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Reviews
Intrusive Behavior (2013)
Good story of intrusive behaviour
I always enjoy performances by Jessica Cameron and Heather Dorff, both in short and full length feature films, especially when they appear together on screen as in 'Truth or Dare'. Apart from their acting ability, I admire their abundant energy and enthusiasm that they pour into the film making process and I could not resist the opportunity to view the DVD of 'Intrusive Behaviour' in which they have starring roles. It is clear that they have an excellent working relationship which pays dividends as they display in this film.
'Intrusive Behavior' is a film of two parts. Part 1 is devoted to acquainting the viewer to the background of the disorderly personality of a young girl named Heidi which can be described as a complex combination of being devious, manipulative, controlling, perceptive and violent. The time allocated to illustrating these traits of her character is well spent as is the focus on the dilemmas facing the parents and staff in a behavioural care centre whilst contending with the situation arising from the problems encountered. This section features an admirable performance by Taylor Frase in the challenging role of young Heidi. Another actress who caught my eye during this portion of the film was Robin Sydney in a brief supporting role. But she made the most of her screen time to make me note her name for the future.
The second part of the film focuses on the situation which has developed 15 years later and it is from the point that the film becomes a thriller with an unexpected climax. The explanation of what has transpired over the 15 years is very efficiently dealt with in a neat sequence of scenes. This part of the film provides the opportunity for the versatile acting talent of Heather and Jessica to come to the forefront. Jessica skilfully develops the portrayal of her character which passes through contrasting phases of personality presentation ranging from pleasant and caring to the demonic.
Heather makes an immediate impact as soon as she appears on screen and then continues to display her ability in handling different moods in scenes. I particularly admired how she managed to keep a straight face whilst describing an incident involving super glue that she experienced - one of the few light hearted moments in the film.
An aspect of the film which will be of interest to UK viewers is contained within the scenes which relate to misconduct by staff of the behavioural care home in view of the current controversy about alleged wrongdoings in such institutions within the UK.
Bloom (2014)
Deann in Full Bloom
I have been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to view this film directed by Travis Legge since being very favourably impressed with his previous film 'Dry Spell' which starred Suzi Lorraine a couple of years ago. I was certainly not disappointed with 'Bloom' and my high expectation was wholly fulfilled.
Many of the technical quality ingredients which made 'Dry Spell' such an enjoyable viewing experience are present once again in a film which although different in many ways is based on a script which unravels into an interesting storyline which maintains attention from beginning to end.
Skillful use of camera and lighting makes up for lack of financial resources. Optimimum use is made of equipment available and acting skill. Angles and perspective are spot on in contributing to ensuring that the concentration of the viewer is firmly focused and not allowed to drift as events unfold at a steady pace.
Another of the reasons why I was looking forward to the release of 'Bloom' was that I had noted two of the cast members were a couple of talented young actresses, namely Danielle Doetsch and Deann Baker, who had captured my attention in previous films.
I first observed Danielle in 'Bikini Girls on Ice' and subsequently kept an eye open for future appearances. I particularly like the range of expressions that she utilises. She is a very versatile actress who I feel has a very bright future and I look forward to viewing further examples of her work in the not too distant future.
Deann had a supporting role in 'Dry Spell' but her performance persuaded me to to make a note of her name for future observation. In 'Bloom' she plays the lead role and there is no doubt that she is the dominant presence in the film and is seldom off screen. This is a challenging situation for any young actress but it is clear that she Deann has grasped the opportunity afforded her and turned in a five star performance. Indeed, this film is like a showcase for her talent and hopefully it will lead to further deserved lead role appearances. She can certainly handle such situations on the evidence of this very confident performance.
In conclusion, it is anticipated that I will be giving this film repeated viewing over the coming months just as I have done to 'Dry Spell' previously. Travis Legge has completed a double success as far as I am concerned.
Truth or Dare (2013)
Reality of Truth or Dare
Having seen three of the female members of the cast - Jessica Cameron, Devanny Pinn and Heather Dorff - on numerous film DVDs, I seized the opportunity to see the UK premiere of Truth or Dare in London where they all had major roles in a film which was the directorial debut of Jessica Cameron. In the previous films seen, I had appreciated that all three possessed the ability to make the maximum impact regardless of the screen time they were allocated and was interested to see how they fared in this film. I was certainly not disappointed.
My attention was immediately captured by the opening scene an credit sequence and remained riveted for the full 84 minutes of the film. At the end of the film, I suddenly realised that I had been watching and thoroughly enjoying a film which apart from the opening few minutes was mainly located in one cramped room with most of the cast remaining in the same floor sitting position during the time that they were on screen. Obviously, it takes a successful combination and blending of various factors to achieve such a high level of audience attention and positive response throughout the length of a film in such a location and scene setting as experienced on this occasion. As far as I am concerned, some of these factors relevant to this film are: (a) Interesting storyline. Truth or Dare certainly possesses an original, imaginative and topical storyline based on the now popular style of Reality TV Shows which injected humour at unexpected moments which was immediately appreciated by the audience judging by the instant laughter generated who recognised the perfect timing by the actors delivering the lines. The story unfolded at a good pace throughout with not one moment of opportunity for the audience to be bored by unwarranted dialogue.
(b) Excellent direction and camera-work. I was particularly impressed with the close up shots of faces and action. All the actors involved were clearly comfortable with the requirement to produce the necessary expressions for the close up sequences. Even the space tightness of the location there was a constant variation between focusing on individuals, couples and groups of characters as well as the occasional complete room location shot. All was very neatly accomplished.
(c) Sound Effects/Soundtrack. Both sound effects and soundtrack were spot on and very effective with a touch or originality and appropriate to the occasion. I will not spoil the enjoyment of the viewing experience by mentioning one particular sound effect which I am sure was much appreciated by my fellow audience members.
(d) Competent Acting. As mentioned previously, I have been impressed in the past productions by the performances of Jessica, Devanny and Heather and their excellent work throughout this film served to enhance their reputations. The other members of the cast, who were well selected, were new names to me but I will certainly be on the lookout for further examples of their work after admiring their contributions to this film. Ryan Kiser gave a flawless performance in a very difficult and demanding role. Many actors would have not been able to resist the temptation to go overboard with the delivery of the role and consequently lose the impact required but Ryan gave a very intelligent performance with astute presentation of verbal and movement requirements.
When considering the mark to award the film, initially I was going to give it 9 out of 10 but on reflection I decided to award it a full 10 marks as I could find no reason to validly deduct a mark.
Dry Spell (2013)
A Bright Dry Spell
Suzi Lorraine demonstrated in the film 'Won Ton Baby' her ability to handle comedy roles as well as those in Horror and Thriller genre movies. She has certainly enhanced her fast developing reputation as a versatile actress with her performance in this romantic comedy film. Indeed, I wonder if the producers of 'Dry Spell' were encouraged to cast Suzi in the lead role of Sasha after watching her performance in 'Won Ton Baby'. Once again, she displayed her ability to utilise a range of expressions, gestures and body language to full effect and capture attention as well as deliver hilarious one-liners. Her scenes with Tim Swan, in the role of Jeff towards the end of the film are particularly memorable and well filmed.
