landon. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

This much anticipated sequel to the legendary cult classic, Samurai Cop (1991), explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (MathewKaredas), who are teaming up once again in this action-packed tour de force. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.

Actor Tommy Wiseau and writer-director-producer Gregory Hatanaka give their thumbs up. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Actor Tommy Wiseau and writer-director-producer Gregory Hatanaka give their thumbs up. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

Alongside the original cast, the film also stars iconic actors such as Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, Black Belt Jones), Bai Ling (The Crow, Crank: High Voltage), Tommy Wiseau (The Room), Laurene Landon (Maniac Cop, Airplane II: The Sequel), Thomas J. Churchill (Lazarus: Apocalypse, Checkpoint), Joe Estevez (Dexter), Dawna Lee Heising (Slink, Ten Violent Women: Part 2), Gerald Okamura (G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra) , Kayden Kross (Street Smart), Yuka Sano (Paranormal Activity Security Squad), Lisa London (Darling Nikki, Divorce Texas Style) , Ramzi Abed (Noirland), Naoyuki Ikeda (Blue Dream), Lexi Belle (Sisterhood), Kristine De Bell (Darling Nikki, Meatballs) and Joycelyne Lew (Mad Cowgirl, Ride With the Devil), who were both leads in Jackie Chan’s The Big Brawl and countless others.

Actress Bai Ling strikes a pose in a racy leopard print. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Actress Bai Ling strikes a pose in a racy leopard print. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

Other celebrities and VIPs in attendance were the film’s producers Joseph Kelbie Williamson, Rich Mallery, as well as filmmaker Bert I. Gordon (Secrets of a Psychopath), actors Hank Garrett (Three Days of the Condor), Jamie Bernadette (Darling Nikki), Magda Marcella (Hunter) Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project), journalists Maryam Morrison and Mathew Morrison of Eden Magazine, Tyrone Tann of Stauros Entertainment, Jesse Torrero of AV Entertainment Live, celebrity photographers Albert L. Ortega, Bob Delgadillo, Billy Bennight – and many more!

Writer-director-producer Gregory Hatanaka with actors Mathew Karedas and Mel Novak. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Writer-director-producer Gregory Hatanaka with actors Mathew Karedas and Mel Novak. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

Founded in 1981, the AFM quickly became the premiere global marketplace where Hollywood’s decision-makers and trendsetters all gather under one roof. Unlike a film festival, the AFM is a marketplace where production and distribution deals are closed. In just eight days, more than $1 billion in deals will be sealed — on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production — making AFM the must-attend industry event where Samurai Cop 2 was highlighted on a grand scale.

Filmmakers and actors Tyrone Tann and Thomas J. Churchill. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Filmmakers and actors Tyrone Tann and Thomas J. Churchill. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Actor Mel Novak looks sharp in his suit from Rocky's Custom Clothes. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Actor Mel Novak looks sharp in his suit from Rocky’s Custom Clothes. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Yours truly getting interviewed by Jesse Torrero of AV Entertainment Live. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
Yours truly getting interviewed by Jesse Torrero of AV Entertainment Live. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
With two filmmakers I admire, Thomas J. Churchill and Gregory Hatanaka. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos
With two filmmakers I admire, Thomas J. Churchill and Gregory Hatanaka. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

More info at https://www.facebook.com/SamuraiCop2

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance’s Sold Out Screenings

Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengence Sells Out

On Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th, Cinema Epoch presented two exclusive, sold out screenings of award-winning filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka’s Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance at the Laemmle Noho Theatre. The Martial Arts Museum in Burbank will also hosted a very special event on Saturday, October 10th at 4:30pm for all the rabid Samurai Cop 2 fans!

Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengence poster
Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengence poster

Los Angeles, CA , October 11, 2015 -Cinema Epoch presented exclusive sold out screenings of award-winning filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka’s Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance on Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th, at the Laemmle Noho Theatre at 7:20pm. Hatanaka(Mad Cowgirl, Blue Dream) and the stars of the film conducted a Q and A after the film on both nights.  More screening dates to be announced soon.

Castmates Cranston Komuro, Bai Ling and Gerald Okamura. Bai's eye-catching outfit is a nod to the genre of the film
Castmates Cranston Komuro, Bai Ling and Gerald Okamura. Bai’s eye-catching outfit is a nod to the genre of the film

 

This much anticipated sequel to the legendary cult classic, Samurai Cop (1991), explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (Matt Hannon) who are teaming up once again in this action-packed tour de force. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.

Samurai Cop 2 Castmates Mathew Karedas and Dawna Lee Heising
Castmates Mathew Karedas and Dawna Lee Heising

Alongside the original cast, the film also stars iconic actors such as Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, Black Belt Jones), Bai Ling (The Crow, Crank: High Voltage), Tommy Wiseau (The Room), Laurene Landon (Maniac Cop, Airplane II: The Sequel), Thomas J. Churchill (Lazarus: Apocalypse), Joe Estevez (Dexter), Dawna Lee Heising (Slink, Pond Scum), Kristine De Bell (The Big Brawl) and countless others. This film utilizes the innovative 35mm trend that is being used in the new Bond and Tarantino film. Lee Heising’s scene with Wiseau utilized this film method which was apropos as Hatanaka truly gave homage to the original film while keeping it fresh and current enough for modern day audiences, which also was a great fit for his eclectic cast.

Actress Laurene Landon who played a detective in the film
Actress Laurene Landon who played a detective in the film
Actor Mel Novak
Actor Mel Novak on the red carpet

“I’m a big fan of the first film and it’s amazing to work with the original cast as well as the new generation of cast members,” said Hatanaka. “I feel really blessed. I hope I did the ensemble justice. It helped to have reverence for the cast and I respected everyone’s work in it,” he added.

