All American Bikini Car Wash Movie Review

At times it is good to just sit back and watch a good irreverant comedy that takes the mind off of the daily struggles of life. 'All American Bikini Car Wash' which I will refer to as "AA Bikini Car Wash' is a surprisingly good throwback to the old school 80s fun romp sexy comedies. The film is shot in Vegas and follows the exploits of student Jack and him failing his final and having to run the professor's car wash company for a week at a profit to pass the class.

This 'leave your kids in the other room comedy' is chalked full of nudity and bad language, and that is what makes it enjoyable to watch. Characters Jack and Vex  Jack Cullison and Jason Lockhart are best buds, and they come up with a scheme to run the business. Of course what would a bikini car wash company be without bikini clad sexy women, enter Kelly and Tracy. I was pleasantly surprised how cool the acting was by the ladies of the film Kayla Collins as Kelly and Mindy Robinson as Kayla had some fun lines and were a bigger part of the movie than in most sexy comedies, which was a great thing as both are very pleasing to gaze at and have clear speaking voices.

Of course other ladies graced the screen, most notable, was current Miss Korea Ashley Park as Brittany, she played a video-grapher wanting to document the happenings at the car wash for her film school project. Her character had a pretty major part in the film, she was flirtatious and fun. Ashley has the girl next door fun quality in her acting, I hope to see more of her in future films. What 'AA Bikini Car Wash' does better than most sex comedies is have some entertaining characters, thus keeping the viewer interest throughout the film.

Aesthetically the film print is clean and clear, the sexy shots are well lit, and I feel the need to pull my car into this 'All American Bikini Car Wash' for a shiny new clean! Seriously, this film is definitely worth a rent or buy if one needs to escape life for awhile, especially as it is getting cold in many parts of the world.

Overall this is a solid effort into the adult comedy genre, 'All American Bikini Car Wash' rates a 7 out of 10. Respect to all involved for taking me back to the 80s, style of film comedies!

Narcos (2015-) (Season One)- Review (C) 2015 Dan's Movie Report

Above Photo credit: IMDB poster of Narcos. All screenshots are (C) 2015 Netflix. The Screens are for promotional use only for review purposes.



In all my four decades of TV viewing, I have never witnessed a show so detailed and focused about one character in history and the people he surrounds himself with, and crushingly realistic. 'Narcos' is a "tour of force", no pun intended, the first season comprises of 10 fifty minute episodes and it is so riveting it is hard to look away.

This is the world of Pablo Escobar, famous drug kingpin of the 80s and early 90s in Columbia. Netflix is to be commended for pulling out all the stops and actually filming the series in Columbia. The first season is not just centered around Escobar, but his entire outreach network of drug kingpin counterparts and the world they live in. Including actor Luis Guzmán as the crazy violent José Rodríguez Gacha. That guy is just scary and will not think twice about wiping out an entire bunch of people just to get one person he is looking for. Watch also for the M19 group of crazies. Actress Ana de la Reguera portrays Elisa Alvero, a woman on the edge of M19, a cool character, no spoilers!



The only way this could have been presented is in unadulterated, unabashed, brutal realism. This is the world of expensive tastes, over the top lifestyles and horrible atrocities, all in the name of greed, and power, and the shipment of drugs to the U.S,. This is a series meant for adults and, nothing is taboo, the sex, violence is over the top and paints the picture into the life of Escobar and his world.

Wagner Moura and his portrayal of Escobar has such a distinct and nuanced character. In the beginning he always wanted to make people happy and actually cared about the well being of people who worked for him. His descent to paranoia toward the end of season one is palpable, and the reasons being he was learning not to trust anyone. A hard role to play, he lives a dichotomous life, caring for his wife Tata,  Paulina Gaitan  and family. In business he was ruthless, and had to show his horrible side, trying to maintain control. Quite an amazing performance.

Chasing after him are two DEA agents, with the reluctant help of the US government. Boyd Holbrook as Steve Murphy, tells the tale from a 'Gringo's' point of view with short narrative dialogue. His beautiful wife Connie, (Joanna Christie) is like a duck caught in the crossfire, as she has to live with him in Columbia, chasing Escobar. Pedro Pascal as Javier uses some really unscrupulous means to get information, salacious and violent, his motto seems to be "By any means necessary!"

