Dan's Movie Report

The Numbers Station Movie Review

2013-04-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

Back in 2007 an interesting "single location" thriller called P2 was released. In that film a sexy young business woman, played by Rachel Nichols, was trapped in a locked parking garage. These types movies can often have a good premise, but lack execution. The Numbers Station is a pleasant surprise, mainly because it never tries to be more ambitious that it sets out to be.

The premise to the 88 minute film is simple, yet effective. An undercover black-ops guy named Emerson, a recovering alcoholic, has second thoughts about cleaning up loose ends on his last job, and botches the job. He is subsequently assigned to a remote Code station in the countryside of England. Apparently, although never fully explained this station sends out encoded messages to black-ops operatives worldwide.

Sultry Malin Akerman portrays Kathrine, a code breaker, a cypher reader, and broadcaster of the secret numbers. The two are assigned to the station as a pair, and work for days at a time, relieving another pair of individuals, who also work there.

The Numbers Station is heavily fortified, like a bunker, with electronic gates, and a blast door, to prevent entry. Oddly enough there is no live guards on the premises, actually if there were, perhaps this whole movie would not have been possible.

The movie becomes a taught psychological type thriller, as we never know the players, who is a friend or who is a foe. The rule of the game is to obviously trust no one, but once they become trapped, Emerson and kathrine have to find an escape plan.

Cusak is quite effective in his role, he portrays it a bit like Kiefer Sutherland in "24", always about the job, but taking time to involve the human element, with a nod to the urgency of the task. The Numbers Station has a dialogue heavy script, and Cusak is given a chance to show some dramatic range.

Akerman's Kathrine character is given many emotions to deal with, fear, when she is being chased, and horror, when she sees the body part of another person. Akerman has progressed as an actress, although her striking looks and mannerisms are perhaps more suited to action films. After witnessing her in Watchmen, I figured that more hard driving action celluloid would fall in her lap. I am sure The Numbers Station will help further her career, as it shows her ability in a dialogue laden film.

The Numbers Station, although not super fast paced, is tight enough to hold interest throughout, none of the sappy love scenes or extraneous padding that are thrown into many DTV releases. Very little down time between tense and action sequences, but enough to allow the viewer to become absorbed in the plot.

The setting on The Number Station is sparse, a cavernous building, with several lockable rooms. The main broadcast chamber is a radio-station like control room with two huge computer screens. Some effort to show the technology is displayed, but never does it take away from the focus of the production.

Overall I liked the film, I recommend it to people who enjoy, the "24" series, and covert operations type films. The Numbers Station rates a 7 out of 10.

The film is available for pre-order on Amazon @

AuditoryARMory, live for the underground!

2013-04-13T19:19:00.003-07:00

Above Pic: AuditoryARMory Vocalist/Guitarist April Rose!

Metal heads and purveyors of mayhem, Get ready for the auditory explosion that is AuditoryARMory. The Orlando based band is an amalgamation of talents and diverse styles. Blast their official FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/auditoryarmory?ref=ts&fref=ts

More info:

Hometown: Altamonte Springs, FL

Genres: Other / Singer Songwriter / Progressive

Members: APRIL ROSE -- Guitar, Vocals; OSCAR -- Drums; DENNIS -- Guitar; JUSTICE -- Bass

It is hard to label the music of AuditoryARMory, as members April Rose, Oscar Garcia, Dennis Burns, and Justice Maynard have a wide variety of influences. Both April and Oscar started studying music at a young age and earned their Bachelor’s degrees in Music. April and Oscar started making music together in October 2010. In 2011, they started to get recognized in the Orlando music scene for their raw and energetic live performances. Late 2011, Dennis Burns and Justice joined AuditoryARMory to give the duo a fuller, richer sound.
For AuditoryARMory, it's all about the music. They seek to reach their audience with their music and hope that each person can establish personal meaning with each song in his or her own unique way. AuditoryARMory draws from many genres of music, including progressive, jazz, metal, rock, blues, funk, and classical. Some of AuditoryARMory's influences include: Porcupine Tree, Tool, The Dresden Dolls, Kate Bush, Fever Ray, Dream Theater, A Perfect Circle, Tori Amos, Ani Difranco, Megadeth, and Jeff Buckley.
Oscar is also known for his past work in well-known rock acts in the area, such as Over the Radar and Running Blind. April is also currently the cellist in the heavy gothic metal 8-piece band Fields of Glass with Dennis and Justice.
AuditoryARMory released their debut album, Anomaly, on March 2nd, 2012, which was recorded with original drummer MJ Mike Owens late 2010. You can purchase the album and other merch at a live show or on auditoryarmory.bandcamp.com

In 2013, AuditoryARMory is still playing live gigs and working on recording a new album.

