Above Image: (C) 2023 Angus McSix from their official page. Skaw, Angus, Thalia and in the back Sebulon!!
Greetings
valued Dan's Movie & Music Report readers. Although I have
reviewed several musical releases on my site, my intention is to
balance my movie reviewing with some great music. A perfect place to
begin my quest is the the amazing Napalm Records release of the debut
release of Angus McSix.
Angus
McSix is essentially a super-group comprised of well respected
members of groups who they are either a current part or past part of.
Thomas Winkler is the the vocalist, with a well publicized exit from
'Gloryhammer' Seeb of course is the mastermind of 'Orden Ogen' . The
incredibly talented guitarist Thalia came from 'Frozen Crown' after
and amicable split from the band in 2020. The mighty drummer, and I
do mean mighty, goes by the name of Skaw in Angus McSix is well
respected and will make sure everyone in the band is in tip top
physical shape!!
The
double CD which is quite clever packaging includes a second all
orchestral version. I love this! I think there are times when it is
great to have the option to listen to classical music, while driving!
Both discs sound great, in headphones and at maximum volume through
speakers.
Musically
the two stand out tracks are 'Sixcalibur' and 'Laser Shooting
Dinosaurs'. I listened to a detailed interview with Thalia where she
discussed that she had the option to of course add solos to the
songs, but like the true pro she is, she only chose 'Sixcalibur' as
she said it was important not to distract from Thomas vocals and the
vibe of the song. This brings me to my next point, it is extremely
obvious that Thalia is an amazing guitarist, yet manages at the young
age of 23 to recognize that it is now about consistently ripping
solos in every song. I mean I really love power metal, but at times,
over soloing just feels at times unecessary.
'Laser
Shooting Dinosaurs, which incidentally has an over the top hysterical
animated music video is just fun and creative. Again this band is
made up of professional musicians who respect each other's talent.
Of
course I would be remiss if I did not mention the worlds ultimate
diss track 'Masters of The Universe' I mean the lyrics are next level
hysterical and just maniacal. I mean, “Glory left my hammer, now I
wield a sword” Seeb and Thomas really created a unique project.
Thalia
and Thomas danced with a dinosaur on stage! The crowd loved it! I
feel that this band was made to perform live and in 2024 I am sure
they will hit the USA! This new cd is perfect. Rating an 11 out of 10, as everything in this realm is one better!!
This
brings me to my final point, three cheers to Napalm Records for
literally delivering on all levels with the incredibly high quality
releases and support of women metal as well. With my next review I
plan to tackle Ignea's new CD!
Greetings
valued Dan's Movie Report readers. Fresh off a completed run of
crowdfunding The Mase Brothers for their brand new film!!
Kickstarter
campaign is over ! We
reached our goal
!
207
backers, 20 450€ raised.
(Still waiting the final Kickstarter status)
Masebrothers
and the DRAGON’S
REVENGE
Team would like to say a huge « THANK
YOU
» to everyone!
The
last few days were a blast for us : 207
amazing backers from around the world still
support retrowave movie and it’s so good, a lot of sharing
of the project,
lovely messages,
support
from friends and journalists
who believe in us and we’ve finally reached the 2n Goal ! Our love
letter to the 80s/90s is now a reality and we will make a hell of
good damn action-packed movie !
We
would like to say a special thanks to those guys who help us a lot
during these past 30 days :
NewRetroWave,
BenCombes films, DarkSide Reviews, Fred of The Dead, Ultimate Action
Movie Club, Maxime Chao, Chronik Fiction, The Action Elite, Cinema
mon amour, Yoann Sardet, James Secker & Synthwave TV, Le Coin du
Bis, Var Matin, Luc Benito, Eklecty City, Danny Templegod … (sorry
for those we forgot to mention) and all of friends & our family
who did a lot for us! :)
What
comes next?
We
are beginning the pre-production, and will finalize the new script !
We
are now able to make contact with our partners to create the world of
New Jack City! We also try to get
some subvention
to expand the production of DRAGON'S
REVENGE
!