Actors Laurene Landon, Lisa London, actor-filmmaker Thomas J. Churchill, actor and journalist HPC's Vida G., actors Mel Novak, Amy Shi, and Ewart Chin
Actors Laurene Landon, Lisa London, actor-filmmaker Thomas J. Churchill, actor, voiceover artist and fashion blogger yours truly., actors Mel Novak, Amy Shi, and Ewart Chin

Tickets for these screenings can be purchased at this link: www.laemmle.com/films/39604

Actress Bai Ling blows a kiss to her birthday cake with her image on it
Actress Bai Ling blows a kiss to her birthday cake with her image on it

If that wasn’t enough to have quenched the fans thirst Samurai Cop 2 thirst, the stars of this film descended upon the Martial Arts Museum for a very special event on Saturday, October 10th at 4:30pm. This museum is located at 2319 W. Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank.  For their legions of rabid fans, there was be an exclusive red carpet photo session and an unveiling of the Flying Guillotine Display at the Museum that was graciously donated by Hatanaka. It was also the birthday of Samurai Cop 2 star Bai Ling, which was celebrated with a beautiful cake of Ling’s striking image in a glamorous outfit.

Celebrities and VIPs in attendance were Grand Master Eric Lee, producers Joseph Kelbie Williamson and Edwin Santos, actors Joe Estevez, Gerald Okamura, Lisa London, Lexi Belle, Yuka Sano, Amy Shi, Hank Garrett, Naoyuki Ikeda, Ramzi Abed, Shane Ryan, photographers Dan Kennedy and John Cox – and many more!

The trailer of the film can be seen at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=996zhYei9Xw

Photos courtesy of Cineridge Entertainment

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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Advanced Screening of Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance

This afternoon I had the good fortune of seeing a super private advanced screening of  Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance with the film’s award-winning director, Gregory Hatanaka and star of the film Mathew Karedas in attendance.

Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengence poster
Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengence poster

This film had such an impressive ensemble cast and so much action, that you can’t fully take it in with just the one viewing.

Big congrats to Hatanaka for creating the much anticipated sequel to this legendary cult classic.  There were nods and homages to the original film for all the fans, but Hatanaka kept it fresh and often times humorous and I love that. I had many laugh out loud moments.

Samurai Cop 2 explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (Mathew Karedas ) who are teaming up once again in this action-packed tour de force. Both actors give  great performances. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.

And I was on the edge of my seat with all the action packed scenes. I love how Frazer often pans to the camera in such an effortless way that it really added to the comical moments of the film.

The supporting cast was wonderful as well. Bai Ling gives an epic performance. Laurene Landon (there’s a great reference for Hundra fans) is wonderful as the tough and brash detective. Mel Novak is also amazing in a very cunning role. Thomas J. Churchill is also wonderful in a nice character role. Dawna Lee Heising is hilarious in her scene with Wiseau, who gives a fun and funny standout performance. Cranston Komuro, Melissa Moore, Lexi Belle, Kristine DeBll, Mindy Robinson, Lisa London and everyone else in the cast that lights up the screen.

Kayden Kross gives a good performance and has mainstream cinema potential. Joe Estevez is great as the angry and brusque police chief. Add into the mix the return of Gerald Okamura (including a great flashback with him from the original movie).

 

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance Screens with a Vengeance!

 

Cinema Epoch proudly presents an exclusive screenings of award-winning filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka’s Samurai Cop2: Deadly Vengeance on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10th, at the Laemmle Noho Theatre at 7:20pm. Hakanaka (Mad Cowgirl, Blue Dream) and the stars of the film will conduct a Q and A after the film. More screening dates to be announced soon.

Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengence poster
Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengence poster

This much anticipated sequel to the legendary cult classic, Samurai Cop (1991), explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (Matt Hannon) who are teaming up once again in this star-studded action-packed tour de force. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.

 

Still of actress Bai Ling
Still of actress Bai Ling

 

Still of actress Laurene Langdon
Still of actress Laurene Landon

Alongside the original cast, the film also stars iconic actors such as Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, Black Belt Jones), Bai Ling (The Crow, Crank: High Voltage), Tommy Wiseau (The Room), Laurene Landon (Maniac Cop, Airplane II: The Sequel), Thomas J. Churchill (Lazarus: Apocalypse), Joe Estevez (Dexter), Dawna Lee Heising (Slink, Pond Scum), Kristine De Bell (The Big Brawl) and countless others.

still of actor Mel Novak
still of actor Mel Novak

Tickets for these screenings can be purchased at this link: www.laemmle.com/films/39604

Still of actor Mathew Karedas
Still of actor Mathew Karedas
Still of actors Dawna Lee Heising and Tommy Wiseau
Still of actors Dawna Lee Heising and Tommy Wiseau
He wears his sunglasses at night! Still of actor and award-winning Thomas J. Churchill
He wears his sunglasses at night! Still of actor and award-winning filmmaker Thomas J. Churchill

If that wasn’t enough to quench your Samurai Cop 2 thirst, the stars of this film will descend upon the Martial Arts Museum for a very special event on Saturday, October 10th at 4:30pm. This museum is located at 2319 W. Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. For their legions of fans, there will be an exclusive red carpet photo session and an unveiling of the Flying Guillotine Display at the Museum that was graciously donated by Hatanaka. It’s also the birthday of Samurai Cop 2 star Bai Ling, so please come out to join in on the festivities. Please note that this is a free event to accommodate the fans.

All photos courtesy of Cinema Epoch

 

 

 

 

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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