'Dry Slip' earned my appreciation with its fresh approach to romantic comedy through original story line and interesting characters which brought a smile to my face on numerous occasions as we follow the romantic misadventures and escapades of Sasha and her husband Kyle played by Kyle Hoskins as they try to disentangle their relationship. The film is ably directed by Travis Legge whose future work will no doubt attract my attention again in the future.
The story is well constructed in neat layers. No time is wasted in introducing the viewer to the principal personalities and the background to their relationships. Plot foundations are firmly laid as the main supporting roles of the couples' friends are introduced. Further developments in the storyline appear in well structured scenes at regular intervals as the plot and characters combine to make compelling viewing as one tries to anticipate how the web of dilemmas and predicaments that the two central characters have found themselves entangled up in is going to be resolved. The final scenes are very effectively produced with the unexpected sudden twist to the story provided in the finishing straight when the humour elements are eclipsed by serious emotional considerations.
The past film acting experience of the cast members ranges from no previous experience to very extensive but they all blend together admirably to present an enjoyable viewing experience. The only names that I recognised from the cast list were those of Suzi and Rachael Robbins ('Bikini Bloodbath' films). As far as the lesser known names were concerned, I was particularly impressed with Amber-Elizabeth Sawyer as Lacey, Deann Baker as Karen and Tim Swan. Deann is a young lady who projects tremendous confidence in her effervescent, bubbling performance and makes the maximum impact in the amount of screen time afforded to her character. Amber-Elizabeth's scenes involving verbal exchanges with Suzi are vital ingredients in propelling the story forward and I look forward to observing how this talented young lady's career progresses. Kyle Hoskins has been perfectly cast as the husband as he radiates warmth and attracts empathy. Kyle's scenes involving his eccentric 'dates' are among the film's highlights.
With regard to the technical aspects of the film, one of my main gripes with films these days is the increasing use of dim lighting and the mumbling delivery of lines by actors when neither is necessary in an effort to create the impression of it being trendy and fashionable film making. I am pleased to report that 'Dry Spell' does not suffer from such irritations as the lighting is consistently bright throughout, focus is sharp and all actors deliver their lines with clarity, and shots are well framed.
It is not often that I view a film again so quickly after the initial viewing but I did so in this case in order to savour several moments enjoyed the first time round.
Game Over (2009)
Is the Game Over?
I have previously viewed five films directed by Timo Rose (Barricade, Karl the Butcher, Fearmakers, Beast and Unrated: The Movie)and found them all thoroughly entertaining. Seeking good entertainment value is the reason why most of us buy films on DVD so customer satisfaction was achieved on such previous occasions. Therefore, I could not resist the latest offering by Timo especially as it had two of my favourite actresses, Debbie Rochon and Raine Brown, plus Nicola Fiore, who I have seen before but heard some good reports about her past performances, in the lead female roles. I have also seen the male lead, Thomas Kercmar, in at least four films and he always made a favourable impression with his contribution to those films. Add to the above positive points, the fact that the supporting cast contained a host of talented actors and actresses whose work was very familiar to me (often in lead roles themselves) then this became a long awaited 'must buy'. I was certainly not disappointed as all concerned combined to produce a film that hit the target as far as I am concerned.
The film commences at a sedate pace for the opening 20 minutes but then there is an abrupt change of atmosphere when the element of violence is suddenly and unexpectedly introduced in a most effective manner. But, a hint that something sinister and dodgy was lurking in the storyline ready to pounce was provided during a short scene neatly inserted early on.
During the opening period, I particularly enjoyed a scene where Raine, Debbie and Nicola were discussing in a very relaxed manner the merits of various 'A-List Stars' which certainly mirrored my own views. I am sure that such 'Red Carpet' slitherers who as considered 'Mega stars' by some (especially themselves) could not have handled the principal parts any better than the three genuinely talented actresses in this film especially those in the extremely demanding close up scenes. Such scenes are now the hallmark of Timo's work which effectively impact on the senses.
Timo certainly does not rest of his past laurels as far as the presentation of gore special effects is concerned. Most people would have satisfied themselves by just presenting a rehash of previous work with slight variations but Timo and his skilled crew have once again attempted successfully to push the boundaries by their introduction of some innovative special effect stomach churners in a very effective manner.
Raine and Debbie have once again reinforced my opinion of them as two of the best in the business. 100% value and viewing satisfaction guaranteed at all times with these ladies. If I was responsible for drawing up a cast list of actors for any type of role then these two would certainly be on the list purely on the grounds of ability, versatility, reliability and experience. Nicola is now a candidate to add to the list after viewing her performance. I will certainly be seeking our further examples of her work to watch. I sense that Timo may have had these ladies in mind when he scripted the film as they performed the intense, demanding roles, which required changes in personality and attitude to each others character as the situation they found themselves in developed, to perfection. Flawless performances by all three which I admired.
Timo has over the years assembled an enthusiastic, premier league acting and production team who are on the same wavelength as himself. This certainly provides a solid foundation for any independent film production with limited resources. It is noted that a number of people 'helping out' on this film in various capacities are themselves well respected film makers in their own right and Timo can be seen in some of their productions. This seemingly informal arrangement resembles a film making co-operative movement made up of production and acting talent which extends across national boundaries on both sides of the Atlantic - a transatlantic galaxy of talent which proves that human resources can overcome any lack of financial resources. When you blend in acting talents such as Debbie, Raine, Nicola and Manoush then Timo and associates have produced a recipe for success. One can almost sense the energy and enthusiasm of all concerned in the production of films such as 'Game Over'.
Manoush, a dark brooding presence, makes her now expected dramatic visual impression with just her expressions, body language, movements and eye contact. The speaking of lines is a bonus. She is certainly a mistress of the art!! I am always persuaded to press the playback button to watch repeatedly her sequences to catch and appreciate the subtle movements and expressions.
A couple of years ago, a young actress named Magdalena Kalley caught my attention in a minor film role and I have since watched her progress with interest. Magdalena has a substantial and demanding role in this film and she produces a very confident and assured performance which certainly fulfils my high expectations. She has developed a screen presence which immediately attracts the attention of the viewer as soon as she appears in a scene. By the way, Magdalena is also a talented singer and songwriter and her work can be heard on the soundtrack of this film.
The closing fight sequences involving Debbie battling against three 'opponents' in a quest to escape are extremely well staged and create an initial impression that the 'Game is over' ... but is it? Be prepared for the unexpected which is something that regular observers of Timo's work will appreciate.
The Wereth Eleven (2011)
Wereth Eleven Remembered
I first came across a mention of The Wereth Eleven while seeking for further examples of films featuring actor Ken Arnold who had impressed me with his performance in 'The Haunting of Pearson Place'. In 'The Wereth Eleven', Ken convincingly plays the role of a SS Officer and demonstrates his versatility as an actor.