Being a writer, I have to give special mention to the amazing portrayal of Valeria Valez by Stephanie Sigman. She was always looking for an angle with Escobar. She needed to fuel her desire for exclusive stories by making sure she was first on the scene. Valeria, was a sexy vixen and she used her womenly wiles to make Escobar tell her the story, and in return she painted him in a postive light. She has a fued with another journalist, but that story I will not spoil. Stephanie is a really great actress, and makes the audience hate her as she is so sleazy in the show, but trust me, you will feel sorry for her character's pathetic life towards the end of season one. 

Everything about 'Narcos' is top notch, the scenery, writing, editing, tie ins to actual events, and character emotion. This is a documentary style series with the some of the names changed. Perhaps this is one of the fantastic ways to tell a detailed story, by expanding it to a series. Netflix gets it right. They do not have to bend to the will of advertisers, as their subscribers drive content. Be prepared to brush up on your bad language Spanish with 'Narcos', but seriously this is a subtitled show, so even a Gringo like me can enjoy. Haha, All I can say is I am so excited for season two! Watch for more exclusive 'Narcos' material in 2016 on Dan's Movie Report, your #1 home for independent exclusive content on the web!

Overall, I recommend a binge watch of 'Narcos' at least a couple of times. 'Narcos' rates a 9.5 out of 10. Narcos is that good. The show blows away the rest of the competition, literally.

www.netflix.com

Oblivious Signal Rocks Kreepy Tiki Halloween! (C) 2015 Dan's Movie Report

Above Pic: (C) 2015 Dan's Movie Report Oblivious Signal Live @ Kreepy Tiki!



Greetings fellow movie lovers, Ok I know what you are thinking hey, this is a movie site, well, occasionally I do blast out some music coverage!

The stage was set for a great Halloween show sponserd by The O.M.E.N. Productions http://www.theomen.net/  Oblivious Signal https://www.facebook.com/ObliviousSignalMusic/?fref=ts
was the headliner.  2 support bands RMNTX and Naked Vengeance rocked, at the show which required a mask to get in!

Below is a photo of Oblivious Signal at their merch booth!

This was Halloween of the finest order; Good crowd, friendly staff at Kreepy Tiki, and bands played in a timely matter, with decent sound. The idea of making people have at least a mask on to enter was fun. Yes, this old man played along! Below is me, my buddy and Christina (middle), all mugging for the camera!

Some highlights of the Kreepy Tiki show were a massive 8 minute cover of Master Of Puppets, and the sheer amount of crazy costumes, including a guy dressed as Bob Ross (the painter from PBS with the afro). Oblivious Signal headlined and lead vocalist Christina made the fans come close and crowd near the stage to enjoy their blend of rock. A final hysterical highlight was Christina, daring a young man to take his shirt off and him obliging, like I said this was a wild show!

For more information where Oblivious Signal plays next, and to buy their music and Merch go to http://www.oblivioussignal.com/

Curve Movie Review (2015)

 Above Photo and all photos (C) 2015 Universal Pictures, used for promotion only

Greetings Dan's Movie Report fans! Today it is Halloween! What better way to blast off the insanity thank throw you a 'Curve', seriously! A tour of madness from the twisted writers Kimberly Lofstrom Johnson, Lee Patterson takes the adorable 'Dancing with the Stars' Judge and 'Rock of Ages' star to a new career direction. Julianne Hough and her portrayal of Mallory Rutledge is a break out of the sweet girl next door image to the I will kick your ass if you mess with me image.

Basically you have a story where Mallory is on a long road trip, burrowing her boyfriends car,  she breaks down and is helped by a mysterious stranger, Christian Laughton (Teddy Sears). Apparently Christian wants more than just a ride, and the entire 80 minute film is just one crazy turn after another. This is a true ultra-violent, keep the kiddies far away from film, but, 'Curve' is perfect for an adult Halloween!