Check out their Music and Merch on Band Camp @ http://auditoryarmory.bandcamp.com/album/anomaly

Video @ Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_videos/1602697?sel_video_id=11204766&autoplay=true

Next show is Thursday May 2nd at Backbooth in Orlando Show is a mere $5 21+

https://www.reverbnation.com/show/9009542

Assassins Run Movie Review (A.K.A. White Swan)

2013-04-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

I first saw lead actress in Sofya Skya portraying Ligeia in the 2009 film "The Tomb", not a great film, but her portrayal of the tragic character is artful, she radiates with grace and beauty. Fast forward to 2013, Sofya portrays Maya, ballerina wife of billionaire business Michael, portrayed with smarmy seediness by Christan Slater. Although American, Michael, unbeknownst to him, is intertwined in the Russian Mafia, as the companies he owns have ties to the mob.

The main plot is revealed when 1/2 billion in bearer bonds are siphoned from several companies owned by Michael to an offshore account. Maya is left to take care of her daughter Nina. The second half of Assassins Run becomes like a bit like Taken, as Maya uses her ballerina flexibility and skills to fight through and get her kidnapped daughter back.

Above Pic: Sofya in a prison brawl in Assassins Run (C) 2013 Lions Gate films

Actually due the flexibility and strength of a being a real professional ballerina Sofya has a natural ability for kicks and spins, and gives rise to a type of ballerina-fu haha. Sofya has an expressive face, and her English is steadily improving.

Assassins Run is far from a perfect film, but showcases Sofya's emerging ability and is a solid independent effort. Having further developed secondary characters would have been preferable. --Spoiler--- Christian Slater's character is killed 25 minutes into the film, usually I do not like to point out plot devices, however keeping him alive until at least the final portion of the film, would add a bit of balance, and more tension in Assassins Run. Especially due to the fact his character was well established in the first few moments of the film --End Spoiler--

Making the transition to acting from dancing, and learning English is a daunting task, I respect Sofya, and hope to see more of her. Lions Gate's Assassins Run is a developmental step for Sofya's young talent. Lions Gate, often takes the lead in developing young talent, and presents independent films with relative unknown leads, for that I respect them.

Esthetically, the film is a work or art, melding music, art, crime drama etc...The actual filming process, art direction, and cinematography of Assassin's Run has the feel of a bigger budget film. Filmed in Russia, allowed for a big scope.

With regards to the plot development of the film, would have liked more of Slater, and additional character development in Assassins Run. The ending however, leaves open the possibility for a sequel and further development of Cole Houser's Borris character. Overall I rate Assassins Run a 6 out of 10, worthy of a watch if action crime drama's make your blood boil.

The film is available for pre-order on Amazon, Link Below

For Sofya Skya, check her official site @ http://www.sofyaskya.com/

An interesting 30 minute preview on the film is on Youtube @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W64fjfF3xk

Tara Macken Interview (Exclusive!!) Dan's Movie Report 500,000 View Special! (C) 2013 Danny Shamon

2013-04-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to thank all of my readers, Dan's Movie Report has reached the 500,000 view plateau! What better way to celebrate it with a cool interview from Actress/Stuntwoman Tara Macken! Tara is a dynamic performer, full of energy, putting forth maximum effort into whatever she sets out to achieve. Although she has gained international fame from “The Hunger Games”, rarely have I witnessed a detailed interview for her. Time to blind side my readers with the smiling, peace loving, calm aggression that is Tara. Keep reading, because Tara opens up some textual ass kicking and chats about “Raze”, "G. I. Joe", and several other projects!

Opening with a two part question, with your dance background stunt-work was a natural progression? What do you consider was your first big break in film?

TARA: Absolutely! I've been a dancer for many years and also a gymnast, which is fantastic for movement and for fight choreography. Working on film and television, each fight scene is like a dance with your fight partner, with beats, rhythm and timing. Knowing how to move with people is crucial to making the action look and feel believable. Plus, being a dancer, I have been exposed to so many different styles of movement (ballet, modern, hip hop), that learning martial arts was easy for me. I already had a strong core and flexibility for martial arts due to my dance background.

