Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon#Controversy

The story centers around Max Havoc (Mickey Hardt), an ex-kickboxing champion known as "Mad Max", turned globetrotting sports photographer. Max quit kickboxing after accidentally killing a fellow boxer during an unlikely comeback in the ring, but still suffers from flashbacks to the fight. After a bar scuffle over a biker girl (Nikki Ziering), his agent (Diego Walraff) sends him to Guam for a publicity photo shoot. There, Max encounters Tahsi (Richard Roundtree), his former kickboxing coach, now an antiques dealer, and promises to catch up with him later. While photographing an outrigger canoe race from a jet ski, Max rescues Christy Goody (Tawney Sablan), a vacationer who was about to be unwittingly run over by the canoes. In the process, he knocks over one of the canoes, earning the wrath its head rower, Moko (Pyun veteran Vincent Klyn). He is also admonished by Jane (Joanna Krupa), Christy's sister, for his brazen driving. However, she later apologizes and agrees to a dinner date.

In the meantime, Tahsi is approached by a thief (Danielle Burgio), who has fled to Guam with a stolen rare jade dragon and wants to pawn it, promising to return in 24 hours. Tahsi agrees, but does not promise not to sell it. Indeed, Jane Goody, who turns out to be a friend of his, visits his shop and buys the dragon, despite Tahsi's reluctance. She later has it appraised, learning it is worth many times more than she paid for it, heightening her hopes of paying the tuition for her sister's medical degree. Later, an enforcer (Arnold Chon) for the yakuza group Black Dragons, the original owners of the jade dragon, appears in Tahsi's shop with the thief in a headlock, demanding the figurine's return. Tahsi refuses to reveal Jane's identity and is killed along with the thief.

Max and the Goody sisters are soon involved in a streetfight with henchwoman Eiko (Ji Ling). After Max saves the sisters, and is involved in a further fight with Quicksilver (Johnny Trí Nguyễn), he is contacted by the leader of the criminals, Aya (Marie Matiko), who is also Eiko's lesbian lover. The Black Dragons explain that the jade dragon is actually an urn containing the ashes of their former leader, Yoshida, and that they believe it holds mystical value and will stop at nothing to get it back. Max and the sisters agree to return the dragon at noon the following day in return for their own personal safety. They are helped by locals, including beach vendor Debbie (Carmen Electra) and Moko, with whom Max reconciled at the scene of Tahsi's killing. Nevertheless, Jane is torn between returning the figurine and protecting their lives, and ensuring that her sister finishes her M.D. The deal falls through as Jane's cell phone battery dies, and she does not arrive at the meet in time. Max escapes the angry henchmen on a jet ski.

The head of the Black Dragons (David Carradine, credited as Grand Master), pays a visit to Guam to take the matter into his own hands. It turns out that he is a man prominently seen ringside in Max's flashbacks. The Black Dragons kidnap Christy, enticing Max and Jane to come to their hideout. Max and Grand Master reach an agreement that Max will fight Arnold Chon's character to death. If Max wins, Max and the Goody sisters can go free. Max almost deals a deadly blow to the enforcer's head, but stops himself at the last moment, sparing his life, yet winning the fight. He turns over the urn to the yakuza, and receives a priceless katana as a gift. Max and his allies celebrate the end of the adventure in a party. The film ends with Max embracing Jane Goody on a beach during sunset.

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|style=width:45em|

• Mickey Hardt as Max Havoc
• Richard Roundtree as Tahsi
• Joanna Krupa as Jane Goody
• Tawney Sablan as Christy Goody
• David Carradine as Grand Master
• Carmen Electra as Debbie
• Vincent Klyn as Moko
• Danielle Burgio as Thief
• Marie Matiko as Aya
• Li Jing as Eiko
• Arnold Chon as Baldy
• Johnny Trí Nguyễn as Quicksilver
• Nikki Ziering as Girl Biker
• Diego Wallraff as Joe
• J. J. Perry as Boxing Referee

