Gut Movie Review

Not sure where to begin about this relaxed paced thriller about two friends who have a past. Tom (Jason Vail) is a family man with a sordid past, which his friend Dan (Nicholas Wilder) brings up by inviting him over to watch snuff films. At first Dan states that these films were sent to him in the mail, but then comes clean and slowly Tom and Dan roll down to a path of self destruction.

Normally I have no problems with violent visceral films, but Gut has a pace that is just a bit to slow to develop. The first part of the film actually does establish some of the background of the characters, but with sparse dialogue, the viewer is forced to fill in the gaps. In Dario Argento's Deep Red the atmospheric story lends itself to long interludes sans dialogue, but as a viewer I wanted more interactivity between the characters in Gut, and more liveliness.

Negatives aside, Gut is effective, as a creepy mysterious horror, if culled together. The acting is decent, and probably was subdued on purpose to force a seething, silent disconnect between characters, and the audience. I really enjoyed Sara Schoofs, and her portrayal of Tom's wife Lily. She shows emotion and a pensive attitude. Sara plays the character with concern, but her underlying, oblivious nature to his past life, seen through her eyes, makes Gut more effective as a thriller.

Above Pic: Tom and Lily in a quieter moment of Gut


Gut stresses routine as the two friends ate at the same diner every day and even the same food. Gut is analogous to a punch in the gut as it wakes the senses from the mundane existence like a punch in the stomach does.  The friends work together, but the subversiveness rears its ugly head toward the end.

Gut is a rather slow ride, but the ambling journey is somewhat worth the trip. Gut Rates a 5 out of 10 and worth of a rent. I am curious what director Elias and producer Anna Ganster will come up with next, I am sure that their twisted mind will be active for future productions. One caution with Gut, this is a very violent and sexual film at parts, so not recommended for under 18. Gut is available for rent as amazon instant video follow the link below.



For more info go to the Gut official page @ www.gutmovie.com
Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/gutmovie

Liberator Movie Review

 Above pic: Poster of Liberator (C) 2012 Coverage, Ink Productions

Growing up, everyone remembers Lou Ferrigno in the iconic green skin as The Hulk, a massive superhero, fueled by anger. In Liberator, Ferrigno plays disgraced military vet Ed Migliocetti, who got his team mate killed on a mission.  Ed was experimented on while in the service, and also has personal issues, a far from perfect hero. Ferrigno looks great and obviously keeps himself in top shape, and a perfect fit for this type of character.

The 19 minute film begins with a comic book page opening detailing the back story, reminiscent, somewhat of the Marvel film openings, but time is spent as Ferrigno is narrating the story behind his character.

Following the initial opening Ed is seen walking through a grocery story in a hoodie and sunglasses trying to maintain a low profile. Shouts of traitor are heard as he sulks through and only a small child in the basket with his mother recognizes him for the superhero he once was.

Above Pic: Sultry and dangerous Peta Wilson chats with Lou Ferrigno, is it a set up?

Ed writes a tell all book about his experiences and attempts to expose the truth. Ed chats with "talk show host" Marla Criswell (Peta Wilson), but soon discovers the show is a set up. Incidentally Peta Wilson is a great choice to play this devious character, with understated intensity, smoldering looks, and visceral vocal chords to match.

Without spoiling the rest of the short, Liberator is full of a variety of possibilities, as his old team, Sidewinder (Don -(The Dragon) Wilson and sultry Gaia, (Tara Cardinal) are dispatched to destroy him. Although Sidewinder and Gaia are only in the film for a short time, their presence allows for multiple plot possibilities to open up for future story lines. This is superhero fanboy material all the way and honestly would translate smoothly to either a TV series or a feature length film.

Above Pic: Tara Cardinal and Don (The Dragon) Wilson, prepare to be reactivated to take on The Liberator!


Discussing the quality, the HD print looks polished and professional. All of the actors are well lit, and obviously well rehearsed with proper movements and facial expressions. Liberator is made to impress, and it delivers, giving the audience a taste, of the story and characters, but leaving viewers a desire for more.

By using experienced actors such as Ferrigno, Peta Wilson, Don The Dragon Wilson, Michael Dorn and Ed Asner and talented newcomers like Tara Cardinal, and Jessica Andres, Liberator may have found a niche with younger and older fans alike. Jessica and Tara are talented ladies and definitively ones to watch for the future. Jessica plays Ed's daughter Sonya. Watch for her appearance, as she also transforms herself to fight along side The Liberator.

Liberator is a fantastic short film with many possibilities for expansion of characters and a variety of possible iterations of the story. Liberator rates a 9 out of 10, one of my top short films of the year!