I was rather surprised that I had not previously read or viewed anything which related to an incident at Wereth during World War II which forms the basis for this film. I have been a keen reader of World War II material for many years especially that which relates to the period stretching from the Normandy landings to the end of the War. I immediately delved into my extensive reading and DVD libraries but could not find no mention of the Wereth incident. The impression that I got was that the pages of documentation relating to the Wereth events had been torn out of the history books etc. I even obtained a copy of a US Senate Report dated 1949 into the Malmedy Massacre which contained listings of massacres of prisoners and civilians in the area but there was no mention of what happened at Wereth. The question raised in my mind was a constant 'Why?' It was as if someone was saying Wereth or the men who died there must not be mentioned. Apparently, the people responsible for making this film experienced a similar degree of curiosity which prompted them to investigate the story of the eleven African-American soldiers who were brutally massacred by Nazi SS at a village called Wereth during the Battle of the Bulge. After an internet search for information had drawn a blank, I ordered a copy of the DVD in a quest for enlightenment. The effort was certainly justified after viewing this admirable, well made docu-drama which I would recommend as essential viewing for anyone interested in this period of history.
Full marks must be awarded to the experienced production team for the way in which they have seamlessly dovetailed archive footage with filmed reconstruction and relevant interviews. The film opens with an insightful, well researched background to the regiment and men involved in the incident at Wereth. The subsequent action sequences were particularly impressive and consequently the viewer could not fail to appreciate the fearsome, hostile environment experienced by men under heavy sustained fire and cold climatic conditions. The concluding scenes relating to the actual atrocities could have easily have generated into an outpouring of anger but the producers must be commended on the intelligent way in which they carried out this section with dignity and restraint concentrating on facts which proved to be a very effective method of presenting the case for recognition of the Wereth Eleven and condemnation of the persons responsible for the atrocities.
The overall impression created especially after viewing the additional material presented on the DVD edition that I viewed is that the film-makers were dedicated and devoted to the task of making people aware of the incident at Wereth and the eleven men who seemed to have been forgotten. The docu-drama together with the additional material provide a very informative package. Thanks to the team involved, the families of the men and the villagers of Wereth they will be remembered.
The Haunting of Pearson Place (2015)
The dead certainly do not leave Pearson Place
The viewing of the DVD release of THE HAUNTING OF PEARSON PLACE fulfilled high expectations which had developed over several months as a result of reading favourable comments as the production had developed.
The creepy atmosphere is set within a few seconds during the opening credit sequence and is subsequently built up in a gradual fashion as the process of the examination of the nooks and crannies of the extensive, dilapidated old building is carried out. Fleeting glimpses of apparitions and flashback sequences contribute to the generation and air of mystery. The building seems to develop a personality of its own. The building selection in this instance proves to be a perfect one and the location scout has performed a first class job in finding this particular one.
I was particularly impressed with the character construction and background story which revealed both the strong and weak points of the personalities involved through a mixture of descriptions during dialogue and the viewers own perception in the initial scenes. Events unfold to reveal the emergence of doubts and uncertainty which undermine the assumed strengths of the abilities of the characters and the maintenance of relationships with each other as they struggle through a series of events and circumstances to separate reality from imagination. All four lead performers - Ken Arnold, Julie Price, Regen Wilson and Tracy Teague - manage to convey the mounting strain on the relationships in a highly commendable manner and reveal that they have a clear appreciation of the requirements of writer and director Michael Merino. This was the first time that I had viewed the work of any of these four fine actors and I was very favourably impressed. I will certainly be looking out for more films featuring Regen Wilson who was outstanding.
In a film such as this it is obviously necessary for many scenes to be on the dark side and this is where I must compliment the crew members responsible for the lighting and effects. Even in the scenes mainly lit by lamp and fire, the main elements of room setting and characters' faces were visible thanks to good technique and effective positioning of incidental lighting.
I was initially attracted to the production of this film when I noted that the cast list included Joe Estevez and Suzi Lorraine - a very accomplished and experienced duo who can be depended upon to produce the goods as required. Joe in the role of caretaker captures the attention with his combination of well timed glances, verbal asides and expressions coupled with a tinge of humour whenever he mysteriously appears in a scene before vanishing as quickly as he arrived. Suzi's appearances are not frequent but when she does emerge into a scene it is suddenly and always with maximum impact. She really knows how to make the sparks fly as she demonstrates an ability to make the most effective and dramatic use of screen time.
The successful result of this film arises from a combination of an accomplished cast, excellent storyline and its development, intelligent directing and a very suitable structure called Pearson Place. The conclusion certainly provides scope for a welcome sequel!
Order of One (2006)
Maximum Impact with a touch of comedy
ORDER OF ONE has been high on my 'waiting to see' list of films for sometime due to my longtime interest in the old Hong Kong Kung Fu style films and the very favourable impression created by Melantha Blackthorne, the lead actress, in previous films 'Fable - Tooth of the Beast' and 'She Demons of the Black Sun'. Even though the film was made in 2006, it has only recently been released on DVD. An action packed movie was anticipated and I was certainly not disappointed. In fact, it is fair to say that there is something in this film to appeal to many tastes with its combination of various action styles (martial arts, swordplay, gun fights0, comedy and fantasy. There is definitely a seventies grindhouse feel to the production in which the story line proceeds at a steady pace with a stream of action sequences to keep the viewer alert and interested. Indeed, all concerned have managed to serve up a bubbling concoction of enjoyable and entertaining action.
From an explosive start, the high octane action is unrelenting with a stream of car chases, high kicking martial arts fights and shoot outs involving an array of weapons. The fight sequences, which are the film's strong point, were obviously well planned and skilfully executed with perfectly times and co-ordinated movements. This is not surprising considering the high quality film stunt backgrounds of many of the participants. The action moves slickly between appropriate and varied locations (outdoors and indoors) and this maintains the viewer's interest right to the final frames. I was particularly impressed with the filming of the fight sequences with excellent selection of camera angles especially in the scenes where the action takes place in confined spaces. Maximum impact is certainly achieved! The comedy element is neatly entwined mainly through the expressions of the two main male characters played by Jason Cavalier and Kevin Woodhouse and the one line quips delivered by Melantha Blackthorne and her sidekick Danielle Dubois - two young ladies who catch the eye whenever they appear or screen and cannot be ignored! Very often, even in the midst of violence, a rapid change of expression or quick comment injects the appropriate amount of unexpected comedy effect into the mayhem that is unfolding. The appearance of pop up screen captions at various points during action sequences also makes a contribution to the comedy feet with its nod towards action comic and computer game graphics.
Another strong point is found in the filming of the car chase scenes especially when they incorporate blondes with guns.
The producers have made the optimum use of all available resources to achieve a maximum entertaining effect. There is no superfluous dialogue or scene padding and there is a sense throughout the film of the enthusiastic participation of all concerned in the making of the film. In my book, Melantha Blackthorne has consolidated her reputation as a formidable action genre actress whilst I will certainly be on the look out for further films featuring the talents of Jason Cavalier and Kevin Woodhouse.
Necronos (2010)
A Lively 'Undead' Epic
The background story is set in medieval times and consumes the opening title sequence at a brisk and gory pace but then rapidly transfers to the present day. Just when the viewer is getting accustomed to a placid transition set within pleasant scenery, the body count accelerates rapidly as the agent of death and destruction gets familiarised with the modern day environment. It is a period of calm before the unrelenting storm of death which follows right to the end.
The producers have assembled a remarkable cast list containing some of the stalwarts of the European horror movie scene. The length of roles vary. In some cases the viewer no sooner appreciates the presence of a familiar face than they have gone - usually as a victim thus giving a new interpretation to the term 'disposable asset'. Some do not hang about for long whilst others are strung up for a longer period. Their presence in the film is much appreciated and adds to the interest factor.
