Day Of The Pigs (2020) Short Film- Review © 2020 Dan's Movie Report - Danny Templegod

 

Above: The dangerous ladies of 'Day of the Pigs' (C) 2020 Michael S. Rodriguez Left to Right - Nikki Curtis Jones and Sparkle Soojian

Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers, I checked out a new film today called 'Day of the Pigs' The short is an episode in a series called Strange Files: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12280094/ The film is available to watch: https://www.facebook.com/AvailTVchannel/

I watched the twelve minute short film, here are my brief thoughts. The film's opening scene features a masked back robbery with three men who are dressed like Mexican Wrestlers. They get out, jump into the getaway car only to realize one guy is shot in the chest, needless to say, the three way cut becomes two. The two remaining guys make it to this farmhouse. The house has two ladies who are very devious and adorable at the same time. Sparkle Soojian as Starletta and Nikki Curtis Jones as Violet, have violence and control on their mind!

I really liked the premise of the film, the acting, settings and cinematography have room for improvement. The ladies sold the sexy vampy stuff, yet the guys just did not have enough sense of urgency for a type of film. The genre is supposed to be horror, but for me it felt campy and humorous, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Sparkle Soojian perhaps is the most enjoyable to watch, a bit fun, and sultry.

Overall, I want to see more of the premise developed into a series or movie, with a larger budget and full crew. 'Day of The Pigs' rates a 5 out of 10, average, with a side of sexy Sparkle!

Check out Sparkle Soojian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparklesoojian

Rise (Huong Ga) (2014) Movie Review - (C) 2020 Dan's Movie Report- Danny Templegod

 Above: Huong Ga (Rise)  Promotional Poster (C) 2014 TNA Entertainment 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 a film from Vietnam from Executive Producer and Actress Truong Ngoc Anh. Directed by Cuong Ngo (Truy Sat )and debuting way back in 2014 this movie is rather hard to find, some areas of the world have it on Netflix. Essentially what Huong Ga boils down to is a female gangster film, told from the perspective of lead character Huong Ga – (Truong Ngoc Anh). Writers Minh Ngoc Nguyen & Dinh Tu Nguyen craft a provocative yarn fraught with the seething gangster underworld. Minh penned another Truong Ngoc Anh movie in 2011 called 'Pearls of the Far East' also directed by Cuong Ngo .\

Actually this is Truong Ngoc Anh's first foray into the action realm and it is quite entertaining. Of course, the story begins here. As in the beginning of 'Rise' we see Huong Ha as a youngster. A coming of age story, yet unlike 'The Lost Boys' or 98 percent other coming of age stories this one is more a personal female rise to power story. Yes guys are in the movie in prominent roles but the perspective if purely feminine. Of course a guy can enjoy 'Rise' as there are drug deals, pretty stylized yet gritty violence, and some decent action. Truong Ngoc Anh clearly used this film as a springboard to various other skills including learning wire work for her Vietnam Next Top Model and the 2016 film 'Truy Sat' to work harder on the action. In fact we just chatted and she still tells me she works out two hours a day to stay in shape.

Huong Ga sadly no real spoiler loses her mom in the early portion of the film and is forced to live with her grandmother. Her grandmother is barely scraping by with a small stand selling nick knacks, but she wants better for her granddaughter. The big plot point comes when a scuffle breaks out and Huong Ga has to defend herself and ends up burning part of the market down. Literally the movie progresses into a downward spiral of despair as the film deals with sensitive subjects such as rape, a self defense killing, and loss of a loved one.

Interspersed with action, 'Rise' really works well when the emotions are displayed. More often than not, action films are just that all action, and not much of a story. 'Rise' focuses on the story, the play between rival gangs and the human toll it takes. Worthy of note, Vietnam has very strict firearm laws so much of the action is visceral and involves sticks, hands, feet, elbows, or in one extreme case a BMW running over the gangsters!. With so much gun play and Gun-Fu in films 'Rise' offers a 'Gangs of New York' feel, angry and personal. Small crimes lead to bigger ones, spiraling out of control, luring the audience in to see what is next for Huong Ga and her gang. Actor Kim Ly as Tung gives a soulful performance as a gangster with a soul, understated, yet aggressive. With each death and prison sentence, she becomes hardened. As hard as she is, she still has to deal with rival gangs and she gets beat up pretty bad about 55 minutes in, no spoilers. Some gangster dialogue a rival gang leader tells Huong Ga “ There is only room for one tiger in the jungle.” She says to him, “Don't you think it is time to give up the jungle... since you've already been declawed. Well that escalated quickly note to self be nice to TNA at all times! Needless to say after that wordy exchange a fight broke out, a big one!

'Rise' rolls in at just under 93 minutes, the length allowed for a good mix of dialogue and action, never really bogging down. The emotional level is high, even if the action is a bit unpolished. Given the recent rise of Vietnam in action films with 'Truy Sat' and 'Furie', the sky is the limit when in 2021 Truong Ngoc Anh sets her sites on producing a follow up film to 'Rise'! Yep that is true, Initially it was supposed to film in 2020, but do to the global pandemic all productions in Vietnam and for that matter everywhere else has been halted. Only now December 2020, can things progress filming in Vietnam, and they are!