Connect with Liberator on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/Liberatormovie

Showgirls 2: Penny's From Heaven Movie Review

Above Pic: Showgirls 2: Penny's From Heaven Poster.

Hot Holiday contest click this! link. http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2012/12/sexy-santa-hot-holiday-contests-400000.html


This film came clear out of left field like a curveball. Following the release of the first big budget Paul Verhoeven film the rights to a sequel have been up in the air. Actress Rena Riffel who played Penny in the original film has actually created a sequel loosely based on her character, giving some sort of a back story. All Screen shots are able to be made into wall paper by clicking an enlarging.

Above Pic: Sexy Rena, shows how to "work" it! HAHA (C) Rena Riffel Films Dan's movie Report Screen.


Ironically this film has more substance than the original Showgirls on merely a shoe string budget as it pokes fun at various aspects of the showgirl industry including the seedy side of audition, and the cut throat business. I first saw Rena Riffel in a very provocative film called Undercover Heat with Athena Massey. Her salacious humor is refreshing, in that film, and actually her acting ability is pretty solid. Penny's From Heaven is a two and a half hour showcase, actually produced by Riffel herself. As an independent writer I respect anyone going about it virtually alone. Riffel did have a small roll in Mullholland drive and Penny's from Heaven has some influences with that including a bit of violence mixed in and kinkiness.

Above Pic: Sexy Rena (C) Rena Riffel Films, Dan's Movie Report Screen. Click on image to increase to wallpaper size!


Penny's From Heaven opens on the seedier side of Las Vegas, Penny has a warrant out for her arrest, is shown the door by Actor Glen Plummer's character and she begins her unending journey to Vegas stardom. Her journeys range from lap-dance auditions on a pool table to full choreographed dance numbers.

Penny's From Heaven focuses far less on the nudity and sex, then the actual process of trying to become a showgirl. Don't moan this, actually this fact makes for a more entertaining film in-spite of the extremely limited budget. There is nudity, but the dialogue drives Penny's From Heaven, and actually is quite clever at times.

Above Pic: A sophisticated Rena meets the high society. (C) Rena Riffel Films Dan's Movie Report Screen


Penny is convinced that ballet lessons will further her career. Penny's from heaven turns to a deeper social commentary, than Verhoeven, all be it a more sardonic one. It has a campy feel, like a twisted David Lynch film, on the one hand, like an Andy Sidaris film on the other

Overall I like this film, my one major complaint that a two and a half hours is a bit long to sit through, but there is enough material to provide some laughs, some titillation, and a somewhat unusual look into the life of a showgirl just starting out in the business, thus offering a new perspective.

Showgirls 2: Penny's From Heaven rates a 6.5 out of 10, worth a rent and is available now on AMAZON video, check the link below. Also visit the website @ http://www.Showgirls2movie.com

November 2012 Movie News! New Photos!

Above Pic: Poster for Veer

Actress Corsica Wilson in her interview Check Link: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2012/06/corsica-wilson-interview-c-2012.html mentioned a new film she is in called Veer. Currently the cool skateboarding film is making the festival rounds and makes a few stops in Florida at the FLIFF (Ft. Lauderdale international Film Festival) and moves up the Coast in January. Please Click on the link for more information and how to purchase tickets. http://www.fliff.com/Film/818/VEER!_-_FLIFF_&_SAFF

Actress Krystal Vee is currently in production of her new film tentatively titled The Cop look for more info early in 2013, in the mean time follow her on Facebook and twitter as she is posting pictures from behind the scenes. Here is one pic just to wet your appetite of her in uniform:

 Above Pic: Krystal Vee Behind the scenes from her new film.

Cynthia Rothrock will be in Prague for a Seminar, Click the Flyer below to enlarge for more information

Another Cynthia Related item below, With Master Julian Dale.

Above Pic: Eagle Claw Masters Cynthia Rothrock and Julian Dale


Master Julian Dale has informed me of a new project he is working on:   

Eagle Claw Kung Fu Friends Cynthia Rothrock and Julian Dale
Are now working together In Martial Arts Uncovered a new TV show! 

For more info on Eagle Claw and Julian head to http://www.worldeagleclaw.com/

They will be presenting M.A.U On T.V Near You Soon For The Big Wan Management !! In addition, watch for the talented Mauy Thai sensation Julie Kitchen and Boxing and MMA Star Ian (The Machine) Freeman for appearances on the show as well. 

Keep watching Dan's Movie Report for more details.