Manoush is an actress who always captures my attention with her ability to make an immediate impact on any scene that she appears in through her eye contact with the camera. In this film she has a substantial amount of time in a familiar type of role as a witch in which she entrances the viewer with a projection of a dark threatening presence involving a penetrating gaze and demented laugh. I have suspicion that there was only one name on the short list of potential actresses to play this part - Manoush. I can think of no other actress who could have performed this role so effectively.
Tanja Karius is a young German actress who has impressed me in the past with her brief appearances in films I have seen her in. I have always felt that this lady deserves a more substantial role which would provide her with the opportunity to make a greater impact. Full marks to Marc Rohnstock for giving her that chance and she certainly repays his confidence in her ability with an excellent performance in a difficult role. Tanja certainly possesses a photogenic presence which is ably captured by the cameraman on this occasion. She is filmed to fullest effect in the scenes which feature beautiful woodland and lakeside.
Amidst the galaxy of well known talent, there was one actress in particular who caught my attention whilst making a debut screen appearance. Saskia Neumueller is a name to watch out for in the future on the evidence of her performance in this film as she displays an innocent and demure personality with sensitivity.
The Special Effects crew have ample opportunity to display their skill when a vast array of weapons are deployed. There is an imaginative use of many familiar household items of equipment and tools in the scenes of carnage which also involve a colourful assortment of liquid and vapour. The SFX people seemed intent on demonstrating their proficiency in the creation of visual effects that can be utilised in scenes depicting every conceivable method of elimination and dispersal. In this case the high quality of their finished product matches the large quantity and variety of special effects utilised in the eruption of spraying, sprinkling and splattering which takes place.
In the midst of the carnage there are moments of a subtle but dark sense of humour on display such as in a scene when a skeleton's arm is used to lift a key off the wall to unlock a door.
In addition to the the special effects and cast performances, another strong positive point to the credit of the film is the admirable choice of locations used in this lively 'undead' two hour epic. These excellent locations feature castles, woodland and a lake. This combination of cast, SFX and locations when combined with a good storyline provide the foundations for a very entertaining and enjoyable viewing experience.
Minty: The Assassin (2009)
A Good Minty Taste
I spotted the DVD of this film whilst searching for a title starring Elina Madison after being impressed with her performance as Elenita in the film Ripped Memories. Prior to seeing her in that film,, I had not viewed any of her previous work. I selected this particular film as it was an example of her recent work and she had the lead role as Minty: The Assassin. Furthermore, it appeared that she would be playing a completely different character to that seen in Ripped Memories. After viewing the film, my optimism about her ability and versatility was certainly confirmed by her all round performance as Minty.
Minty: The Assassin is pure comic book capers brought into movie action and prominently feature the mint chocolate bar munching heroine Minty who takes on a variety of opponents including vampires, zombies, ninjas, zen cowboys with glorious and appropriate comic names such as Sensational Ninja, Bruce Zee, Molly Leviathon, Zen Cowboy and Rat Monster. She goes about her task with gusto whilst displaying her martial arts fighting skills in what turns out to be a very entertaining action/adventure brew. There is something for everybody - a villain for all tastes. Minty displays great powers of perseverance in overcoming the driving forces of these villains en-route to rescuing a friend and eventually assassinating a evil, manipulative, mind controlling doctor. In addition to her acrobatic fighting skills, Minty must also utilise profound intellectual abilities especially when contemplating physics and the universe! Elina fits into the role perfectly as she is able to fully utilise her extensive and varied TV, stage and film experience to good effect as can be appreciated by her body movements (especially in the opening sequence), poses, expressions and eye contact with camera. She would make an excellent photographic model!
The use of cartoon style drawings and animations as scene setters serves to constantly remind the viewer that the story is basically comic book inspired adventure movie. I appreciate that the special graphic effects and animations may appear to be basic and straightforward and some people would have been tempted to utilise to a greater extent the more sophisticated techniques and resources currently available. But by limiting the use of graphics and animations to just appropriate moments as on this occasion the film makers have sensibly served to emphasis that this is just an extension of a comic book.
There are numerous other positives to savour in this film including the performances of Tabitha Taylor who plays Double Delicious - a vampire. This is a role which is tailor made for Tabitha and she plays it with the right injection of humour as and when required. Another actress who captured the attention in a brief role was Jacki R Chan in her well choreographed fight sequence with Elina. A word of praise must also be extended for the soundtrack which contains a variety of musical styles.
If you want to watch a film designed to provide a bit of comic relief and brighten up your day then Minty: The Assassin is a worthy addition to the list of films which will effortlessly achieve such an objective. It is one of those sit back and enjoy the action and fun type of movies.
Won Ton Baby! (2009)
Won Ton is a winner
This is a long awaited DVD release as far as I am concerned. I first became aware of the making of this film nearly three years ago and I must confess that I was reaching the point where I was becoming resigned to its non appearance. I was, therefore, delighted to spot that it was at long last on sale and promptly ordered a copy. During this period my expectations of a satisfactory viewing experience had built up and I was certainly not disappointed.
The storyline and characters are certainly original in conception. The film is initially set in the seventies and then moves to the present day whilst the style has the feel of eighties horror. It is a time enveloping combination which proves a successful formula on this occasion. The film project hits the target dead centre on all scoreboards - writing, direction and performances - to deliver an entertaining package which maintains the viewers interest right up to the final scenes which include an over the top comic cuts style fight.
The necessary pieces of background information are efficiently integrated during separate scenes within the opening twenty minutes. During this period, it becomes apparent that there are going to be touches of humour sprinkled into the weird story mixture, especially through the characters of Little Wing, played by Suzi Lorraine, whose Chinese accent is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of viewers, and 'The King' ably impersonated by Lou Marlin Jun who also performs another lead role as Detective Hardin. His considerable acting experience is apparent especially in the scenes he shares with Debbie Rochon.
The accurate assessment by the brother of Little Wing (played by Abe Tran) of her accent and sentence structuring was another smile inducing moment and served to draw further attention to the merits of this aspect of Suzi's performance. Tackling a role which involves an accent is a major challenge for an actor especially if it also involves, as in this case, the delivery of comedic elements such as the phoney Chinese accent adopted by Suzi. It is easy to lose concentration and consequently drift away from the delivery of the accent into the normal speech tone especially if the demands cover a large proportion of screen time. Fortunately, Suzi adopts a consistent accent delivery throughout as well as the desired injection of humour in appropriate places not only through her speech patterns but also via her mannerisms and body language.
There are several scenes which warrant an instant re-run in order to repeat the savouring of a particular moment, eg the scene involving Debbie, Suzi and Gunnar Hansen which involves an excellent example of framing. The camera angle used with Debbie and Suzi in shot together conveniently presents the visual information required to build up the perception of their character elements. For example, Suzi's apathetic approach to a serious situation is revealed by her concentration on playing with her phone which she obviously found more important than the matter of her physical condition which was being discussed by Debbie and Gunnar. At the same time Debbie was presenting the serious side to her character. Debbie's character in this film had several facets throughout and these were ably portrayed by this versatile actress who has a proved track record for successfully tackling such roles.