The story is twisted, but not entirely a new formula, of torment turns to torment, for the attacker. What sets 'Curve' apart is the acting from the two leads, and the shear amount of salacious and truculent dialogue throughout. There is no beating around the bush or over turned Ford Bronco in this film. Seriously this is one film where the dialogue IS actually more shocking than the crazy violence.

Above Photo: Hough is trapped upside down! (C) 2015 Universal Pictures Promotional use only.


Watch for torture, bear traps, and a very bloody, adorable, yet extremely pissed off, and frightened Julianne Hough. She has to go through hell, and even has to eat something that is not on a normal diet! Ugh! This is a real departure for the normally sweet and cheerful Hough. Nice to see her angry side, at least in the movies! Hough worked very hard in this indie film, and it shows.

'Curve' is a must watch, the DVD has an alternative storyline, so perhaps for horror fans a must buy! 'Curve' rates a bloody 8 out of 10!

Amazon had the DVD at this link, currently it is out of stock, Curve is making the festival rounds now.  http://www.amazon.com/Curve-Julianne-Hough/dp/B011KME79Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446311434&sr=8-1&keywords=Curve+dvd

Sonny Sison Interview (Get into the action!) (C) 2015 Dan's Movie Report

Above Photo: (C) Kent Vives Photography


Sonny Sison has enjoyed a two decade career in action on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. From working with Shannon Lee way back in 1997  film 'High Voltage' to his current project 'Showdown in Manilla' Sonny has worked on a huge variety of projects with a diverse budget range. Sonny takes time out of his busy schedule to conduct this thought provoking interview on your home for exclusives, Dan's Movie Report.


 With a nearly 20 yr career in action and stunts, How has the stunt work changed from your observations?

I'd say with the coming about of "The Matrix" and regarding fights, a lot more wirework has been used from then to present.  While there was a select few who were using it prior, it wasn't heavily applied in Hollywood productions.  Since then, it has become the norm for the professional stuntman to have some basic knowledge about it, whether it be as a person having to ride the wire or riggers who put the stuntmen in them.  You'd be hard fetched to find a highfall over 60+ ft that doesn't use a descender assist these days.  In other countries where the technology is too expensive for their budgets, they still do practical stunts. 

Regarding fight choreography itself, there has been a lot more exposure to other cultural martial arts outside of Kung Fu and Karate that were given exposure like Aikido, Kenpo, etc.  FMA (Filipino Martial Arts-Arnis, Escrima, Kali) has gotten very popular due to the likes of choreographers Jeff Imada and Jon Eusabio, who have been in charge of the fights from the Bourne movies to Book Of Eli and others.  And of course w/ the popularity of MMA, Jiujitsu and other grappling arts are being used in fight choreography as well.

Lastly, technological advances...cameras, editing programs, SFX, etc...have made filming stunts a totally different game.  CGI is everywhere!

I also agree the CGI alone has changed the way action is filmed. Chat about your work on Showdown in Manilla. Any crazy set stories?What is different about filming in the Philippines than the US?

SIM was a very challenging film.  Given the shooting schedule, which was roughly 3-4 weeks, I was amazed we were able to get the action/fight shots needed.  I give a lot of respect to director Mark Dacascos for holding it all together.  Our ongoing mantra was "Grace Under Fire".  Logistics can be a problem here if everything isn't in place.  That falls into the difference of filming in the Philippines from the US.  Pre-production and principal shooting is a lot tighter, again a budget constraint, which we don't have the luxury of in comparison to mainstream US/Studio-produced films.  But there are some game changers here who understand that when they hire me, I have requirements that I need to do to make their films better for looks and saving time and money, namely previsualization (previz) and rehearsals.  It's quite common here to make up the action/fights on the spot then shoot, which eats into the shooting time for the scene rather than knowing what camera angles/movements and choreography/action to do.  That, to me, makes a huge difference!

