Rabid (2019) Movie Review (C) 2019 Dan's Movie Report Danny Templegod

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. One of the first introductions to horror for me was David Cronenberg's 1977 masterpiece 'Rabid'. More of a thinking man's infection outbreak film. In that film, a sexy Marilyn Chambers undergoes an experimental plastic surgery, and develops a taste for human flesh. Cronenberg's films have violence and blood, but always stray away from the norm. Fast forward to 2019, Jen & Sylvia Soska tackle the difficult remake. The Soska Sisters are co-directing and co-writing the film. The updated film has elements of stem cell research and a very slick fashion designer theme as well.

The Soska's up the blood and gore factor, but it works in the 2019 Rabid. They are masters of the flowing gelatin, yet the biting social commentary makes for a sultry dynamic ride. Horror told from a female prospective allows for a reveal of the initial facial scar, and how much emphasis is placed on looks. Vanity is almost forced on ladies in the film world, and the 2019 Rabid makes sure to up the way the ladies not only look, but comment on how their counterparts appear.

'Immortal skin grafts' are discussed, as Rose gets the treatment. Laura Vandervoort as Rose delivers a sublime, and commanding performance as Rose. She constantly checks her appearance, and gains confidence through the movie. Sometimes she is passive, other times she is feral and aggressive. Vandervoort is a pro, and she pushes her own boundaries in Rabid. Rose has the visions of feral, carnal violence.

The original Rabid is 90 minutes including credits and the Soska version is 107 minutes. The longer version allows for more dialogue and retrospective. In addition a very developed side plot of fashion designer Gunter portrayed by Mackenzie Gray. Gray is a pro and revels in the eccentric character, pushing the envelope of flamboyant behavior to the extreme, yet coming down a bit for the quieter moments. Gunter serves as the pushy boss, in a modern day environment, another social device. Look for an appearance by wrestler CM Punk as well.

Rabid has amazing costuming and scenery, especially in the fashion show. Also a special mention to Hanneke Talbot, who portrays Chelsea. I refuse to spoil what happens, but she is a powerhouse force, and whoa, that escalated quick! She states “I am closing the Motherf@#cking show, I am great!” She is amazing and pushes hard to get into character, ranging emotions rather rapidly.

A few notes, I recommend checking out the original Rabid film prior to watching this. Though it is not a requirement, more intellectual horror, requires thought. Rabid is not a typical 'zombie or slasher' check your brain at the door film. There is inherently more dialogue in Rabid than perhaps 95 percent of the horror film released. If you see negative commentary of this film, consider the source. The original Rabid is more subdued, yet the terror is real when it ramps up. Rabid 2019 is more of a frantic pace, yet has much of the same feel. Comparing the two films is unfair as the pacing is different, yet there is enough of the similar elements for a remake. In 1977 Rabid had a rather specific and limited audience, yet developed a cult following years later. With a splash in major horror film festivals and a release, the 2019 film will repeat that, and hopefully get people viewing the original film as well.

Catty behavior, some biting humor, expertly filmed, the 2019 version of Rabid is ravishingly entertaining. The film expounds and pays homage to the original with updated gore and special effects, which do not detract from the intensity. The Soska's Rabid rates a solid 7 out of 10, Happy Halloween!

Rabid unleashes in the USA around December 13th from Shout! Factory.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rabidmovie/

Twisted Twins:  http://twistedtwinsproductions.net/

Rabid is actually available now in the U.K. On Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rabid-DVD-Laura-Vandervoort/dp/B07KBTBLRQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9ALKHUCE1A8I&keywords=rabid+2019&qid=1571537183&sprefix=Rabid%2Caps%2C273&sr=8-1

Cleaning House (2019) Short Film Review - (C) Dan's Movie Report - Danny Templegod

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers. From the creative action minds of Marissa Labog and the incredible Shahaub Roudbari comes a brand new short. A slice of action entitled 'Cleaning House'

Synopsis: CLEANING HOUSE is an 80s driven action comedy that revolves around a spirited maid named Sydney (Marissa Labog) and an overzealous secret agent named Dylan (Shahaub Roudbari). As her love for Whitney Houston disrupts his covert op, a frantic battle erupts revealing things are not always as they seem.

Marissa serves as the writer and producer and Shahaub serves as the director for Cleaning House. The film opens with Marissa as a maid with headphones on, seemingly oblivious to the fighting going on around her where various thugs are attempting to take out Shabaub's character. In all actuality, things are not what they seem. Eventually and I mean deliberately, slow, and methodical, Marissa, unscrews a mop handle, very dramatically. In the ensuing seconds she uses her speed, action, and amazing dance moves to punch and kick her way through the thugs.