The initial presentation of 'Baby' in a hospital bed scene is a little gem of comedy played to perfection by all participants in the scene as is the first interaction between members of the family and 'Baby'. These brief scenes contrast sharply with the immediate and subsequent scene which introduces a disturbing aspect of Baby's character through a rapid transition from comedy to horror. The swift movement between scenes adds to the effect and provides a hint of how the potential little monster's behaviour patterns are likely to develop. Baby transforms rapidly in both physical and intelligence terms and this includes a fast maturing taste in DVD films, young ladies and cigarettes! This evolving form of Baby is utilised to maintain the viewer's attention and curiosity about what is likely to be Baby's next escapade and what new habits he is going to develop as he becomes a rampaging killer graduating from mice to humans! I sense that the ending leaves the door open for a sequel. Hopefully, this does not take another three years before a viewing opportunity will arise.
Ripped Memories (2010)
Ripped Memories revealed
Clearly a great deal of thought has gone into the formation of characters and plot in this film. The viewer is cleverly introduced to the varied personalities of the main characters in the opening scenes through their relationships and interaction with Samantha ('older' played by Deborah Breunerand and the 'younger' played by Debbie Rochon). After this carefully constructed process, which justifiably takes up about a third of the film time, we move to the plot background including a murder and the possible relevance of Samantha's suspected split personality disorder to the crime. We get drawn into the story through dialogue involving the principal characters which further develops the insight into their personalities especially those of Samantha and the young Brandon, ably portrayed by Jesse Kozel. This is the first time that I have seen Jesse in a film and he created a very favourable impression in the way that he handled a lead role.
The momentum of the story is maintained throughout by the conversations between (a) older Samantha (who is not as crazy and delusional as people may think) and the self interested older Brandon and (b) younger Samantha and the detective investigating the murder. These scenes are neatly incorporated in order to provide additional information to the viewer about the background to the situation which is developing at appropriate moments as it involves the overlapping relationship triangles leading to the murder and cover up.
Debbie Rochon is one of the most reliable and consistently good actresses in the business regardless of the size and type of role that she is required to perform. She has the leading role in this film which presents her with an abundance of screen time and thereby the opportunity to display her talent to full effect. Debbie is perfectly cast in this particular role - a truly fine performance.
Another familiar name in the cast list is Tara Cardinal, as Samantha's friend. Tara is in sizzling form in one particular scene where her separate relationships with three other characters are skilfully developed in rapid fire succession within a few minutes timespan. Tara certainly demonstrates in her performance throughout the film that she can comfortably and competently handle roles other than the action girl ones that she is better known for.
Two other participants who caught my eye were Elina Madison and Charlotte Gallagher. The latter has a limited amount of movie experience but her performance indicates that, like Jesse Kozel, we have an actress who has the potential for a bright future in the business. She made the optimum use of the time she was on screen to display her talent and catch attention. Elina is an experienced actress with a long list of credits to her name but this is the first of her films that I have seen. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work in the future.
I was rather surprised to find out form IMDb that this was Marc Fortin's first film as director, producer, writer or editor (a true all rounder) as I expected the film, judging by the overall quality, to have been made people with more experience in all four areas. Marc deserves to be awarded a deserved accolade for his work on this occasion by firstly coming up with a good, interesting story line and assembling a good blend of acting talent to suit the role requirements right up to the completion of the film project which I personally enjoyed and appreciated. All concerned are a credit to independent film making.
Fable: Teeth of Beasts (2010)
A Fable tale of Fable
Having previously been impressed with the performance of Melantha Blackthorne in the film She Demons of the Black Sunwhich, which also starred Suzi Lorraine, I was interested to see how she fared playing a different type of role in Fable: Teeth of Beasts. On this occasion, she performs the role of Lilith Noir, female enforcer and protector who is engaged in fighting the forces of evil that lurk in a surreal and dismal location called Fable.
This is an ambitious film made by an independent company on a limited budget and they certainly make the most of the available resources. The complex and interesting story line crosses over various film categories including, SciFi, Action, Fantasy, Horror and even elements of Voodoo magic sprinkled with Goth undertones. The film deftly blends computer imagery with real action in the creation of a dark and nightmarish atmosphere as the story switches between different worlds. Slow movement and flickering lights plus an abundance of CGI effects combine to present the surreal backcloth to the action. The scenes are often claustrophobic and apocalyptic in a compelling story. I must admit that I was a little confused regarding the storyline and characters for about the first 15 minutes but after going back to the start I began to grasp the situation. This understanding was further enhanced by the introduction of a voice-over describing the background in the early part of the film - very neatly done.
My only minor criticism is that I felt the special/visual effects were slightly overcooked on some occasions, ie over utilised, and that actual locations could have been more effective, if used, instead of constructed studio sets. But I certainly appreciate that locations such as Ancient monuments similar to Stonehenge and old castle/abbey ruins would not be readily available especially if the budget was limited. But overall, this film ticked more positive boxes than negative.
The presence of Lilith Noir is the dominating one throughout the film. She is hard fighting and straight talking but one senses that beneath the surface there is a person who is vulnerable. Melantha Blackthorne performs this role with the perfect degree of gusto and enthusiasm. It is clear that she has ablly utilised her previous acting, stunt and modelling experience and ability in making the fullest visual impact on every scene that she strides into. She reminded me of Kathy Long's appearances in The Stranger and the current generation of Japanese action heroines who can now be seen in such films as Machine Girl, Azumi and Ninja Girl. I certainly look forward to future films featuring this versatile young actress.
Blood Oath (2007)
Good foundations
I suspect that director David Buchert has carefully studied and absorbed the influences of some of the best horror genre movies in recent years which include the tags urban myth, cabin, students and woodland and then neatly utilised them in this film.
He is to be commended on this approach which I would liken to the way in which some of the most successful musicians and bands take on board the music of past masters when moulding their own distinctive style.
Being a first time director has to face the familiar hurdle of financial budget restrictions which limits the scope for enlisting the number of experienced actors to appear in the project as well as locations and sets. It is necessary to find the right blend between experience and newcomers to the camera and I applaud the way in which he has made a solid base for the film by obtaining the services of Tiffany Shepis and Tina Krause. These two very talented young ladies have made numerous films within the horror genre and even though their appearances are brief ones in the early stages of the film they depart having firmly anchored the film on firm foundations upon which the inexperienced cast members can build during the rest of the film. Both these actresses put their previous screen experience to good use during their dramatic elimination process at the hands of the lurking individual who is destined to provide problems for the rest of the cast in the remaining scenes.
Among the other cast members there is certainly one standout performance by Natalie Hart. She appears to be confident and competent young actress in what develops into the leading role. I was rather surprised on checking her page on IMDb that she does not appear to have any further films to her credit after this one as she seems to demonstrate a talent which should have been developed further.
The filming conducted in the outdoor woodland locations are well done and there appears to be full and effective use of available surroundings. The bright daylight outdoor scenes contrasted well with the darker indoor shots, eg within the cabin, with both contributing to the creation of the desired atmosphere.
Satan Hates You (2010)
I Like Satan Hates You
A film which proclaims to be a homage to the religious scare films of the seventies combined with elements of horror appears to be a recipe for a dour and dysfunctional film. Nevertheless, seeking enlightenment, curiosity drove me to view this film. I consequently found that my fears for a movie disaster were groundless thanks to a clever piece of film making by writer-director James Felix McKenney who obviously enjoyed the enthusiastic support of cast and crew in his voyage into possible dangerous and controversial territory.