Keep
reading Dan's Movie report for a full production blog when the movie
beings filming!
Keep
up with the latest happenings of the talented Masebrothers! @
Above Photo: Promotional Photo of Janice Hung in character (C) 2023 GMA Network and Mga Lihim ni urduj. All Rights Reserved, Image not monetized.
Greetings
valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix readers, today is a brand
new interview with the amazing Janice Hung. She chats about a brand
new highly rated series on GMA network entitled; "Mga Lihim ni
Urduja". Read on as Janice gives an in depth look behind the
scenes of the show, and how her character has evolved. Sit back,
relax, grab some tea and read the erudite answers from Ms Janice
Hung.
Chat
about how you were selected to perform on the show, was there an
audition process?
The
Talent Coordinator called my manager and asked if I was available and
could join the show because it's a reunion project of the well-loved
Sanggres (Saga) of Encantadia, where I also played the iconic role of
Bathaluman Ether. I was excited to be a part of Mga Lihim ni Urduja.
Even more so, I found the story of "Mga Lihim ni Urduja"
intriguing and captivating, so I accepted the role. It was an honor
to play the characters of Bulan, a Babaylan Priestess and Warrior,
and Madam Astra, a Chinese Fortune Teller who is a reincarnation of
Bulan. I hope that I am able to bring these characters to life in a
way that entertains and captivates our viewers.
Above Image: Janice Hung on set of show in character (C) 2023 Janice Hung, show copyright GMA network. All Rights Reserved.
Chat
about the show's premise
In
"Mga Lihim ni Urduja," I play two characters: Bulan, a
Babaylan Priestess and Warrior, and Madam Astra, a Chinese Fortune
Teller who is a reincarnation of Bulan. The show is set in both the
pre-colonial and modern worlds, and it tells the story of Hara
Urduja, a powerful and brave warrior queen who leads her people with
grace and courage. Along with other characters, including Bulan and
Astra, Hara Urduja faces various challenges as she navigates through
her world, including issues of power, love, and betrayal. As an
actress, I am proud to be part of this project, which has a unique
and compelling premise that explores the intersection of the
traditional and modern worlds. The show's intricate plot and
well-rounded characters create an exciting and engaging viewing
experience that captivates audiences.
I
noticed many of shows in the Philippines have serial qualities as
each show builds on the previous show, a bit like American Soap
Operas, I am curious of your thoughts on this, would you rather have
a single episode tell a story or do you like the arc between episodes
and seasons of shows?
As
an actress, I think having seasons for a show provides an excellent
opportunity to develop characters and storylines over time. It allows
the audience to become more invested in the characters and their
journey and see how they grow and change throughout the series. With
each episode building on the previous one, it creates a sense of
continuity and connection that can be engaging for viewers.
Moreover,
having a serialized format allows for more complex and nuanced
storytelling, as writers can explore different themes and subplots
across multiple episodes or seasons.
This
format can also lead to cliffhangers and other forms of suspense,
which can help to keep the audience engaged and excited to see what
happens next.
Of
course, there are also advantages to having standalone episodes that
tell a complete story in just one episode. This format can be great
for showcasing a particular idea or theme, and it can also be more
accessible to casual viewers who may not be able to commit to
watching an entire season of a show.
Overall,
both formats have their strengths and weaknesses, and it really
depends on the specific show and what the creators are trying to
achieve. But as an actress, I enjoy the challenge and creative
opportunities of working on a serialized show.
Above Image: (C) 2023 Janice Hung Image of the set and behind the scenes. All rights reserved, Image created for Dan's Movie Report.
Great
balanced answer regarding a serial vs stand alone episodes. Moving on
to the next question, discussthe name of the show 'Mga Lihim ni
Urduja', what does that translate to in English? Are there ever plans
to translate or subtitle the shows in the English language, I ask
this cause your show Encantadia was very good I think it would
translate to the US market.