}}

Director Albert Pyun cast Mickey Hardt as Max Havoc, as he was planning "toward European TV appeal," based on Hardt's role in the Donnie Yen film The Twins Effect and German TV series {{Interlanguage link|Codename: Puma|it|3=Il Puma}} ({{langx|de|Der Puma – Kämpfer mit Herz}}), where Yen did fight choreography.{{cite web|last1=Valentin|first1=Albert|title=REVIEW: Max Havoc: Ring of Fire (2006)|url=http://www.kungfucinema.com/review-max-havoc-ring-of-fire-2006-16528|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109224610/http://www.kungfucinema.com/review-max-havoc-ring-of-fire-2006-16528|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 9, 2010|website=Kung Fu Cinema|access-date=September 2, 2015|date=October 26, 2010}}{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Darren |title=Hong Kong goes West – When Hong Kong film makers attempt to break the Western market – part 2 |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2017/02/hong-kong-goes-west---when-hong-kong-film-makers-attempt-to-break-the-western-market---part-2-contrib.html |website=Screen Anarchy |access-date=11 May 2021 |date=24 February 2017}} He originally planned to cast Joanna Krupa as the younger sister, Christy Goody, with Jane's part going to an established actress, but Krupa ended up playing the older sister, and local actress Tawney Sablan was cast in her stead in her first film role. Rapper Fat Joe and Taiwanese actress Shu Qi did not make the cast, according to Pyun, due to film's financial problems. Billed as a top star, Carmen Electra appears in two brief scenes as a beach vendor, who flirts with Max Havoc when he returns a life jacket.

According to Pyun, the idea of Max Havoc has existed since at least 2001. At the time, he was asked to direct the film in Hawaii. After the September 11 attacks, it was decided that filming in Miami was more economically viable. Pyun said that Hawaiian film star Mark Dacascos was interested in playing the character of Max Havoc, but that he backed out after anthrax appeared in Florida. Bali was considered next for filming but the idea was abandoned after the terrorist bombing there in 2002. The director and producer settled on filming on Guam, voicing their interest to Guam officials in late 2003. Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon was supposed to be the first of two films to act as a backdoor pilot into a Max Havoc television series.{{cite web|last1=Leeder|first1=Mike|title=Albert Pyun: Max Havoc Declassified|url=http://www.impactonline.co/features/1704-albert-pyun-max-havoc-unclassified|website=ImpactOnline.co|access-date=August 31, 2015|date=February 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626053940/http://impactonline.co/features/1704-albert-pyun-max-havoc-unclassified|archive-date=June 26, 2014}}

Filming began in March and finished in May 2004.{{cite web|last1=Christensen|first1=Kim|title=Camera, legal action!|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jun-13-fi-guam13-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=August 31, 2015|date=June 13, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611083643/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/13/business/fi-guam13|archive-date=June 11, 2015}} Some of the scenes were done in East Hagåtña Bay. Pyun had planned to shoot the film with a Vancouver-based film crew, but after they were denied visas, he eventually had to resort to hiring a Los Angeles crew, which, he said, he later regretted. He complained about a lack of infrastructure for filming on Guam, as well as hostility from government officials once the film crew arrived on the island, and claimed that he was denied shooting on Waikiki Beach, which cost the film time and sponsorships. He also claimed he was not paid his director's fee, calling the film "the worst financial decision [he] ever made." Guam businesses and Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon crew members also reported not being paid for work on the film.{{cite web|last1=Partido|first1=Gerardo R.|title=Guam, L.A. film producer battle over 'Max Havoc'|url=http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2006/October/10-27-10.htm|website=Pacific Islands Report|publisher=Pacific Islands Development Program|access-date=September 17, 2015|location=Hagåtña, Guam|date=October 27, 2010|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205007/http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2006/October/10-27-10.htm}}{{cite web|last1=Limtiaco|first1=Steve|title=Guam 'Havoc' film investment a bust|url=http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2005/May/05-19-18.htm|website=Pacific Islands Report|publisher=Pacific Islands Development Program|access-date=September 17, 2015|location=Hagåtña, Guam|date=May 19, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526213351/http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2005/May/05-19-18.htm|archive-date=May 26, 2005}}

The producer, John F. S. Laing, blamed Pyun for the failure of the film. After the filming was completed on Guam, director Isaac Florentine was hired to touch up the film in Los Angeles in order to improve its marketability, adding around ten minutes of screen time in the process.{{cite web|last1=Rugaard|first1=Jason|title=Interview: Isaac Florentine|url=http://moviemavericks.com/2010/03/interview-isaac-florentine/|access-date=August 31, 2015|archive-date=September 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903002120/http://moviemavericks.com/2010/03/interview-isaac-florentine/|date=March 13, 2010}} Florentine declined screen credit, stating in a later interview that he "[did]n't feel it [was] fair" to Pyun. The L.A. shoot took ten days, and featured David Carradine and Richard Roundtree, who were not part of the original cut.

Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon premiered on Guam television on December 10, 2005.{{cite web|last1=Park|first1=Gene|title='Havoc' is guilty pleasure – without the pleasure|url=http://cityguide.guampdn.com/fe/Movies/20051222-2234743.asp|website=Pacific Daily News|access-date=September 1, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070927230336/http://cityguide.guampdn.com/fe/Movies/20051222-2234743.asp|archive-date=September 27, 2007|date=December 22, 2005}}{{cite web|last1=Park|first1=Gene|title=Guam-backed 'Havoc' to debut on Guam TV|url=http://pidp.org/pireport/2005/December/12-02-11.htm|website=Pacific Islands Report|publisher=Pacific Islands Development Program|access-date=September 4, 2015|date=December 2, 2005|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205217/http://pidp.org/pireport/2005/December/12-02-11.htm}} Because the film was poorly received and never played in theaters as promised,{{cite news|last1=Limtiaco|first1=Steve|title=Two Movies to Throw Spotlight on Guam|work=Pacific Daily News|date=7 February 2004}}{{cite web|title=GEDCA still going after 'Max Havoc' producers|url=http://www.kuam.com/story/11075366/gedca-still-going-after-max-havoc-producers|website=Kuam.com|access-date=September 2, 2015|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205321/http://www.kuam.com/story/11075366/gedca-still-going-after-max-havoc-producers}} it was described as a "box office flop" by Guam's press.{{cite web|last1=Cagurangan|first1=Mar-Vic|title=Court upholds 'Max Havoc' lawsuit dismissal|url=http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2010/April/04-02-02.htm|website=Pacific Islands Report|publisher=Pacific Islands Development Program|access-date=September 1, 2015|date=April 1, 2010|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205359/http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2010/April/04-02-02.htm}} In February 2005, producer John F.S. Laing stated he had trouble finding a theatrical distributor for the film. {{As of|2010}}, the film was reported to have grossed $15,000 on Guam and $242,229 internationally.{{cite web|last1=Denight|first1=Nate|title=Max Havoc|url=http://tpiguam.com/unoguam/2010/06/max-havoc/|website=UNO Guam Magazine|access-date=September 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119032453/http://tpiguam.com/unoguam/2010/06/max-havoc/|archive-date=November 19, 2010|date=June 1, 2010}} On January 23, 2007, Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon was released on DVD in Region 1.{{cite AV media|title=Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon|publisher=Westlake Entertainment|date=January 23, 2007|people=Pyun, Albert (director)|medium=DVD|asin=B000GYI3PE}}{{cite web|last1=Cornelius|first1=David|title=Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/26253/max-havoc-curse-of-the-dragon/|website=DVD Talk|access-date=September 1, 2015|date=January 30, 2007|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205433/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/26253/max-havoc-curse-of-the-dragon/}} The DVD extras contained interviews and several text pages about the cast, a three-minute trailer, a poster, a collection of still images from the film, and a calendar for 2007 featuring actresses from the film.{{cite web|last1=Anderson|first1=Jeffrey M.|title=Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon (2004)|url=http://www.combustiblecelluloid.com/digitalwatch/maxhavoc.shtml|website=Combustible Celluloid|access-date=September 1, 2015|archive-date=March 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324130653/http://www.combustiblecelluloid.com/digitalwatch/maxhavoc.shtml}} The film was not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