Overall 'Rise' rates a strong 7.5 out of 10, it is very good, and I am sure the sequel will also be well received. In addition to 'Huong Ga 2” 'Aka Rise 2', Truong Ngoc Anh looks to ramp up production on 'She Kings' in 2021. Keep it locked on Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com for production updates!

 

The film screened in the USA in early 2016, below is an official trailer from Houston Screening, with English subtitles. 

Connect with 'Rise' and the sequel:

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NhatKyHuongGa/

TNA Entertainment Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tnaentertainment

IMDB for 'Rise' https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3914400

The Golden Age (2019) Movie Review © 2020 Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

 

Above Image: Poster for 'The Golden Age' © 2019 Belle Époque Films

 

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. Across my desk today comes a brand new film, a swerve to the left away from the action and into a French period drama. Producer/Director/writer and star Jenna Suru crafts a detailed and lush tale of two struggling artists who have a chance meeting. Jenna's character Angèle Devaux is a stage artist who dreams of big time movies. Sebastien Cipolla portrays Sebastian Davis a film-maker desperate to find his inspiration and art, all the while figuring out a way to pay his bills.

'The Golden Age' has the accouterments of a film festival type movie, but is never pompous or pretentious. At it's heart it is a boy meets girl story, set against a lush and entertaining french environment. The scenery acts like a character in the film, with each location displaying the beauty and tapestry of a time long past.

Being that 'The Golden Age' is set in the 60s, specifically 1967, there are several musical and allegorical references to the Beatles, Bridget Bardot, the first woman running in the Boston Marathon, Vietnam War, and other things going on during that time frame. Jenna makes sure to invite the audience to look at the background in her film, as there are various people who movie in and around the main scene. In fact when they first meet, a couple of ladies are having their picture taken in front of the Eiffel Tower and she has to move on the bench closer to him, hence a chance meeting right from the outset.

Her parents have a country house and once the get there, the couple seem to learn more about each other. This is when their creative adventure starts to manifest a plan for a new project. A Golden Age is movie where the path to create is more than the destination.

'A Golden Age' is a loquacious drama, yet each character seems to provide his or her own advice. The script is detailed and well written. The two leads are likable, Jenna seems to be a bit cautious, yet thoughtful and caring, What I like is she is not overtly bubbly, just natural and honest. She has a frustrated demeanor when speaking about her career stating: “ My life is like a mix of miracles and disillusions”. She seems sad about her status in life, yet somewhat hopeful. He states that she is different from other actresses as she is actually concerned more about her film roles, not just her looks and fame.

The conversation shifts to personal life all the while ebbing and flowing, never too positive or negative. The pair discuss family and how war has affected his family, how his father has basically been absent in his due to wars. There is an ongoing plot point of him being deep in debt. Without spoiling it, The Golden Age is a thought provoking drama, tackling the age old question of creativity verses a quick moneymaking opportunity.

Perhaps the running time of 107 minutes is a tad too long, slightly slow moving, but other than that, I have now qualms about any of the acting, story, settings, lighting, or cinematography. Just remember the Golden Age is a art film tackling ideas more than plot developments, allowing the viewer to think for themselves what the goal of the cast is, and what they would do given their situation. There are some plot developments that kind of force him back to her. Ultimately, it is an uplifting story for an artist, 'The Golden Age' should spark creativity for those who are struggling artists.

Overall, I enjoyed 'The Golden Age', a perspicacious drama, two artists meeting,  trying to stay focused on their dreams and goals, to “Change the World”. I struggled a bit regarding the rating, yet 7 out of 10, seems appropriate. Jenna had to work hard wearing many hats on this production, I enthusiastically look forward to her future projects.

Jenna has this to say about The Golden Age (L’Âge d’Or): 'L’Âge d’Or' is my tribute to 60s Saint-Tropez, film sold-out the Opening Night of London IFF last March, we’re very thankful for the great reviews and awards. “L’Âge d’Or” is the last drama ever filmed at Notre-Dame Cathedral before the fires and is a tribute to the artistic journey, to the artists from over the world who flew to Saint-Tropez in the 60s to change that world that didn’t work for them. “

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

Above: Trailer

Connect with Jenna on Social Media:

Social media and links:

@jennasurureal on Instagram, Jenna Suru on Facebook, @jennasuru on Twitter

@belleepoquefilms on Instagram and Facebook, @bellepoquefilms on Twitter

@lagedorfilm on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Company website www.belleepoquefilms.com

IMDb / Youtube Channel

Festival website https://www.parisintlfest.com/

Jackie Chan's 'Vanguard' Unleashes to U.K. Theaters and Streaming January 8th, 2021 © 2020 Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

 

Above: Poster for 'Vanguard' (C) 2020 CineAsia, all rights reserved, image not monetized.