Regarding the action genre in the Philippines, unless it's an international co-production, not many action films are shot here.  It fizzled out some time in the late '90s when the major networks figured it was a lot easier and more profitable to make inexpensive comedies and dramas, then rehash them in later films and tv series w/ the same storylines but different titles and actors.  Because of that, in my experience w/ a lot of stunt people here, they're stuck in a time warp of what stunts and fights were like in the '80s and '90s.  That's not through any fault of their own but some are hard pressed to catch up with the quality and methods of performing stunts/fights with the rest of the international action film world.  At the same time, there are those who share my vision in bringing the action genre back.  They just don't know how and that's where my experience of working in Hollywood and with very good fight choreographers and DP's comes in.  In my opinion, there is absolutely no reason why Thailand and Indonesia should be ahead of the Philippines in the action genre when there are actors, stunt people, and local stories that are just as entertaining and talented.  There's the argument that action is expensive to do and no one wants to see them.  For the first reason, there is truth to it.  Action does cost but if well-made makes its money back and profits.  The second is not a valid reason.  Hollywood action movies do very well here as I've witnessed lines around the malls waiting to see them.

When is the release if you know of Showdown In Manilla ?

That I do not know aside from the trailer mentioning 2016.   Mark (Dacascos) has messaged me saying that things are looking great as they put the finishing touches on ADR, Coloring, Sound FX, Score, etc in post edit.

We can chat more on that film after the trailer comes out, shifting gears,  I noticed you worked on Hawaii 5-0 Share some set stories from that show.

Can't say enough how much I love working on Five-0!  I grew up in Hawaii doing my elementary school years and to be back there working on an iconic tv series is heaven!  From the cast, to crew, to production staff...everything and everyone is top notch.  And with Jeff Cadiente stunt coordinating (and occasionally directing episodes), he makes it even more a pleasure to work on the show.  Jeff is a fantastic person to work with, not just for his experience and expertise as a coordinator, but because he really embraces the Aloha Spirit.  And of course there's all the local brothers and sisters I get to work with.  We're all friends and hang out w/ each other when not on set. Even when a mainlander comes onto set, whether they're actors or stunts, they are immediately embraced and taken in.  That is Ohana... Family, and a very important aspect of why I love working on Five-0.  I'll share one funny experience.  During a running chase scene in one episode, crash mats were laid down for a stunt double to take a clothesline reaction to the ground.  That action was taken from two angles.  When the episode aired, the angle used showed the mats on the ground for a few seconds!  But unless someone is experienced in what to look for, you wouldn't know what it was. 

Do you like to work on series or films more, do you have a preference or is it a case by case basis.

I just love to work!  Or is that play? lol  It's a dream career!  Perhaps I might lean toward film more because there's more travel involved.  And I absolutely dig going to other countries and experiencing the local culture.

Cannot deny that the more experiences on film the better! Chat about filming short fight scenes, like Assassin Interrogation, with Andrea, how do you approach fighting and action with a martial artist who has not done film fighting before?

I try to work w/ the actor's abilities.  Andrea has a tae-kwon-do background and has been training w/ a local stunt group.  She had yet to experience how it was to work w/ me up to filming "Assassin Interrogation" so the necessary skill needed to bring the best out in her was to give her the proper direction.  Not just in what the moves were, but also the reasons for the transitions and filling each moment w/ emotional content. 

What is some advice for up and coming fighters? Transitioning from actual Martial Arts to film fighting?

Take acting classes.  Take up other arts outside of what you know.  Learn the art of filmmaking.  Read, read, read...any piece of material or book about the industry.  Hang out with filmmakers...directors, DP's, etc.  Ask them questions!  Be open-minded and stay humble!!!

The last sentence is the most important in my book! What is next for Sonny, new projects etc?

Several films are slated for 2016 in which I will coordinate/choreograph.  But more importantly for me, I will produce and/or direct.  It will give me more say in who I can bring on.  There's so many talented actors and choreographers who just don't get the exposure and break to showcase their stuff.  I'd like to help them do that.  A US co-production for a tv series is also in the works so I'm very excited for that.

Looking forward to chatting in 2016 about your latest projects, thanks for the interview!

For more info on Sonny hit is IMDB page @ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0803059/

Check out his action reel @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se9PFJD4oIY