Above: Marissa Labog in 'Cleaning House' (C) 2019 Up Productionz

Marissa, always engaging, makes astute social commentary as well, about women in the work place. Though 'Cleaning House' is a far lighter tone than the Earth shattering short 'When Kids Grow Up'. In that film Marissa plays a potential rape victim, with realism and danger. Marissa manages to get a message in, and drive the point home, even though Cleaning House is a comedy. Marissa may be short in stature, as she often demonstrates in her action films by taking on much bigger opponents, yet displays no fear, and always pushes forward. In Cleaning House' the action is clear, pronounced and easy to see and enjoy. Everyone involved should be commended for their efforts

Near the end of 'Cleaning House' the amazing action professional Amy Sturdivant comes out and proves that women not only belong as equals, but are as Marissa puts it are “more than qualified”. The fighting takes place in a pastel lit Miami Vice style room, adding to the 80s vibe. Overall, another great short. 'Cleaning House' rates a strong 8 out of 10, I hope it goes to some action film festivals in the coming months!

The entire short is now live on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQZBrOwG3f0&

'Cleaning House' Cast and Crew list:

Directed by — Shahaub Roudbari Written & Produced by — Marissa Labog Director of Photography — Jennifer Hook CAST Sydney — Marissa Labog Dylan — Shahaub Roudbari Security Detail Aviel “A.V.” Ayoung Stephane Fiossonangaye Ryan Gray Anthony Oh Dustin Stern-Garcia Amy Sturdivant Yavuz Topuz Fight Coordinators — Shahaub Roudbari & Aviel “A.V.” Ayoung First AC — Lauren Peele Gaffer — Conor Soules Key Grip — Jake Reardon Sound — Jacob Miller Makeup Artist — Olga Voronova Editor — Ernesto Matamoros VFX — Jaron Clegg Sound Mix — Johnny Gao, Jae Kim Colorist — Billy Jackson MUSIC “Total Eclipse of the Heart” Written by Jim Steinman Performed by Bonnie Tyler Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” Written by Shannon Rubicam and George Robert Merrill Performed by Whitney Houston Courtesy of Arista Records By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment

For more information on UP PRODUCTIONZ:

 https://www.upproductionz.com/

https://www.facebook.com/upproductionz

https://www.instagram.com/upproductionz/

Finally, although it was conducted some time ago, please check out my interview with Marissa: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2013/04/actressstuntwoman-marissa-labog.html

Eternal Code (2019) Movie Review - Dan's Movie Report

Above: Eternal Code Poster (C)  2019 Vision Films from IMDB

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. The folks at Vision Films have unleashed a thriller/drama called Eternal Code. The 'eternal code' referred in this film is transferring mind to a new body. Two corporations caught up in a merger, with ruthless thugs forcing the merger to happen. Kidnappings, murder, betrayal, and general mayhem all ensue!

Eternal Code requires the viewer to be completely engaged, due to the fact there are so many plot twists. The eerie relaxed pace adds some tension, and allows the viewer to catch up, yet at a 106 minutes, I felt that the run time is a bit too long, and there is a bit of transitional time wasted. Unexpected turns in a film are amazing, but if there are so many it can bog down the film, as good as the Eternal Code story and idea is, the impact and message is at times, muddled.

On the plus side, the acting is natural and not forced. Richard Tyson as Oliver brings a command performance to Eternal Code playing a vet who is down on his luck, but has a conscious for others. Scout Taylor-Compton is great as well, showing emotion, and concern. The younger actors in the film do a solid job. Actually, this is one of the strengths in Eternal Code, and for an indie film is refreshing.Executive Producer/Director/Writer Harley Wallen worked very hard on this film, and it is obvious from the quality of the acting.

I do not want to spoil any of the plot of Eternal Code, but I will say, be patient watching it. There is a moral character study occurring here, and it unfolds as the movie progresses. The end of life technology is never completely explained, nor explored that much, but implied. In addition, there are so many characters introduced, there is just not enough background material on them to initiate empathy when they either expire, or someone close to them does. A second watch, which I did, yields better results, and due to the plot complexity of Eternal Code, it is nearly mandatory.

The quality of the film, sound, editing, and ADR, is very professional. All of the dialogue can be heard, even when a character is speaking under their breath. Lighting, location and accouterments in Eternal Code allow for an clear viewing experience. I am thinking with a few less characters and perhaps 10 minutes of running time trim Eternal Code could have been pretty epic. Even with the gripes I have, Eternal Code is clever and engaging, definitely not a check your brain at the door, film. With a variety of u-turns and worth a watch for fans of dramatic thrillers. Admittedly, I struggled with a rating score, as stated prior, a second viewing yields an evaluation 6.5 out of 10.

Eternal code is available for rent or purchase now on various outlets.

IMDB link:  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8655738/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Courier (2019) New Trailer And Confirmed Release Date! Dan's Movie Report

Above: IMDB Poster for The Courier (C) 2019 Roller Coaster Angel Productions
Website: https://rollercoasterangelproductions.com/
U.K. Release: December 20th, 2019 - Theatrical.