There is an excellent interview of Julie Kitchen on this site http://martialhearts.wordpress.com/2011/05/05/julie-kitchen/
Watch for more of her in 2013 on Dan's Movie Report!
 

Look On www.bigwanmanagement.com For All The Details!


Watch for madness from The Asylum with Shark Week,  and the family holiday film Golden Winter. Watch for December with Age of The Hobbits! with Bai Ling!

Check out the madness in the trailer below! For Shark Week!
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=plRvuupdKNQ   For all the information on their current releases, please check out their official site @ www.theasylum.cc

COREY FELDMAN'S  HOSTING A ONE-NIGHT SHOWING OF "6 DEGREES OF HELL" NOVEMBER 20TH 

The Laemmle Music Hall 

9036 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles

Order Tickets Now Corey Feldman (The Lost Boys, The Goonies) will be in attendance for the Los Angeles premiere of 6 Degrees of Hell. Joined by writer and producer B.H. Smith, the screening will include a Q&A following the film and a horror trivia game,  with such prizes as signed scripts, posters and movie packs. Synopsis:  In Northeast Pennsylvania, "Uncle Jack's Hotel of Horror" is besieged by a dark presence after two friends of "Uncle" Jack, Chris and Kellen, unwittingly release a deadly evil by transporting local psychic Mary Wilkins' collection of haunted objects as props for the popular tourist attraction. At the same time, a local TV ghost hunter, confronts an evil that has haunted him all his life-one he believes is responsible for his sister's death years ago. His search puts him in the path of a rogue police chief and June, a girl who seems to be the eye of this supernatural perfect storm. They all find themselves connected to the old hotel while the threads of their own personal horrors draw paranormal investigator Kyle Brenner (Feldman) to pull all the threads together.

Watch for many an interview with stunt queen Ming Qiu in 2013 as she chats about her involvement in the new G.I. Joe film, check out this cool photo of her from Chris Massa Full Spectrum Photography. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Massa-Full-Spectrum-Photography/119452118065481y

Remains Movie Review

Above Pic: (C) Chiller Films, Poster for Remains


With the popularity of The Walking Dead TV Show, Zombie mania is at its highest ever. The age old debate rages, fast or lumbering zombies. Remains paints a dystopic, myopic De-evolutionary tale of the events following the Zombification of Reno, Nevada. Steve Niles, who penned the diverse 30 Days of Night, paints a sordid picture of the society, a microcosm of the world.

REMAINS opens with a bang literally as a new non-nuclear age is welcomed in with a mountain top test explosion. While the blast is never fully explained, watching the film, it is evidence of some sort of exposure, because the more a person is outside the faster exposure occurs.

Above Pic: Sultry Evalina Marie (Tori) waits to get out. (C) Chiller (Click to increase to wallpaper size!)


The main setting in "REMAINS" is inside a small casino, where our "heroes" are holed up while a plan is devised. The lucky few who survived the initial blast were isolated. In fact the main two characters Tom (Grant Bowler) and Tori (Evalina Marie) were actually locked downstairs on purpose while she um paid of a supply side debt if you get my drift.

The hotel is obviously well stocked, so the group, which includes two other people wrestle with the idea to stay or leave. In REMAINS the infected seem to "learn" different movements and are "turned off" when their is lack of light or activity. Unfortunately this is never fully explained, as no proof of mind control is given throughout.

REMAINS is full of action and jump scenes when it needs to be, and moments of mildly tepid terseness at, allowing for the viewer to make his or her own judgement. If the beginning back story had been explained, the disconnect would be lessened, thus making for a slightly more enjoyable film. The script should  bit more imaginative for the tale, but REMAINS is more of a visual story.

Above Pic: The militia group meet with our protagonists (C) Chiller


However, with a budget of 750K, REMAINS is an entertaining zombie romp, full of attitudes and egos just as demented and dangerous as the zombies. A military convoy soon sees the group's smoke signals, and REMAINS flails out from there.

The acting in REMAINS is decent, the script unfortunately did not lend itself to stand out performances. I enjoy Tawny Cypress's portrayal of Cindy, she is part of the military convoy. She has a fire behind her eyes and seems to invoke a sense of urgency. Evalena Marie as Tori is a firecracker, she has an attitude, a myraid of weapons she finds along the, and not afraid to use them, Resident Evil Tribute? Did I mention that she is great therapy for the retina, cornea, and optic nerve haha.

Yeah it is not perfect, incongruities abound, but REMAINS is a fun way to spend 88 minutes Remains rates a 6.5 out of 10 worth a rent. Actually Amazon has it at a rather reasonable price, check link below.