A sequel, titled Max Havoc: Ring of Fire, premiered on September 12, 2006 and on DVD on August 21, 2007.{{cite web|title=Max Havoc 2: Ring of Fire|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/max_havoc_2_ring_of_fire/|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=September 13, 2015|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205535/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/max_havoc_2_ring_of_fire/}}{{cite AV media|title=Max Havoc: Ring of Fire|publisher=Westlake Entertainment|date=21 August 2007|people=Ingram, Terry (director)|medium=DVD|asin=B000LC4Y5Y}} The film was produced in Canada and directed by Terry Ingram. Mickey Hardt reprises his role as Max Havoc, who comes to Seattle to do a photoshoot of a tennis champion played by Christina Cox, but has to deal with a street gang and organized crime, while Dean Cain plays the main antagonist. Max Havoc: Ring of Fire received mixed-to-negative reviews, being called a "run of the mill B-movie."{{cite web|title=Max Havoc: Ring of Fire (2006)|url=http://www.mattmovieguy.com/2009/12/max-havoc-ring-of-fire-2006.html|website=Direct to Video Connoisseur|access-date=September 13, 2015|date=December 29, 2009|archive-date=August 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809020917/http://www.mattmovieguy.com/2009/12/max-havoc-ring-of-fire-2006.html}} On September 30, 2009, both films were released as a double feature on Blu-ray in Germany.{{cite AV media|title=Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon / Ring of Fire|publisher=Ascot Elite Home Entertainment GmbH|date=September 30, 2009|people=Pyun, Albert (director)|medium=Blu-ray|asin=B005PF9KT2}}

Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon received mostly negative reviews. Reviewers were mostly focused on the film's lacking plot and rampant cliché use. David Cornelius of DVD Talk described it as "the kind of moronic C-level action flick that always stars some former martial arts champ", noting that the controversy behind the funding of the film was more interesting than the film itself, and finishing with the advice to skip the film. Albert Valentin of Kung Fu Cinema was less critical of the film, praising choreography and Mickey Hardt's performance in action sequences.{{cite web|last1=Valentin|first1=Albert|title=REVIEW: Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon (2004)|url=http://www.kungfucinema.com/reviews/max-havoc-curse-of-the-dragon-2004|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140501213815/http://www.kungfucinema.com/reviews/max-havoc-curse-of-the-dragon-2004|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 1, 2014|website=KungFuCinema.com|access-date=August 31, 2015}} Combustible Celluloid's Jeffrey M. Anderson gave the film a neutral-to-positive review, mentioning "the overall ridiculousness of the film charmed [him]", and commenting positively on the chemistry between Hardt's and Krupa's characters. Gene Park of Guam's Pacific Daily News was, however, jarred by inaccuracies in the plot. He called the film a "guilty pleasure without the pleasure." He thought the action editing was "epileptic" and compared the whole film to a travelogue. As of 2015, review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes counts one positive and one negative review of the film.{{cite web|title=Max Havoc: Curse Of The Dragon (2006)|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/max_havoc_the_movie/|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=September 1, 2015|archive-date=December 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219174423/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/max_havoc_the_movie/}}

Author Camilla Fojas later criticized Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon for its shortcoming as a promotional vehicle for Guam and its film industry, noting the colonialistic portrayal of Guam, especially in the parting scene where U.S. mainland-based characters bid farewell to Chamorro people in a cliché fashion.Camilla Fojas, Islands of Empire: Pop Culture & U.S. Power, P. 183-189, University of Texas Press, 2014, {{ISBN|978-0-292-75630-4}}

At the request of producer John F.S. Laing and director Albert Pyun, the Guam Economic Development and Commerce Authority gave an $800,000 loan guarantee to Laing and his company Guam Motion Pictures Company (GMPC) to secure a third party loan from Comerica Bank in order to finance the film.{{cite web|last1=Dumat-ol Daleno|first1=Gaynor|title=Guam spends $800,000 on film, gets $9,000 back|url=http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2006/december/12-14-07.htm|website=Pacific Islands Report|publisher=Pacific Islands Development Program|access-date=September 2, 2015|archive-date=February 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206013121/http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2006/december/12-14-07.htm}} GMPC was created by Laing on Guam to produce Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon, while Laing's stateside company, Rigel Entertainment, was to handle distribution. GMPC was also supposed to produce a further theatrical film and two travel documentaries.{{cite web|last1=Dumat-ol Daleno|first1=Gaynor|title=Guam agency guarantees loan to film maker|url=http://pidp.org/pireport/2004/May/05-07-10.htm|website=Pacific Islands Report|publisher=Pacific Islands Development Program|access-date=September 4, 2015|date=May 7, 2004|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205723/http://pidp.org/pireport/2004/May/05-07-10.htm}} In June 2006, Laing defaulted on the loan to Comerica and the guarantee was forfeited. The rights to the film were subsequently auctioned by Comerica. A newly formed Canadian company, Up North Entertainment, Inc., bought the film for $83,000. Laing was listed as one of three directors of Up North Entertainment. Guam's share of the foreclosure sale money was $9,090.