I agree with Debbie Rochon who in one of the background scenes interviews expressed the view that this was a film that only an independent film maker could make. Anyone presenting this as a project to a large studio would have to face too many parties who probably would have insisted on changes to script, plot, characters, scenes etc with the result that it would have finished up as an incoherent and subdued mish mash of a film - if it was ever allowed to get off the ground. On this occasion, even with a limited budget, the director has remained faithful to his original idea without interference and the whole team evidently had faith in his ability to bring this film to a successful and entertaining conclusion.
Focus is routinely brought back to religious aspects through use of television screening of religious programmes in the background. These sometimes subtly reveal the hypocrisy, shallowness of the charade of some religious organisations and individuals who seem intent on scaring people about the dangers of getting involved in what are perceived to be sinful acts. On the other hand, the televised and 'live' appearances of the 'preacher' is brilliantly played by Angus Scrimm who clearly understands the character that he is playing. Some of his comments, especially those directed at the sinful young lady played by Christine Spencer, could provide the basis for a serious and thoughtful debate. The other regular presence comes in the form of the two demonic aides of the devil (Larry Fassenden and Brad Scobie) who contribute a humorous commentary and attempt to influence proceedings. The injection of comedy at appropriate moments, eg disposal of the body scenes, is another of the strong points of this enjoyable film. The director must be complimented on the way in which he has balanced the serious, comedic and horror elements. There are bound to be people who are going to rave in a negative way about the content of the film but perhaps this says something about their lack of sense of humour.
In addition, to Debbie Rochon, there are several other faces familiar to fans of Horror genre namely Reggie Bannister and Michael Berrymen. Personally, the outstanding performance was that of Don Wood who plays Marc who can be described as a major sinner for a lot of forgiveness will be required.
There are a multitude of characters and groups in the film but it is to the credit of the writer that they are all well defined roles and neatly integrated into the plot. There are no filler-in moments with every character or group having a contribution to the story line. The curiosity buds were certainly kept ticking along nicely whilst trying to anticipate what is going to happen next - especially with regard to the ending.
One message that finally is projected is that there are consequences of sinful actions even whilst on the road to redemption and forgiveness. T
Kingdom of Gladiators (2011)
Scenic Splendour
Top marks to the location scout for finding such a superb collection of eye catching locations for this film shot in Italy. The local tourist board will be very pleased with the publicity. A large, majestic castle combined with sweeping mountainous landscapes, caverns, waterfalls and dungeons are effectively utilised in this fantasy adventure involving a concoction of weapon fighting warriors, sorcery, witches and demons. There have been a torrent of films based on similar ingredients in recent years and credit must be given to the writers for coming up with an interesting and new story line.
I would question the use of the word Gladiators in the film title which implies Roman gladiators taking part in arena combat. Usually, this provides the grounds for an anticipated epic. It should be pointed out that the story in this instance is set in a period later than that inhabited by Roman Gladiators and the combat setting is not that of a vast arena but a large Castle courtyard with a small spectator area surrounding it. Nevertheless, the combat sequences are well conducted in slow-mo style which effectively emphasises the sheer brutality of such occasions and quite frankly are better filmed than some of the ones that I have seen in much grander epics.
Apart from Suzi Lorraine, who is deservedly building up a very respected reputation within the horror genre, nearly all the cast names are new to me. The only other name that I recognised was that of Annie Social who is best known for her involvement in the wrestling scene. Annie plays a lead role as one of the fighters. Apparently, some of the other participants are also moonlighting from the wrestling world. They certainly enter into the spirit of the action with an abundance of enthusiasm and gusto and will probably be lined up to audition for the next remake of a Conan the Barbarian film. Suzie intelligently plays the part of a young lady with two names and a split personality. She certainly displays her versatility in this role by making a seamless transformation from being a pleasant, demure young lady to that of a wicked, but still beautiful, demon who relishes the vicious bloody battles of the fighters and develops a thirst for blood herself.
La petite mort (2009)
An interesting nasty experience
I was attracted to this film by (a) the fact that two of the lead roles were performed by a Magdalena Kalley and Annika Strauss who both impressed me with their performances in Unrated: The Movie (b) I had heard good reports about the special effects work of Olaf Ittenbach and the director Marcel Walz (c) the main leads included Manoush and Andreas Pape who are two actors who can be guaranteed to give top class performances in any role.
The first 15 minutes of the film is devoted to an introduction to the quiet lives of three ordinary young people. The subdued, relaxed mood suddenly changes with an encounter in an alleyway with a mugger with an introduction of tension to their relationships which is then developed with a subsequent visit to a rather seedy establishment. From that moment, the viewer realises that the trio are in for a rather troublesome and painful experience. This scenario provides special effects master craftsman Olaf with the opportunity to really let rip with a barrage of gory goodies. At some points in the film, the bits and pieces were coming apart and flying around so fast that it was difficult to keep track where they were originating from. This was aided by some accomplished camera-work.
The producers really presented an ace card when they cast Manoush in the role of the mother. I cannot envisage any other actress playing this role as effectively as Manoush. It was tailor made for her. Her performance was enhanced by some excellent close up camera work to capture her expressions. The film has English subtitles but they were not needed when Manoush is on screen because the sinister look she projects when directed at the camera or the person she is performing opposite speaks for itself. There is no mistaking the message that she is conveying! Full marks to Magdalena and Annika in their roles as the wicked daughters. Their attractive appearance certainly contrasts dramatically and sharply with their dark and demented attitude and the relish in the way that they go about the tasks assigned to them by their mother. Their performances in this film fulfilled my high expectations and prompted me to make a note to look out for the next film in which they appear together, ie Game Over.
It is always pleasing to find ones attention attracted by a 'new' name on the list of credits as a result of a noteworthy performance. Anna Habeck in the role of Dodo, one of the trio, caught my attention on this occasion and I will certainly be seeking out her next release titled 'Popular' when it becomes available. This is also directed by Marcel Walz.
Holocaust Holocaust (2008)
Perfect location to be ingested
This is not an easy film to categorise. I would certainly not place it in the 'Horror' category as it contains only brief 'cannibal' references and a short 'zombie' scene at the end.
It is an extremely well photographed movie which was shot on location in the British Virgin Islands. The director, Sofian Khan, has made intelligent use of the natural facilities at his disposal with the vast scale of the beautiful landscape and natural habitat placing the intruding humans into perspective. The four tourist strandees are isolated within an area of great beauty but one in which provides a wild and inhospitable environment containing elements of danger.
The early part of the film ably presents a contrast between a carefree, luxurious lifestyle and a gradual transition to life in an hostile environment which then develops into a fight for survival. It is a transfer from life in the modern age with its comforts to that of a primitive time where the fittest (or luckiest) survives. A short flashback sequence neatly sets the background to the past lifestyle of the principal characters. It carries a message that when you dabble in finance and gamble on your luck, with their inherent risks, you can easily plunge back from wealth to poverty as fast as it was acquired in the first place. In the case of the four characters in the film, the dangers become physical as well as being on paper with a life of luxury quickly turning into a nightmare. Pain and anxiety replace pleasure with simple, primitive tools of survival replacing the instruments of pleasure in the scale of importance to life.