Photo Credit: IMDB Tara is easy to spot, haha she wearing yellow.

Part 2: I guess my big break was my reoccurring role on "Sons Of Anarchy", season 3, where I played "Luisa". I came in to the audition to read for one episode, and they were so impressed and happy with my character that they wrote me into seven more episodes!

"S.O.A." is a gritty, dangerous show, right up your alley, in addition I noticed you have worked on a wide variety of productions budget wise and M.P.A.A. ratings wise ha, do you enjoy the indie stuff, like Girl From The Naked Eye as much as Hunger games, or a whole different scenario?

Tara: I love it all! I know that might sound like a safe answer, but being a part of the process is always rewarding. Working on smaller budget features I get to work on projects that have taken more risks in terms of the story (RAZE). Whereas on huge blockbusters,I get to be apart of movie history (The Hunger Games, Iron Man). I am blessed to have the opportunity to work on both spectrum.

With regards to stunts, chat about your particular training regimen? If you are going to be doing a film with sword-work vs falling and jumping do you vary your routine.

TARA: I have a typical regiment that I do to keep my skill set in check, which mostly comprises of martial arts, boxing, park our, trampoline work and general activities to keep my cardio up (running, dance, yoga). And yes, if I know I have a movie or an episode coming up that needs a specific skill set I train for that particular job. For example, I worked on G.I Joe 2, which for me was heavy into double sword work, so to prep for that movie I worked with weapons day in and day out and did less boxing.

I know you respect Aoni Ma, who are some of the other female martial artists you look up too? How about other stuntwomen you enjoy? I know you like Mo Ganderton, she is very cool and talented.

TARA: Monique Ganderton and Aoni Ma are my girls!! I love them dearly, and their fierceness definitely inspires me and keeps me going. It's always great when I get to work with my friends, I got to work with Mo on "Iron Man 3" and on "The Hunted". Some other women, who I know you know, are Ming Qiu, Zoë Bell, Janene Carlton, Shauna Duggins, Luci Romberg and the Moneymaker sisters. There are so many talented girls out there that I know I'm blanking out on right now, I'm just stoked that I am in the same industry as them!

You worked on GI Joe Retaliation as a double for Elodie Yung, maybe share a cool story from the set of that film. Ming Qiu told me was a very enjoyable to work on.

TARA: What a fantastic, action filled movie to work on! Both Elodie and Ming are so good and so lovely, it was great to work with them. We all trained so hard and ate doughnuts lol!

Who would have known doughnuts are the key to action girls, haha. Your hectic filming schedule had you going right from a Disney production into a hyper-violent horror action film Raze, how did you get the part? Must be great fun to work with Z Bell. Share a crazy Raze set story that hasn't been told yet.

TARA: Yeah, when I take a step back at my schedule I just laugh at the diversity of violence and types of shows I'm on. From working on "Kick'n it", for Disney XD, where you are not allowed to hit anyone in the face, to working on RAZE, where its all really intense violence, I can't tell you what happens to me on that show! You just have to watch it and find out!! Zoë, is AWESOME. I've known of Zoë Bell before even getting into stunts, from her Kill Bill days. So working for her was great and inspiring. The world needs more tough, real female action stars out there. Zoë for me, really bridged the gap between stunts and acting, and that is what me and Mo Mo (Monique Ganderton)are doing!

I agree, Raze is a very exciting project for me as a writer, finally female fighting is not comical, but brutal. Why do you think filmmakers feel that when women fight in a movie it tends not to be serious?

TARA: I don't know if filmmakers think that women fighting is less serious, I think that people in general, are use to seeing males perform action or strong characters. From comic book heroes, to watching pro fighters on TV, barely ever do you see that many females. Not trying to be sexist or a feminist or anything, but maybe it's a cultural perspective of action, males are the heroes and females are the damsels in distress. The great thing about RAZE, I can't tell too much obviously, but being apart of it, its no longer about chicks fighting each-other, its about survival. About humanity, RAZE could have been done with a whole male cast, it does not make a difference, so its cool that RAZE does not pretend to be something that its not.

On Raze your character is Dee and you were last seen leaving Lucky's Bar. Any more light you can shed or your role in Raze.

