Miranda Veil (2020) Movie Review © 2021 Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

 

Above Image: Poster for 'Miranda Veil' from IMDB, all rights reserved to original copyright holders, image used for promotional purposes only not monetized. Lionsgate Releasing

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. Across my desk today thanks to Mr. Williamson comes a movie entitled 'Miranda Veil' I always like watching indie movies. If at all possible it is often best for me to view films without watching any trailer or even reading anything about them, usually that is hard but, in this case I did. I was working on judging films for the IDTV Action Fest, and I decided to go all in and watch, literally as soon as the link was sent over! I must say, the film is surprisingly complex, many layers of allegory, wrapped in an enigma, people mirroring the lives of animals, one can only imagine the life you would lead if you could not die. 'Miranda Veil' explores the nuances of life and death.

It may seem intrinsically simple, a serial killer movie where a man hears voices in his head. In 'Miranda Veil he cannot act upon them, because he cannot find the right girl. The first girl is taken back to this ramshackle building, yet he cannot go through with the final act. Zach Steffey (Soren) is a tortured soul, conflicted, yet seemingly a horrible person in waiting. He soon meets up with Annabel Barrett (Miranda Veil) first by seeing her drunk then running into her again the next day. I refuse to spoil the content, let us just say that Barrett and Steffey put on a master class in acting, angst, anger, joy, and horrified emotions.

Miranda's parents, expertly played by Vida Ghaffari as Alice Veil and Kelton Jones as Daniel Veil, are trying to have normal lives, yet something is off, again no spoilers, but it gets pretty crazy! This is one area I kind of wish was explored more in the movie, more of Miranda's home life.

Director/Writer Levin Garbisch has a very detailed and creative script, and watching this movie makes me think that he had to direct it, as the script had so many nuanced dialogue and placement of the people involved. Garbish did something also amazing, while on the road, Miranda Veil and Soren meet up with several characters, each representing an animal you would find. Upon second viewing, yes it takes two full watching, the characters could all represent aspects of human life, but wrapped in human form, One man they meet is dressed in a bunny suit, he describes his story. I will not spoil it but one of the more interesting ones was Irena Violette as (The Cat) she is found perched on top of a dumpster, her movements were quite intriguing. Dean Satriano as (The Fox) was like a hippy guy, yet had a very odd vibe. Garbish to his credit never gets sidetracked in the 104 minute movie, the movie is a bit longer than many slasher films, but things are not what they seem! All of his actors are well coached and very much engaged in the dialogue.

Aesthetically the movie is solid, of course the film is independent, yet camera work is clear, many shots are during the daylight hours, and the simplistic, yet effective settings work wonders in a film like this allowing the viewer to take in the dialogue and performances. Musical score is very good, as is the ADR and Foley. Respect on this! Hard work getting these types of films to look and sound amazing.

Minor gripes as I said before, I wanted more time spent with Miranda's parents. I will not spoil the ending, but to be honest, it was something I did not expect, not that it is bad at all, yet I guess I really thought it was going to end different, but upon second watching, and thinking, 'Miranda Veil' can only end two possible ways. Again, no spoilers!

'Miranda Veil' is an innovative, and unusual story, with top notch acting, minor issues aside, the film rates a very strong 8 out of 10, a must watch! Support indie! Hopefully the creative people involved will level up due to the popularity of this on the streaming services!. 'Miranda Veil is available all over the World!

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Miranda-Veil-Annabel-Barrett/dp/B096C92N3N

Check also Itunes and various other services, for additional links.

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

IMDB: https://www.facebook.com/MirandaVeilthemovie

Hopefully later in 2021 I can do an interview with director Levin Garbish, want to get his thoughts on the film. Also I would like Annabel Barrett to discus her thoughts on her character. For Vida, as always she is amazing and creative, we will do an interview, I know long overdue, great work in a motherly role!

The Reef: Stalked - In Production Now © 2021 Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

Above Photo: Pre-production poster for 'The Reef: Stalked' (C) 2021 Amp Films International, Image used for promotional purposes only not monetized. https://amp-film.com/screeners/the_reef_stalked.html#

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, IF.com.au reports that a sequel to the 2009 film The Reef is currently in production. Writer/Director Andrew Traucki returns in the same capacity. Article Credit: Matthew Kappos https://www.if.com.au/andrew-traucki-returns-to-the-deep-end-as-the-reef-stalked-enters-production/?fbclid=IwAR2r_R-y7wAItGg-p7HGo5Zm9geLOrVKrkK4mZnoIwNzFad4o-MtZY09CvA

Amp Films International is returning for the sequel. The movie began pre-production in November of 2020. Connect with them @ https://amp-film.com/

Currently the film is in production in Queensland, Australia. The six week shoot should wrap in early August. 

Above photo credit: (C) 2021 https://www.if.com.au  A;; rights reserved, image used for promotional use only not monetized. 'The Reef: Stalked' lead cast (L-R): Saskia Archer, Ann Truong, Kate Lister, Teressa Liane

Synopsis:

In an effort to heal after witnessing her sister's horrific murder, Nic, her sister Annie and two close friends travel to a remote Pacific island for a kayaking and diving adventure.

Only hours into their expedition, the women are stalked and then attacked by a massive Great White Shark.

To survive the women will need to band together, and Nic will have to overcome her post-traumatic stress, face her fears and slay a monster.

