The second installment of the “Hillin WWII Universe” this time has Louis Mandylor both in front and behind the cameras as the director of this film set before Battle for Saipan.

John Caputo is a former Marine who was the unit’s boxing champion until he was discharged after accidentally killing his opponent in the ring. However, missing combat, he decides to enlist in the Army and ends up in Malay, where he’s stationed with an old rival, James. From the moment they lock eyes on each other, their disdain for each other gets stronger. It doesn’t help that James is overcoming watching his best friend killed in action during a fight against the Imperial Forces.

Things eventually smooth down for James and John after they box each other to let their aggressions out. Finally settling their score, the two become friends and it will be needed as the Imperial Forces begin an attack on their airfield, killing many soldiers and nurses in the infirmary. Only a small group, including James and John, along with Reverend Conte, are left. It is up to them to stay alive and take on the Imperial Forces.

After Battle for Saipan, producer Daemon Hillin and writer Brandon Slagle return to helm the second WWII-set action film. While it is inspired by a true story, the Malayan campaign did in fact have no American soldiers involved, but rather the British Empire vs. the Japanese and Thai forces. This can be considered a “what if” there was an American airfield in the area and it was attacked by the Imperial Forces in 1942. Once again, if you’re expecting a historical accurate film, then this is not for you. If you enjoyed Battle for Saipan for what it was, then chances are you’ll enjoy this one just as much.

Louis Mandylor takes center stage as both director and star. Once again, he plays a flawed tough character in John Caputo, a former Marine turned Army soldier. Where he played the big brother leader of Battle for Saipan, here he is someone looking for redemption as he finds himself back in the war after being disgraced for his accident while in the Marines. He finds himself attempting to make good with the people around him, especially an old rival in James, played by UFC legend Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.

Another MMA legend, Quentin “Rampage” Jackson is quite intriguing as a man of the cloth in Reverend Conte. He believes in peace, but once the action gets going, Jackson is all a part of it. There is a notable villain in a Japanese soldier who comes in to unleash some knife work against some soldiers, including Who Am I? superkicker turned stuntman Ron Smoorenburg. Ray Yee plays the character and he dos it with such tenacity, especially when he plunges his knife atop of a soldier’s head and looks straight at him with disgust. Which leads to some pretty decent action scenes and this means the hand to hand combat scenes, in which the same style used in Battle for Saipan is done here.

3 Days in Malay may not have its totally accuracy in history, but is a well played out “what if” movie filled with some pretty nifty fight scenes and pretty good performances by star/director Louis Mandylor as well as “Cowboy” Cerrone and “Rampage” Jackson. The breakout could be Ray Yee as the insane Imperial soldier whose lethal skills and demeanor are perfect villany. Next up will be Operation Blood Hunt, the final installment of the universe.

WFG RATING: B+

Saban Films presents a Hillin Entertainment production in association with Ashland Hill Media Finance, Benetone Films, Everbright Pictures, Stone Horus Media, and Red Phoenix Productions. Director: Louis Mandylor. Producer: Daemon Hillin. Writer: Brandon Slagle. Cinematography: Niccolo de la Fere. Editing: Austin Nordell.

Cast: Louis Mandylor, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Quentin “Rampage” Jackson, Kelly Lynn Reiter, Randall J. Bacon, Kelly B. Jones, Leota Rhodes, Ray Yee, Randy Wayne.