U.S. Film Premiere is a Knockout!
Scottish boxer Craig McEwan appears in the new film “Dick Dynamite: 1944.” The former prizefighter appears in a cameo during a fight scene in the action movie out now (available to rent or buy on demand). The movie had a recent run in theaters and was also a popular draw and award winner at film festivals around the world.
I had the chance to attend the US. premiere of this movie (described as “rude, crude, loud, violent and gory”) at the LOOK Cinemas in Glendale, Calif. Although McEwan was not able to attend in person as he resides in Edinburgh and puts in his time at the legendary Clovenstone Boxing Club (established in 1993 by his father Rab McEwan), he lent his full support to the project.
The December 10 event featured red carpet arrivals, a special photo booth, and cocktail reception with the actors and filmmakers of the hit flick.
Director/writer/musician Robbie “Steed” Davidson, actor Gary “SNARS” Allan (“Dick Dynamite”), and actor Shaun Davidson (“Dash Dalton”) mingled with the crowd which was filled with punk rock royalty, horror film heroes and more. North Hollywood CineFest, Epic Pictures and Dread TV was also represented at the fiesta. It was a lively evening with an eclectic and appreciate audience. SNARS and Shaun Davidson were even decked out in their Scottish kilts and taking photos with their friends and fans.
“Dick Dynamite” enjoyed a limited run in theaters and will also be released on Blu-Ray on February 11. Tagged as “A muscle-bound hero blasts his way through Nazi soldiers during World War II,” this movie became an instant cult classic in grindhouse cinema. If you love zombie films and war movies, you will certainly enjoy seeing “Dick Dynamite.”
The Southern California premiere was a fun outing for all as the film crew also held a Q&A session after the screening. Created on a shoestring budget, the guys never gave up and kept plugging away through the years to see their film shine on the big screen.
Brothers Robbie and Shaun Davidson and lead actor SNARS thanked everyone for joining them at this L.A. premiere. They said they were enjoying the city and also hoped to visit the Wild Card Boxing Club where Craig McEwan trained with Freddie Roach.
Craig wasn’t able to attend the SoCal bash in person but spoke of what a great time he had filming his cameo scene in the film.
“The guys knew I was a boxer and needed someone to do a fight scene, needed someone who could fight,” Craig told me. “So they got in touch with me. I just a small wee part in it; it’s a crazy fun film!”
The men have remained in contact and Shaun Davidson was the ring emcee at a recent boxing show McEwan had.
“They’re good guys,” Craig comments. “I saw the movie in Scotland but it took time to get it out there in the U.S. It’s a tongue in cheek, spoof type film. Quite funny!”
“Dick Dynamite’s” run time is an hour and 29 minutes and it is a nonstop thrill ride you won’t forget. Blood, guts, gore and lots of humor too!
I asked Craig about his fight scene in the film.
“We filmed in an old airport in a place in Perth in Scotland,” he says. “It’s about 45 minutes away from Edinburgh.”
Team McEwan moved back to the U.K. after training and fighting in L.A. He was an amateur star winning lots of medals and awards and had 23 victories as a professional boxer. He remains busy in boxing with the Clovenstone Boxing Club and raising a family with wife, Sally. The couple have four kids (Callum, Cammy, Keir and Islay). The sport of boxing is still a big part of his life but Craig says he’d like to continue acting as well.
Are there any future projects in the works with the “Dick Dynamite” crew?
“The guys did good; they are doing a second film so I may be back!” Craig says while joking, “and I hope to get a bigger role!”
You can stream “Dick Dynamite” now on your favorite platform and if you do, be sure to look for champ Craig McEwan featured in one of the early fight scenes!
Movie trailer:
Photos courtesy of Craig McEwan and Michele Chong