To
answer your question on the title, "Mga Lihim ni Urduja" it
translates to "The Secrets of Urduja" in English. As for
plans to translate or subtitle the show in English, I don't have any
specific information on that at this time. However, I do agree that
it would be great to have the show accessible to a broader audience,
both within and outside of the Philippines. Shows like Encantadia
have already proven that Filipino shows whether tv series or films
can be popular and successful on a global scale, and I believe that
"Mga Lihim ni Urduja" has the potential to follow in its
footsteps. Ultimately, it will be up to the production and
distribution teams to decide how best to market and promote the show.
Still, I am hopeful that they will take steps to make it more widely
available and accessible to all audiences.
I
do hope I have an opportunity to view the series. Chat about training
and working with the actors on your new show, are you working as a
fight and action coordinator or assistant as well?
In
terms of my training and working with my co-actors on "Mga Lihim
ni Urduja," I always strive to give my best effort in every
scene, whether it involves acting, fighting, or any other aspect of
performance. While I am not specifically working as a fight or action
coordinator, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute
to the choreography of my own fight scenes. The production team,
director, and executive producer have supported my input in creating
effective and exciting fight sequences.
Working
with my colleagues on the show has been a great experience. Many of
us have worked together before on Encantadia, which has helped to
create a sense of familiarity and collaboration on set. At the same
time, it has also been wonderful to meet and work with other actors
who bring fresh perspectives and talents to the project. I am proud
to call many of my co-actors not just colleagues but valued
collaborators on this exciting series.
Overall,
the dedication and collaborative spirit among everyone involved in
the show have helped to create a dynamic and engaging final product.
I look forward to continuing to work together as the series
progresses.
Above Image: (C) 2023 Janice Hung behind the scenes for the GMA show. Exclusive to Dan's Movie Report
Always
training , whenever yo u are either on a show or not. Regards to the
filming of your new series, are multiple episodes filmed in a single
week or is the show filmed one episode at a time? Can
you share a funny or unusual set story from filming or training for
the show?
In
the production of "Mga Lihim ni Urduja," we typically film
multiple episodes in a single week. It allows us to efficiently
manage the shooting schedule and stay on track with the series'
production timeline. It also requires a lot of focus and energy from
everyone involved. We must maintain a high level of consistency in
our performances and ensure we deliver the best possible work
throughout the long days on set.
Despite
the challenges of filming multiple episodes in a week, it ultimately
helps us to create a more cohesive and immersive viewing experience
for audiences. We're able to maintain a strong sense of continuity
and build momentum over the course of each filming block, which
translates well on screen. Of course, it also requires a lot of
careful planning and coordination from the production team to ensure
that everything runs smoothly, but I have complete trust in their
abilities to keep things moving forward.
I
realize the show takes up much of your time now, but I am curious
have you prior to the show filming
had the opportunity to do the 'Udefend' or another training program
or has it been very limited due to lockdowns and covid?
"I
haven't had the opportunity to do the 'Udefend' or another training
program prior to filming the show. Unfortunately, due to lockdowns
and COVID-19 protocols, it has been very limited. Even though I could
not conduct physical training for Udefend in public schools and
communities. I shifted to online coaching to promote health and
wellness among my followers during the pandemic. It's my way of
giving back and sharing helpful tips to stay healthy and strong
during these challenging times.
Above Image: (C) 2023 Janice Hung - Behind the scenes on set. Exclusive to Dan's Movie Report
Finally
Janice, chat about if you have any other projects lined up when
filming on the show is either on a hiatus or complete.
This
is the first project that I have accepted after the Covid-19
lockdown. I am open to exploring new opportunities and projects after
the show. It has been a challenging year for the industry due to the
pandemic, but I am hopeful and excited for what the future holds. As
of now, there have been talks about a possible season 2 for "Mga
Lihim ni Urduja," but nothing is final yet.
Thank
you for the insight to your new show on GMA network, we will catch up
later in 2023.