'THE REEF: STALKED' is the franchise sequel to Andrew Traucki’s hugely successful 2010 thriller 'THE REEF' which regularly features in best shark films of all time that aren't JAWS.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12735282/ IMDB link for 'The Reef: Stalked'

Occupation: Rainfall (2020) Movie Review - Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

Above: Poster for 'Occupation: Rainfall' (C) 2020/2021 Monster Films and Saban Films, All rights reserved image used for promotional purposes only not monetized.

 

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers, across my desk today comes the second installment of the Occupation film series titled 'Occupation: Rainfall. The film is released in the USA on Saban Films. When director Luke Sparke had a vision for the original film he probably never could have imagined how a indie film from Australia could have such a global impact. The first film is a masterful story of everyday people fighting for their lives in the midst of initial aliens invading Earth. The first film had detailed character development and an every-man relatable quality. The second film assumes that the viewer has seen the first one, thus the action and starts out basically in the middle of a full blown war.

'Occupation: Rainfall' has a budget probably three times as high as the first one, and the money was used for obviously larger sets, more detailed VFX and superior cinematography. 'Rainfall' does not have the charm and innocence of the first film, but this film is told from a soldier sense, rather than a bunch of locals rounded up to combat the aliens. Because of this I recommend watching the first film prior to viewing the sequel.

Dan Ewing reprises his role as Matt Simmons and Temuera Morrison also returns to the leadership role of Peter Bartlett. The lead female role of Amelia Chambers played by Stephany Jacobsen in the first film has been replaced by the amazing Jet Tranter . Normally I do not like replacing characters in a direct sequel, but in 'Occupation: Rainfall' the alteration of character from civilian to hardened soldier implies almost a totally new character. Yes in 'Terminator 2' Linda Hamilton bulked up to warrior size, but there was six years between films. Since Jet already had her acting and physical action skills on point she was an easy choice and the proper one. That said, Jacobson was a great choice for the first film.

'Occupation: Rainfall' is loud, booming, full of explosions and firefights. Director Luke Sparke made a film for theaters, I watched this at home, and in this case I wish I was watching this in a huge IMAX screen. The movie progresses at a frantic pace, not even allowing for much time to catch your breath, save for a few scenes of tender moments with Amelia, and some explaining of the weaponry and tactics. Normally I would like more time spent on character development, but here it is on the fly, and works within the rapind pace structure of the story.

There is an alien named Garry, who is sympathetic to the humans. He is hunted by his own kind and the humans, yet the small group shelter him and he helps them. This fact adds a conundrum to the group, some of who do not trust him. The aliens are referred to as The Greys, Garry the alien has a scene in which the humans attack the home where he is housed along with the soldiers. I see correlation here as to how the aboriginal people in Australia are often treated, as outcasts, even though they deserve a voice and to stand on equal footing.

The musical score gives Occupation: Rainfall a bigger feel, and demonstrates the emotional connection with the characters. The importance of a solid musical bed really amplifies the intensity and urgency in films and kudos must go to Frederik Wiedmann and the entire team of sound recorders as well. Occupation: Rainfall not only sounded epic, but even the background sound in headphones were quite stunning.

Project Rainfall is mentioned and I will not spoil it, as the reveal is in the final 30 minutes of the film. Let us just say it involves an alien weapon, yet the humans have a their own reverse engineered weapon as well. Actor Ken Jeong portrays Bud Miller and he chats about Project Rainfall and adds an bit of levity to the otherwise very serious film.

The ending is pretty crazy, and the sheer number of explosions and action rival a Michael Bay 200 million dollar film, let us just say a third film will happen. Overall I liked 'Occupation: Rainfall' Kind of like the massive budget Chinese film 'Red Cliff', the film essentially is a two parter. I am curious how the battle will unfold in the second part of the film. Respect to all involved, a labor of passion, sweat and determination. 'Occupation: Rainfall' rates a 7 out of 10, if you can view in a theater I recommend it, otherwise a worthy of a rent or purchase if you like SciFi.

Please check my interviews for Stephany Jacobson as the original Amelia and director Luke Sparke, watch for a third Jet Tranter interview later in 2021:

http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2018/07/actress-stephany-jacobsen-interview-c.html

http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2020/11/director-luke-sparke-interview.html

Facebook Official site for Occupation: Rainfall

https://www.facebook.com/occupationthemovie

For further information go to the Saban Films Official Website:

https://www.sabanfilms.com/

 

The film is available on Itunes and various digital platforms.

PeiPei Alena - Action Specialist Spotlight - © 2021 Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

 

Above Image: PeiPei from her Official Facebook page, all rights reserved, image not monetized

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers. Stunt action specialist PeiPei Alena has worked on dozens of projects and over the course of the past few years has worked on stunt coordinating in addition to her various specialty skills. PeiPei is a hard working action woman who has creative ideas, a sense of humor, and impeccable fighting technique.

A few years back PeiPei worked as Director, Editor, SFX, and Executive Producer on a kick ass hysterical short called 'Yoga Pant Brawl'. Tamiko Brownlee worked as the film's fight coordinator. PeiPei has released the short to YouTube after a successful film festival run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fIfiYGQ-Q8

For more information on Yoga Pant Brawl: http://facebook.com/YogaPantBrawl

 

 Above Image: PeiPei Alena - Photography credit @shauncharneyofficial 

Recently PeiPei unleashed a 2021 compilation demo of her fight coordinating and second unit directing work:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phttSFdqq0Y

PeiPei is always looking for collaborations and interesting action work. Please connect to her on her official social media outlets:

Facebook: http://Facebook.com/BgirlPeppa

Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BgirlPeppa

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxxEuRT8goXBd8mSQy0OUw

Keep reading Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com form more information on PeiPei and many other action luminaries coming later in 2021!