'Q' (2014) Movie Review

Above: Q Poster IMDB credit

Q Movie Review (2014)

Brash and unforgiving 'Q' blasts your senses like a hammer, yet the air in the film is light. A ravished slum in India is home to a particularly seedy family, with the mother, actress Heeba Shah, in crises, with a small boy and a baby, when a new girl is introduced to her house she is tasked with taking care of her, until such time that she is taken or used.

I do not want to spoil this Netflix film, (India) it is called, yet, 'Q' is so horrible, yet enlightening at the same time, as it leaves more questions than it answers. What is the motivation, is it strictly money? Why even bother to dress up, and play the charade if the outcome is the same?

The boy is told not to friend the girl, and eventually they are left alone and do interact. The acting between the young leads is superb, natural, not like acting, more like a spy camera in the room. This is an Indian film and there is no dancing, no spectacle, just raw emotion, and a seething sadness permeating throughout, mixed in with occasional joy, such as the boy's birthday. Because of this, the audience is forced to listen intently to the dialogue, and even in silence facial expressions and body language speak volumes.

The further the movie progresses, one minute you want to just cry with Heeba Shah and her softness and caring for her own children, then the cold anger, and black heart rears it's ugly head in the later third. Is she a monster, or a victim of her own poverty. 'Q' asks the questions and leaves the viewers to decide. Kudos to Netflix for picking up this important film, and exposing a topic rarely talked about, in this manner.

Creator Sanjeev Gupta really made me think, get angry and want to do something, that said, what can we do, except talk about it, money motivates, and desperate people, at times will want to do anything for it.

I spoke at length with Casting Director and star Ashwin Shukla and he says that the shooting time was about one and a half months, and five different babies were used during production. He cast the two kids and at the time they were around 8 to 9 yrs old. I have never seen kids act like this before, again not coached but just being themselves, not like they were acting, just being.

The movie is really incredible, and rates an 8.5 out of 10, difficult subject matter, yet important for the world to see what horrors some children have to endure.

Subscribe to Netflix today @ www.netflix.com or if you are a subscriber, watch the film, and form your own opinions. https://www.netflix.com/title/80161850

Harvey Weinstien Ousted, My Thoughts About Repairing the Company Image

Producer Harvey Weinstein's ousting after the New York Times expose exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood that is rarely discussed, and when it is often times it is made light of. With today's news coming that TWC or The Weinstein Company itself will be re-branded, and the name itself dissolved. I am hoping that more people who have had dealings with Harvey will come forward, and be honest. Today it was announced that more names like Angelina Jolie, have come forward.

It is all over the news about his payments to several women throughout the years, but the big thing is, his high powered name is entrenched in Academy Awards and his films have made a mark on the landscape of movie making. A tough road for sure but, one possible way to begin to make things right, is by releasing his films, and having ALL, yes I say every damn cent going to domestic abuse, sex slave, and rape survivors. Wait what, lose money you say, yes! The thing is TWC, or whatever it will be called is in full damage repair mode, by doing this, it may be able to start fresh.

A good place to start, is the recent Netflix/TWC co-release, Crouching Tiger 2: Sword Of Destiny. The 20-25 Million Dollar film, was a Harvey Production and Netflix exclusive property. As of this writing, there are no US DVD or Blu-Ray planned releases. Wait, why release a film that is supposed be exclusively a property of the service? If you look at the shelves, the Netflix Marvel properties are very slowly making their way to store shelves. Actually Netflix themselves, an amazing company, is probably losing money, not releasing special editions of their films with additional footage, say  8 to 12 months after release.

As I trip off my soapbox, being someone who goes out of their way to support women in action, it appalls me to see this, women have it extra hard in the business, as there is already a stigma against them. The stunt ladies, have to do hard fights and falls in slinky clothing, female directors and director of photography are often slighted and not thought of as equal to men, and actresses themselves are easily pushed aside for the next person, who is younger and willing to play the game. I am hoping that more ladies will speak up as soon as this happens and not push it under the rug. My message to the ladies: Do not laugh it off, say something, and do it right away.

"Princess Chronicles: Beauty vs Red" Movie Review and Unleashes Indiegogo Campaign!

Greetings valued readers of Dan's Movie Report, again normally I despise people begging for cash, but Vlad Rimburg and his team really have created something amazing. The 5 minute short, shot on the 4k Red Epic Dragon is a prelude to a larger conceptual piece that will champion women in action. Starring the amazing Amy Johnston and Mickey Facchinello "Beauty Vs Red' blurs the lines between fantasy and action.