The abrupt death of two of the stranded tourists, about a third of the way through the film, heightens the feeling of isolation for the two who remain. There is a consequent change in atmosphere from this point with the growing realisation of the precarious nature of their situation. The demise of one of these characters and the introduction of the tribesman then presents a further transition involving a change from fear and desperation to one of coming to terms with the situation and the development of the romantic element.
It is towards the end of the film that I feel that an opportunity for story development was lost. Personally, I would have liked the film to have devoted more time to exploring the relationships not only between the remaining female tourist and the tribesman but with other members of the tribe, eg reconciling conflicting attitudes and beliefs. A move down this route was made with one of these characters proclaiming 'You have changed me'. But there was scope for further movement down this path instead of the unexpected introduction of the 'Zombie' element in the final 10 minutes.
With regard to individual performances, I was very impressed with Noshir Dalal, in the role of the nimble and athletic cannibal named Kohi, and Kitty Cole as Anna, the tourist survivor. I note that both have only a relatively small amount of previous movie experience but this fact was not evident from their performances in this film. Kitty has a most challenging role, which involved displaying a range of emotions, and she passed the test with flying colours. Two other lead performers, Suzi Lorraine and Kris Eivers, are more experienced and both enhanced their reputations. Suzi proved to be the ideal choice as the glamorous tourist named Sandy. I have seen Suzi in several films portraying various types of characters. Once again, versatile Suzi demonstrated that she has the skill to handle any role that she is presented with regardless of genre. In this case, we had the perfect blend of location, namely tropical sea, island beach, and Suzi! Apart from slight reservations about the short length of the film (just over 70 minutes) and the way in which it ended, I found this to be visually impressive film with a good storyline and some excellent quality performances.
Experiment 7 (2009)
Experiment 7 proves successful
I must admit that I was in a bit of dilemma when deciding whether to buy the DVD of this film or not. I had noted a number of unfavourable comments (mainly bland, unsubstantiated one-liners) about the film on some Retail and Rental sites in which there was a consistent implication that the actors involved were novices. I felt that this was unjust and incorrect as I recognised the names of at least seven cast members and seen films featuring three of them, namely Joe Davison, Raine Brown and Alan Rowe Kelly. I have developed a high regard for these three and appreciated their reputation as reliable and versatile performers. There were a few names in lead roles that I have not seen before and I was curious how they and the less experienced cast members would fare in a film where Joe Davison was making his directorial debut. So after balancing the various pros and cons of buying the DVD, I decided to take the plunge and obtain a copy.
I was pleasantly surprised at the overall result with the experienced actors/actresses blending well with the 'newcomers' to the extent that any lack of previous experience was certainly not apparent in the performances of two lead players, namely Candice Rojas and Dwight Cemac, who were making their first appearance in substantial film roles. Both clearly possess the necessary attributes to be a success in further action style movies. The experienced personnel provide a solid foundation and obviously gave confidence to Candice and Dwight to make the required standard of contribution to the movie in their demanding roles.
It is the frequent action sequences at regular intervals that propel the film with its interesting story line along at a steady pace and consequently maintains the attention of the viewer. As the story proceeds the sense develops that time is running out for the survivors as they confront a series of hazards and mutants with a suspicion that the odds in favour of their survival are decreasing. Frustration and despair are clearly increasing within a growing claustrophobic situation despite the valiant efforts of the dynamic duo named Will and Sam, played by Joe Davison and Dwight Cemac, to fend off the constant danger.
My only disappointment with the film relates to the picture quality which I found to be a bit on the grainy, dark side and the unexpected ending. But I appreciate that the views relating to both of these two aspects of the film are bound to vary according to the viewer's personal taste.
In conclusion, I am glad that I ignored the negative views of the dismal johnnies and trusted my own instincts relating to the cast members and its director.
Unrated: The Movie (2009)
A pure blend of comedy and horror
The first part of the film is the pure comedy section with the highlight for me being the outdoor fight scene between the four lead ladies and the incompetent, one man band of a film maker named Frank played by Timo Rose. I bet the ladies enjoyed this particular scene. Also,the early verbal exchanges, with a touch of comedy, between the actresses which cleverly revealed their contrasting personalities and attitudes brought a smile to my face. The bumbling, fumbling Frank instantly reminded me of the old Three Stooges characters and it was interesting to note that Timo mentioned The Three Stooges in an interview presented in the DVD Extras section. His confrontation with Magdalena Kalley when he endeavours to take a sneak shot of her with his camera was another comedic highlight.
We have to wait until the second part of the film before the horror sequences are presented but the wait is well worth it as the special effect segments prove to be highly effective. A big thumbs up to all concerned in this department.
I was already familiar with the work of the two English lead actresses - Eileen Daly (a national treasure) and Eleanor James - and the performances of the two young German actresses, namely Magdalena Kalley and Annika Straub, have certainly encouraged me to look out for further films in which they appear. This film was the first major role for both these ladies and they reveal potential for further screen successes. I have seen Eleanor in several films when she had smaller roles and her performance in this film confirms my previously formed opinion about her capabilities. She has certainly enhanced her reputation and handled her part with great confidence and competence. This was particularly evident in the closing scenes. Clips of Eleanor's fight sequences will probably appear in future compilations of clips featuring girls with guns, swords and other weapons! My only criticism of the film is that the fight scene with a high kicking Magdalena did not go on for a longer period.
The appearances of Manoush - one of my favourite actresses - in several scenes was particularly pleasing. This talented lady possesses the ability to dominate any scene that she appears in by merely standing and staring. Great expressions are once again evident. It is a bonus when she actually opens her mouth and moves! I formed the impression as the film progressed that everyone was enjoying their participation in the making of this movie and this contributed to my enjoyment of the film itself. It is a favourable and positive reflection on the film directors Andreas Schnaas and Timo Rose. There is certainly a sense that everyone involved are on the same wavelength and enthusiastic about their contribution.
If the objective of a film is to entertain then this one certainly hit the target as far as I am concerned.
The Chainsaw Sally Show (2010)
Chainsaw Sally Show - potential comic horror classic
Out of the hundreds of horror genre related DVDs released every year there occasionally emerges a memorable character who stands out and will last the test of time. In 2004, the name of Chainsaw Sally qualified to be listed alongside Toxic Avenger. Sally played with gusto by April Monique Burril now reappears on DVD in the newly released CHAINSAW SALLY SHOW SEASON ONE directed by her husband JimmyO Burril. I suspect that this DVD is destined to be regarded as a comic horror classic. Indeed, I cannot envisage any other actress apart from April playing the role of Sally.
Sally by day is a mousey, demure, orderly, bespectacled librarian who is transformed into a devilish, maniacal avenger when her strict code of behavior is broken by others. The transformation is visually emphasized by the dramatic and contrasting change in attire and appearance.