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers. CineAsia proudly presents action adventure Vanguard, the new pairing of director Stanley Tong (Rumble in the Bronx, Supercop) and action legend Jackie Chan (Police Story, Rush Hour) and a noted return to form for Chan's unique blend of action comedy. It is arriving on demand and in selected cinemas (subject to local lock-down restrictions) from 8th January and on Blu-ray & DVD 11th January 2021. This is a United Kingdom release.

Synopsis:

Marking the latest collaboration between acclaimed Hong Kong director Stanley Tong (The Myth, Rumble in the Bronx, Supercop) and action legend Jackie Chan (The Foreigner, Police Story, Rush Hour), Vanguard is a wild globetrotting adventure and a throwback to the days of gloriously over-the-top action cinema. 

When a client of the international “Vanguard” security agency is kidnapped during Chinatown’s famous Lunar celebrations in London, this elite team (led by Chan) is sent to the rescue, taking them on a wildly ambitious mission all over the world. The adventure takes them from the rivers of Africa, to a heavily guarded fort in India, and an exhilarating car chase in Dubai, all the while unraveling a global conspiracy.

Vanguard boasts stunning action choreography, amazing stunts and the brand of fast-paced action-comedy that made Jackie Chan a global star. His new film has received positive reviews from critics!

“The fight choreography is incredible” Beyond the Trailer

“Fans of Chan, action, stunts will love Vanguard” Boston Herald

I have always enjoyed Jackie's humor and look forward to watching and reviewing 'Vanguard'!

Please check out the brand new trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzXQIJHljAU&feature=youtu.be

Pre-Order is available: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vanguard-DVD-Jackie-Chan/dp/B08NQMMDBK

Official Social Media Sites for 'Vanguard':

#Vanguard

Twitter @cineasiauk

Facebook @cineasiauk

Instagram @cineasiauk

Curse of Mesopotamia (2015) Movie Review © 2020 Dan's Movie Report – Danny Templegod

 

Above: Poster for 'Curse of Mesopotamia' (C) 2015 all rights reserved to original owners, image not monetized. Please adjust browsers to desktop mode.

 

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers, across my desk today thanks to Melissa Mars reminding me, 'Curse of Mesopotamia' is a film that actually released in 2016, but signals got crossed and I never did get a review copy, fast forward to 2020, Melissa told me I could rent the film for $2.99 on Vimeo.

The plot of 'Curse of Mesopotamia' is rather unique. Several strangers are having a recurring nightmares all regarding a demon, and an ancient castle in Kurdistan. The nightmares vary based on the perspective of the person in the vision. All characters in present day have a doppelganger in ancient times, some are guards, a woman is a member of a concubine, and Melissa Mars plays a dual role as Queen in ancient times.

A psychologist/hypnotist eventually convinces the group to travel to the castle in their nightmares and that is when the madness literally begins. There are group therapy sessions and eventually the group retires to their bedrooms to sleep and be transported into the realm of the ancients.

I ended up watching the movie a couple of times, and quite honestly it is well written story, my only major issues are with the action choreography, which there is a supposed epic sword battle at the end, and it really falls flat, there is some action, but lugubrious and slow moving. The cinematography and lighting is so dark, that it felt like watching a movie from across the street and squinting! That fact aside, Melissa Mars has an excellent sword scene with another lady which is much faster and well lit thus, not all bad.

My other huge issue was with the actress Ana Sinclair I am sorry to say her performance was so wooden as the demoness queen, that it was very boring when she was on screen, Once again that was balanced by a fantastic performance from Stacy Thunes as Dr Barbara, and an ancient soothsayer named Efrite. 

 

Above: Melissa Mars as Queen Lale (C) 2015 all rights reserved to original owners, image not monetized.
 

 

The performance of the film goes to Melissa Mars as Queen Lale/ and Amira in present day. She had to run the gauntlet of emotions from sadness, anger, happiness, craziness, and ultra-violent. There is a scene where she is locked in a prison cell and she is kind of sitting down seductively, and the guard sees this, unlocks the door and starts to make love and let us just say that was the man's final act of pleasure, haha!

The movie is uneven in areas, there are some sequences shot that should have been in a different order, including character deaths, no spoilers, but the skipping around timelines and in and out of dream state is a tricky thing to get right. I do appreciate the effort of Director/Writer Lauand Omar the script had depth and clever ideas. My only wish was for better acting, better quality of action, and lighting. Melissa Mars has a song 'I Will Rise' in the film as well, please check out this cool video:

https://vimeo.com/164896014

Overall 'Curse of Mesopotamia' rates a 6 out of 10, a solid rent, and well worth the $2.99!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ryHvVyZhvg&t=5s

Trailer Above.

For further information, please visit the Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/curseofmesopotamia

Rent the film now on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/154095?fbclid=IwAR3jbprlW8XXMf6_CqZRW33GoXZx8pp2iyY2cVK2phAPYwEDS_vibHcuY6s