Above Poster: (C) 2023 Innomagic Productions. Used for promotional purposes only, all rights reserved, image not monetized.
Greetings
valued Dan's Movie Report readers. Across my desk today comes a brand
new film from producer Paul Hickman and director Russ Emanuel called
'The Assassin's Apprentice 2: Silbadores of the Canary Islands'. This
25 minute short film is actually a part two of the series, the first
film titled 'The Assassin's Apprentice' film was released in 2018.
Actually the second installment was mainly filmed prior to the
pandemic, so post production has taken a bit longer than usual.
Full
disclosure, as in the first film, I donated money as a contributor to
the Indiegogo campaign, however I had zero input on cast selection,
plot or production locations, nor any ideas regarding this film. I
watch and review many short films, and do my best to compare them to
other films of similar budgets and ideas. Obviously, a short film is
an attempt at eventually producing a full length feature. Russ has
directed many shorts and features, I must say objectively that this
is probably his most ambitious production.
For
brevity I will shorten the name to 'TAA 2', this film is a full ten
minutes longer than the first film, and ties into the themes of the
first film. Essentially Actress Tarah Paige portrays Kaylee, a green
Assassin, who has to learn tricks of the trade. In the second film,
she has begun to do things her own way, a bit of a rebel.
Since
this is very early on in the film festival run of 'TAA 2' I have
decided to make this a very basic and spoiler free review, Russ is
very active on submitting to the film festival circuit and I am sure
throughout the next year or more the film should screen in the area
where you live. Russ has informed me the film will actually be
screening in South Florida April 14th-
16thASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE 2 MAJOR NEW
SELECTION!!! We
just got word that “The Assassin’s Apprentice 2” is an OFFICIAL
SELECTION and WILL SCREEN at the Miami International Science Fiction
Film Festival (MiSciFi), Thursday April, 27th, 2023, at 4:15pm in Miami,
Florida! Thank you to the Festival and Go Team Assassins 2! The festival takes place in The Tower Theater https://www.google.com/maps/place/MDC's+Tower+Theater+Miami/@25.7654401,-80.2222477,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88d9b6f0b8608a2d:0x85e1d388a939795f!8m2!3d25.7654353!4d-80.2196728!16s%2Fm%2F09v47qw?coh=164777&entry=tt&shorturl=1
The festival passes are available: for $69.00 and are good for every film at the festival.
Overall,
I like the direction the saga is going, Tarah Paige is improving as
an actress, and has made this role her own, putting full effort into
the project. I always enjoy when people who are known for stunts
branch out into full acting roles as well. Tarah is bright, bubbly,
playful and fits in this setting.
'TAA'
and 'TAA 2' fall firmly into the sci-fi realm but there is a decent
amount of action, enough for action fans to possibly enjoy them. The
movies and especially the second part have a variety of drone footage
and exotic locations, allowing for the viewer to be transported into
the world. Tarah can handle the free running and most of the physical
aspects of action with ease. This is not a 'John Wick' action film or
a highly cerebral science fiction endeavor. 'TAA 2' really falls into
the story building and casual humor sci-fi.
In
'TAA 2' as in the first film look for roles from Star Trek actors.
Russ and Producer/Writer Paul Hickman are huge trek fans like myself,
and have a knack for obtaining the services of actors from the
various series. In the second film look for Armin
Shimerman as Roy
and Tracee Cocco as Gwen.
I
am curious about what will happen in the third installment of this
saga. Apparently Paul Hickman has ideas of a feature film and or a
series. I will say I enjoyed the second film as much as the first
film, but I feel it is kind of important to watch the first film. My
review is here for the first flick:
http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-assassins-apprentice-2018-movie.html
I
invite all of my readers to check out Russ's official site especially
the news portion as it has detailed screening information for 'TAA 2'
http://russem.com/news.html
Overall
my rating is the same as the first film, a high quality, well
produced and edited short, worthy of a watch, and rates an 8 out of
10. Throughout 2023 watch my site for updates and of course, other
surprises!
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