The film has been mired in litigation on Guam and in California. Laing filed a case in California against the Government of Guam, alleging that he agreed to guarantee the collateral, but that the agreement was procured under duress, and that he was underpaid by Guam government for a series of public service announcements featuring Carmen Electra.{{cite web|title=LAING v. GUAM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCE AUTHORITY|url=http://www.leagle.com/decision/In%20CACO%2020100330029/LAING%20v.%20GUAM%20ECONOMIC%20DEVELOPMENT%20AND%20COMMERCE%20AUTHORITY|website=Leagle.com|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205750/http://www.leagle.com/decision/In%20CACO%2020100330029/LAING%20v.%20GUAM%20ECONOMIC%20DEVELOPMENT%20AND%20COMMERCE%20AUTHORITY|date=March 30, 2010}} In March 2008, the case was dismissed and Laing was ordered to pay Guam's legal fees.{{cite web|last1=Salas Matanane|first1=Sabrina|title=Max Havoc litigation up for GEDA discussion|url=http://www.kuam.com/story/12021424/max-havoc-litigation-up-for-geda-discussion|website=Kuam.com|access-date=October 15, 2015|date=February 21, 2010|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205812/http://www.kuam.com/story/12021424/max-havoc-litigation-up-for-geda-discussion}} Laing appealed twice and lost both appeals. GEDCA called Laing's California lawsuit a "tactical maneuver".{{cite web|last1=Limtiaco|first1=Steve|title=Court dismisses 'Max Havoc' suit against GovGuam|url=http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2007/march/03%2D29%2D25.htm|website=Pacific Islands Report|publisher=Pacific Islands Development Program|access-date=September 3, 2015|date=March 29, 2007|archive-date=March 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314171421/http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2007/march/03-29-25.htm}} Laing was also sued by the Government of Guam for fraud. Matthew Borden, attorney for the GEDCA, accused Laing of coming to the island with intention to defraud the government and people of Guam.{{cite web|last1=Artero|first1=Sonya|title=Judge wants 'Havoc' trial kept on Guam|url=http://www.kuam.com/story/11069604/judge-wants-havoc-trial-kept-on-guam|website=KUAM News|access-date=September 17, 2015|date=March 28, 2007|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205912/http://www.kuam.com/story/11069604/judge-wants-havoc-trial-kept-on-guam}} In a retort, Laing claimed the Government of Guam pledged $3 million in loans and other incentives if he were to come to the island and make Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon there. Guam officials denied making such a pledge and Laing admitted he did not possess any written agreements on the matter.

A trial began in Guam Superior Court on February 13, 2012.{{cite web|last1=Aguon|first1=Mindy|title=GEDA v. Laing trial set for Monday|url=http://www.kuam.com/story/16690783/2012/02/07/geda-v-laing-trial-set-for-monday|website=KUAM News|access-date=September 17, 2015|date=February 6, 2012|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016205947/http://www.kuam.com/story/16690783/2012/02/07/geda-v-laing-trial-set-for-monday}} After six years of litigation on Guam,{{cite web|last1=Ridgell |first1=Clynt |title=GEDA Accepts Max Havoc Settlement of $350-Thousand |url=http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23540:geda-accepts-max-havoc-settlement-of-350-thousand&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726090608/http://pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23540%3Ageda-accepts-max-havoc-settlement-of-350-thousand&catid=45%3Aguam-news&Itemid=156 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 26, 2012 |website=Pacific News Center |access-date=September 17, 2015 |date=May 11, 2012 }} a settlement was reached on May 11. The GEDCA Board of Directors approved Laing's offer of $350,000 in place of paying back the original $800,000 guarantee. The agreement stipulated that Laing would make a payment of $250,000 on June 30, with the remainder paid by September 30.{{cite web|last1=Aguon|first1=Mindy|title=GEDA/Laing settlement filed for court's review|url=http://www.kuam.com/story/18810789/2012/06/18/gedalaing-settlement-filed-for-courts-review|website=KUAM News|access-date=September 17, 2015|date=June 19, 2012|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016210107/http://www.kuam.com/story/18810789/2012/06/18/gedalaing-settlement-filed-for-courts-review}}