Vlad Rimburg is a staunch supporter of women in action, and he has many ideas with regards to portraying action. The first 5 minute concept features an axe wielding, crazy red riding hood type girl portrayed by Mickey. She snarls, and gets really aggressive in the forest. Not to be out done, the beauty portrayed with vim and wispy aggression by Amy Johnston, complete with a dual set of blue brass knuckles, uses a bow and arrow to get her point across!

Having close to a million views on Facebook, the Woods Entertainment Production, hopes to become part of a whole series, and is seeking a massive 300,000 dollars to create the episode, and has several perks including Red's Axe, and a one minute fight scene choreographed by Vlad.

From Lauren Mary Kim: " I'm always a big supporter of ppl creating their own projects. Have an idea and just do it! Have nothing stand in your way and see all the doors open up. It's very inspiring to see Vladislav Rimburg doing his thing and using the best like Amy Johnston and Mickey Facchinello. Great job to everyone who worked on this because everyone plays a vital role. Lets, as a community, fund this project to elevate all of us; for all you aspiring film makers, stunt performers, actors , 2nd unit directors, etc etc. Help pave the way for productions to see that we can make epic content."

Definitely worth a watch 'Beauty Vs Red' rates a strong 7 out of 10! I want to see more. For further information on the project go to:

https://www.facebook.com/WoodsEntertainmentProductions/
Vlad Rimburg: https://www.facebook.com/vladrimburg/

Blast your browsers to the campaign @ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/princess-chronicles-action#/

Palace Of The Damned (2013) Movie Review - A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive

Above: New Chinese Theatrical Release Poster of Palace Of The Damned




Greetings valued readers of Dan's Movie Report. Recently, the news broke in regards to the Chinese Horror film Palace of the Damned being released in China on November 17nd. The film is a Co-Production with Ace Studios and Roger Corman with Antony Szeto directing. Antony informed me that the film is being re-edited for the Chinese market, this review is for the original cut of the film which has yet to air in the U.S., hopefully that will change in 2018. Being that this is an initial review of the film, no spoilers will be given.

Reviewing Palace of the Damned is a bit like picking out a style of music that you like. I mean I love heavy metal, the louder the better ha. The film is an odd mixture of a variety of styles, ranging from ethereal Chinese Ghost Story, to action thanks to a sultry JuJu Chan.

The film has just about every element of horror, demonic possession, and tense moments, a bit disjointed, yet it does work in an odd way.The original edit is bloody and visceral, and should play decently at horror fests.

The performances in Palace Of The Damned are decent, with JuJu standing out as her character is devious and subversive. Again, even though there are some bloody scenes, compared to U.S. horror films, Palace of the Damned is a trifle tame. My favorite scene is when Peng Wei (JuJu Chan) finds out that Chan Ju Chi (Yixin Li) is betraying her in writing, um shall we say not a good idea to do this ha! Very brutal! Lessons learned, I am assuming this will never happen in real life to me, or will it hahaha! Check the photo below. Used for promotional purposes only.

Direction From Antony Szeto is good, as is the look of the film, the main issue here is budgetary constraints. On the action film Fist Of The Dragon, even with the smaller budget, the action and tighter story covered up much of the limitations of the minuscule budget. Essentially Palace Of The Damned needed more detailed effects sequences, to make the story 'pop' and stand out.

Katie Savoy leads the U.S. cast in Palace of the Damned, thus the film has English dialogue as well as Chinese. Normally, this can be a bit of a distraction, but this is far better than horrible dubbing. Katie is a wispy good actress, pragmatic in her portrayal of Rebecca, and fits the inquisitive part well.

Overall, Palace Of The Damned is a decent horror film, and should play out to audiences who are tuned into the genre. It will be interesting to see how the theatrical run in China in November pushes the film into the worldwide stage. As for a rating, a 6.5 out of 10. I would say worthy of a definite rent and purchase if you like indie horror. Be prepared for something a bit different.

Palace Of The Damned Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/palaceofthedamned/

Watch for more film festival screenings in 2018, and more information and contests on your home for film exclusives, Dan's Movie Report!

China Article #  http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2017-10-11/doc-ifymrqmq4169811.shtml

Woods Entertainment and Vlad Rimburg to Drop Hot new action film! Beauty Vs Red! With Amy Johnston!

Video (C) 2017 Woods Entertainment https://www.facebook.com/WoodsEntertainmentProductions/

Greetings valued Readers of Dan's Movie Report Vlad Drops hard a brand new video Red Riding hood style with violence! Boom! Amy Johnston has been on this site many times and has Vlad! Keep on Reading for more exclusives! On Your home for action Dan's Movie Report! BOOM!