The story is is divided into eleven episodes on a feature packed two disc DVD set about a crazy, zany vigilante named Sally who attempts to make her locality a better place by eliminating those people who she perceives as interrupting her vision of an orderly society. "Rules are rules" says Sally. Anyone breaching the rules will have to face the unpleasant consequences of their actions. Parking in handicapped parking spot to putting the wrong filling into cookies can trigger off the wrath of Sally. Standards of behavior are enforced by her unconventional means. Sally certainly has a low tolerance threshold of code breaching. Retribution is usually swift and effective with no scope for argument from the person destined to be on the receiving end - only a jogger played by Nichola Fiore dares to face up to Sally. Once the wicked smile flashes across Sally's face then you can be certain that another victim is going to be added to the growing list of people who are going to have an unpleasant encounter with Sally. In addition, to the trademark chainsaw, Sally demonstrates that she is adept and versatile in her imaginative use of a range of other implements and materials to make her point as she proceeds on her maniacal missions. Sally has definitely not graduated from charm school.
As each episode is viewed, viewers will be left with a smile on their faces and looking forward to the next episode. As there are a lot of episodes (nearly four hours worth)that means there will be a lot of smiling! I am already looking forward to the DVD release of Chainsaw Sally Show Season Two and the flashing of the words 'It's Sally Time' on the screen once again.
The edition of the DVD set that I viewed contains two discs which included the following features in addition to the eleven episodes which average approx 20 mins each: Bonus film titled 'Grindhog Day', two behind the scenes featurettes, slide show, previews of Season Two, theme music video plus an introduction by Lloyd Kaufman (Toxic Avenger creator). Truly a value for money package of entertainment.
Timo Rose's Beast (2009)
Beast which does not disappoint
This is the third film that I have seen which has been directed by the German director Timo Rose - previous ones being Fearmakers and Barricade - and it has served to heighten the regard that I have for him as a film maker and actor. I particularly liked the manner in which the story covers the adventures and traumas of three pairs of individuals with contrasting personalities. Firstly, we have the dynamic,werewolf chasing duo played by Timo and Joe Davison, in a sometimes Laural and Hardy style, and then there is the brother and sister pairing played with skill and empathy by Raine Brown and Joe Zaso whose relationship becomes increasingly tense as the story relating to the condition of Joe's character unfolds. Finally, we have Yassmin Pucci and Andre Reissig as a couple of crazed candidates for anti-social behaviour orders.
The first half of the film coasts along at a casual pace with the focus of attention shifting between the development of the story in relation to the three pairs of characters but then the pace is suddenly accelerated when all six come together in a volatile explosive cocktail mix into which is blended the shadowy presence of Lydia played by Eileen Daly in a special appearance to give the cast list a further international dimension with members from various European countries and North America.
In addition to the main players, I was particularly impressed with the performance of Yassmin Pucci in the role of a vicious tomboy who would fit easily into one of Russ Meyer's films. Also, I was pleased to see the young German actress Tanja Karius obtain a further opportunity to briefly grace the screen in one of the minor roles. She has previously appeared in Barricade and Fearmakers and having gained valuable experience I expect her to be rewarded with more substantial roles in the not too distant future.
Finally, I enjoyed the end scene which featured an appearance by Manoush who never disappoints with her ability to make the maximum impact in the shortest possible screen time - the icing on the cake!
Tour de Force (2010)
A top class character based film
One of the films that impressed me the most this year is TOUR DE FORCE in which Kim Sonderholm performs the dual tasks of director and lead actor. Kim, from Denmark, is fast establishing a highly regarded reputation and earning respect in both these areas of film making.
In TOUR DE FORCE, Kim plays with commendable skill the lead role of Frank, a former cop, whose life becomes increasingly complex in both work and personal situations with pressure building up scene by scene. The scenes are appropriately dour but always well filmed to match the grim atmosphere generated. But the main strength of the film is the character of Frank. It is obvious, from the brilliant portrayal that Kim had put a great deal of prior thought into the characterization process and has certainly succeeded in his character study objective as well presenting and interesting story line in a film that grips the attention of the viewer from beginning to end.
I now look forward with eager anticipation to further film output, as director and actor, from Kim Sonderholm.
Sculpture (2009)
A well sculptured production
The main features of the independent movie scene which attract me more than the celebrity dominated, hyped up, big bucks mainstream output are the little gems of films produced in the indie sector. These productions are often based on original ideas involving a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and skill by all concerned - actors, actresses, directors, producers and crew - despite financial limitations. Sculpture starring Raine Brown, Misty Mundae (aka Eric Brown) and Dustin Kerns falls perfectly into this category.
Raine is a talented actress who has displayed tremendous versatility through her involvement in over 30 films - many in leading roles. She has certainly made intelligent use of the experience gained to the extent that I am confident that whenever I view a film, in which Raine has a prominent role, satisfaction is guaranteed. In Sculpture, she portrays a young artist with a split personality whose mood swings between joy and pleasure to torment. When in the grips of the latter, she adopts the attitude of a demented, piranha fish. In order to make her point, she displays great multi-tasking ability by weaving an attractive spiders web to entice victims and then skilfully utilising an array of DIY and Kitchen implements and ornaments.
The viewer's curiosity regarding the possible appearance of the show-stopping Sculpture is raised immediately in the opening sequence and as the film progressed I was constantly speculating on what the finished article would look like. The opening scenes also contain brief flashbacks which provide sufficient initial background detail before plunging the viewer into the main thread of the storyline. Further details of the past are then neatly presented in further flashback sequences as the present day events unfold. These flashbacks are just adequate and not overdone in this entertaining and interesting film.
Two other actors with substantial roles in the film are Misty Mundae and Dustin Kerns. I have seen Misty's name mentioned previously but this was the first viewing of her in a film. She certainly attracts attention with her effervescent screen personality and mischievous look on this occasion. Dustin is a young actor who was in the Bollywood film 'New York' which starred a couple of my favourite actors from that genre namely Katrina Kaif and John Abraham
The Good Sisters (2009)
Are the Good Sisters good?
This was a DVD that I was eager to view as it starred Debbie Rochon, who has impressed me with performances in numerous films in the past, and April Monique Burril, an actress who I had heard a lot of good things about recently. I must admit that I have been occasionally disappointed by the brevity of Debbie's appearances in some of these films as her roles were sometimes in the form of brief cameos. I was, therefore, pleased to note that there was no danger of disappointment on this occasion as Debbie and April justifiably dominate the screen time with their presence in 'The Good Sisters'.
In 'The Good Sisters' we can see two actresses who complement each other perfectly whilst acting out the roles of sisters with different personalities. The outcome is admirable in every respect and full marks must be awarded to both these ladies and to JimmyO Burril for his intelligent approach to the process. The description 'competent' and 'confident' certainly can be applied to director and lead actresses on this occasion.
The film starts at a slow pace which gives ample time during the opening scenes to introduce the viewer to the roles of both main main and supporting characters in a very neat manner. The spotlight is then firmly placed on the Good sisters and one of their neighbours played by David Calhoun. The viewer is subsequently drawn into the developing web of paranoia which is being expertly spun with the gradual planting of the question in the mind - "Are the Good sisters really good?". This is very cleverly done with the suspense then cranked up right to the well executed final scene.
I suspect that we will see Debbie and April appearing together in films again in the future. I sincerely hope that this will materialise as their performances are a joy to watch.
I was impressed with the amount of 'extras' on the DVD version that I obtained with audio commentaries by April, Debbie and JimmyO, a mini feature, an interview with Debbie and JimmyO and April dancing to create the logo!