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and www.action-flix.com readers. Chatted with my friend Lee Charles recently. He has a part in and was Olga Kurylenko's trainer for the new kick ass film called The Courier. Olga plays the title character (The Courier) and she had to go through a myriad of training for the part. Now the trailer has dropped and the film has a release date November 22^nd, 2019.

Synopsis: This intense action-thriller film unfolds in real time as two embattled souls fight for their lives. Academy Award Winner Gary Oldman stars as a vicious crime boss out to kill Nick, the lone witness set to testify against him. He hires a mysterious female motorcycle courier (Olga Kurylenko) to unknowingly deliver a poison-gas bomb to slay Nick. But after she rescues Nick from certain death, the duo must confront an army of ruthless hired killers in order to survive the night.

The Courier is directed by Zackary Adler, who also serves as one of the writers and one of the producers. Lionsgate will distribute the film in the U.S.A. Look for a November 22^nd release!!

The Courier looks to be a R rated thrill ride with the amazing Gary Oldman and Dermot Mulroney involved. According to Lee, crafting action took several months, very meticulous, and hard training. Olga Kurylenko brings maximum effort to all the projects she is in, and this looks to be brutal! What is also cool is a balance of not just guys saving the day, the ladies, are involved in the action! Actress Alicia Agneson plays Agent Simmonds, she also will enter the dangerous fray. Incidentally, Lee plays a character named Fripp, and is the assistant fight choreographer, very much looking forward to this action!

The Movie Trailer Channel has an official U.S. Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO6xS0AxQU8

The Courier IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9207616/

Lee Charles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leecharlesactor/

Connect with the amazingly talented Olga Kurylenko on her official pages:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olgakurylenkoofficial/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OlyaKurylenko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialOlgaKurylenko/

Keep reading Dan's Movie Report and www.action-flix.com for more exclusive content over the next several months!

What Death Leaves Behind Miami Screening Event! A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!

 All Photos on this page (C) 2019 Danny Templegod for Dan's Movie Report

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. On October 10^th I had the unique opportunity, thanks to producer/writer Rachel Ofori to attend the South Florida Screening of What Death Leaves Behind. The screening took place at the amazing AMC Aventura 24 theater, incidentally, the same theater that was host for the Widescreen Festival for the first four years. 

 

Rachel, along with her father and aunt in attendance, provided a warm family atmosphere for the thoughtful thriller/drama. Enjoy the exclusive photos and video taken by myself and the ones of me and Rachel by Paul Newbern who was my guest for the evening's festivities.

Rachel and her team are very pro, they had a red carpet set up, along with a very nice backdrop, this allowed for some nice photographic opportunities. The screening started about 8:45 with a red carpet prior, then some after. Following the movie Rachel answered questions about the movie, and even gave away a T-Shirt and Pen for a contest. 

 

Overall I really enjoyed this laid back, yet entertaining way of watching a film with a red carpet. This is a great film and Rachel and her team have several screening events coming in the near future. 

Above: Live Shout Out to Dan's Movie Report in 4K @ 60FPS! Special thanks to Rachel Ofori and her entire team. 

The team have a full listing of upcoming screenings and link to purchase tickets @ https://www.whatdeathleavesbehind.com/in-theaters/

Support high quality indie film! I posted a non-spoiler review on the link below:

https://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2019/09/what-death-leaves-behind-2018-movie.html

Had to throw in a mysterious grey scale picture, photograph: Paul Newbern Edit, Danny Templegod------ see below

Critically Acclaimed ‘WHAT DEATH LEAVES BEHIND’ continues on its Theatrical Run throughout the month of October in select cities


Nashville- October 15th



#ATLANTA - October 24th
#BALTIMORE with Johnny Alonso - October 16th
#MANYUNK with Dave Fraser
#UPPERDARBY w Lowe Freeman
#PHILADELPHIA w David Lee - October 31st
#KINGOFPRUSSIA w Bill Fay - October 24th
#ALLENTOWN w Daleita Wilson - October 30th
#DELAWARE with Jaxson & Ikeya - October 23rd
#PITTSBURGH with Derek Morton - October 24th
#CLEVELAND with Kevin Taylor- October 29th



At each screening there will be a short question and answer session following the film. Most of the screenings start between 7 and 8pm, the film runs one hour and twenty-five minutes.

Above: Rachel with her aunt, who was the organizational person for the table and guests at the Miami screening.




Keep reading Dan's Movie Report for more exclusives throughout 2019, including an interview with Rachel, and a DVD giveaway in early 2020!

For further up to the minute information please connect with the film's social media portals:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatDeathLeavesBehind/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatdeathleavesbehind/?hl=en