By the June deadline, Laing had made a payment of $200,000. GEDCA requested the outstanding $50,000 along with the $100,000 remaining balance to be paid by Laing by the September deadline.{{cite web|last1=Taitano|first1=Zita Y.|title=GEDA receives part of Havoc pay settlement|url=http://mvguam.com/local/news/24959-geda-receives-part-of-havoc-pay-settlement.html|website=Marianas Variety|access-date=September 17, 2015|date=July 26, 2012|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016210137/http://mvguam.com/local/news/24959-geda-receives-part-of-havoc-pay-settlement.html}} When asked by a local talk radio station if the Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon settlement money would be a windfall for GEDCA and could be used for future economic development projects on Guam, GEDCA administrator Karl Pangelinan stated that the money would barely pay for the legal fees incurred during the years of legal fighting with Laing.{{cite web|url=http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26288:karl-pangelinan-with-ray-gibson-&catid=52:k57-interviews&Itemid=151 |title=Karl Pangelinan with Ray Gibson |publisher=Pacificnewscenter.com |date=August 13, 2012 |access-date=March 11, 2013}} In September, Rigel Entertainment declared bankruptcy.{{cite web|title=Company Bankruptcy Information for Rigel Entertainment, Inc.|url=http://business-bankruptcies.com/cases/rigel-entertainment-inc|website=Business-bankruptcies.com|access-date=September 17, 2015|archive-date=December 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218081935/http://business-bankruptcies.com/cases/rigel-entertainment-inc}} On October 26, GEDCA board met and established that Laing had made a partial late payment of $75,000 on the $150,000 still outstanding. A new deadline was set for January 31, 2013.{{cite web|last1=Kerrigan |first1=Kevin |title=Liang [sic] Makes Another Payment to GEDA, Pangelinan Confident Final Payment in Max Havoc Film Fiasco Will Be Made by January |url=http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28473:liang-makes-another-payment-to-geda-pangelinan-confident-final-payment-in-max-havoc-film-fiasco-will-be-made-by-january&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016210231/http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28473%3Aliang-makes-another-payment-to-geda-pangelinan-confident-final-payment-in-max-havoc-film-fiasco-will-be-made-by-january&catid=45%3Aguam-news&Itemid= |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |website=Pacific News Center |access-date=September 17, 2015 |date=October 26, 2012 }} Laing missed the January deadline,{{cite web|last1=Aoki|first1=Dance|title=Filmmaker owes GEDA final $75,000|url=http://archive.guampdn.com/article/20130109/NEWS01/301090317|website=Pacific Daily News|access-date=October 16, 2015|date=January 9, 2013|archive-date=September 2, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150902155800/http://archive.guampdn.com/article/20130109/NEWS01/301090317}} but in late February, GEDCA reported receiving the money, thus bringing the lawsuit to a close.{{cite web|last1=Aguon|first1=Mindy|url=http://www.kuam.com/story/21237615/2013/02/18/laing-gmpc-make-first-installment-on-settlement |title=Laing, GMPC make first installment on settlement|website=KUAM news |date=February 26, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2015|archive-date=February 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215213322/http://www.kuam.com/story/21237615/2013/02/18/laing-gmpc-make-first-installment-on-settlement}}

{{reflist|2}}

• {{IMDb title|id=0404225}}
• {{rotten tomatoes|id=max_havoc_the_movie}}

{{Albert Pyun}}

{{Isaac Florentine |state=autocollapse}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Max Havoc: Curse Of The Dragon}}

Category:2004 films

Category:2004 action films

Category:American martial arts films

Category:Films directed by Albert Pyun

Category:Films directed by Isaac Florentine

Category:Films set in Guam

Category:Films shot in Guam

Category:Yakuza films

Category:Films shot in Los Angeles

Category:2005 martial arts films

Category:2005 films

Category:2000s English-language films

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Category:English-language action films