TARA: Nope, lol, you will have to watch to find out!

Will you be kicking some ass? A fight with Rachel or Z Bell?

TARA: No spoilers, Danny!

Ok, Ok, had to ask! If you had to fight for real Raze style, what would be your technique, would it change if the person is larger than you?

TARA: Good question. I guess when fighting for survival, it's no longer about particular styles or techniques, all that gets thrown out the door. It is just about taking the other person out, being the craziest one in the room.

Feel free to demonstrate your craziest one in the room technique on me. I have to give the Raze producers something to look forward to, haha!

TARA: I don't know about that Danny! I might get thrown into jail!

Ok haha, I do outweigh you by about 100 pounds, however I am slow and about 20 years older, haha, but seriously Tara, did you ever have to use your martial arts skills or athleticism in a real fight?

TARA: Remember that saying "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility", yes I'm quoting Stan Lee in Spiderman. I always think about this whenever I'm confronted with situations. I guess its the martial arts philosophy, that just diffusing a fight through your words, you've already won. That being said, I have thankfully never gotten into a real fight out of anger. I know I can do A LOT of damage to another person, and I don't want to have to go there to end an argument.

Now I know I want you on my side if things go South. Shifting gears slightly, do you have a particular film style preference to work on, action, horror etc?

TARA: Love me some action movie!!!! That's pretty obvious :)

Yeah, I figured, but I had to ask, for diversity sake. How about the soft side of Tara, what are some hobbies you like to do to relax?

TARA: When I'm not fighting, stunting or acting, I enjoy being creative. I love photography, exploring, traveling to new cities and drinking a glass of sangria!

Continuing the chat about acting, Dream role, what character would you like to play in a movie?

TARA: Hmmm... that's a hard one, something action packed, yet with a great sense of character development. Maybe if black swan had an assault rifle and a samurai sword! Lol.

Above Pic: Tara Autograph, threatening violence against this docile reviewer! Oh My!

I can just see Mila Kunis, with those weapons, haha! How about actors, actresses, and directors you haven't worked with and would like to?

TARA: Baz Luhrman, Michael Mann, Quentin Tarantino, Jackie Chan, man... the list goes on!!

Chatting about behind the scenes work, ever would like to write, produce, or direct a film or TV project?

TARA: YES! I don't know if I'm there yet, but that's down the road. I recently got into photography so I can learn about the camera, once I've gotten that mastered, I will go on to scenes and film cameras! I still have a lot to do before I get to this stage in my life yet.

I respect your fastidious learning process, and look forward seeing you developing into that stage. What are some of your long term goals, do you want to transition from stunt work to acting or do a bit of both?

TARA: I am an actress and a stuntwoman, I will do both for as long as I can do them! Eventually I just want to do projects where I get to do my own stunts, which so far this year, has been happening!

Speaking of stunts, any exciting news, new projects in the works Chat about Iron Man 3 etc....

Tara: I have allot of projects coming up! I'm so stoked about. I worked on "VIDEO GAME HIGH SCHOOL", a few months ago playing the character "Ronin", you would love it! Lots of video game, action, its insane! I am also about to start working on an indie movie "Ninja Apocalypse", playing the character "Mar". I am in talks for "The Devils Ink", with Zoe Bell, and I just did an episode on NTSF:SD:SUV for adult swim with Ming Qiu. This is all in addition to some fun stuff coming out like, Raze, Iron Man 3, After Earth, Hunger Games 2, and G.I Joe just came out! I think its going to be a good year. Just have to keep up the good fight!

Thanks Tara, even though the interview took some time to complete, like fine wine, it is worth the wait to uncork it! Any final thoughts?

Tara: Danny, thank you sooooo much for being such a fan and for supporting ACTION! You rock and there is more awesome stuff to come.

Watch for much more from Tara and the cast from Raze Later in 2013!

For now, check out her official web, and other various sites.

Official Site: www.taramacken.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Macken/222980867718422?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/taramacken

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2706388/?ref_=sr_1

You Tube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/taramacken

Samuel Bleak Movie Review

2013-04-06T19:48:00.001-07:00

Samuel Bleak is the sordid tale of the son of a writer and a drunk Vietnam vet, living a life in hiding as an outcast. In the opening scene Doctor Ramirez (Deborah Kara Unger) and her senile are mother chatting, soon her mother sees Samuel Bleak scavenging amongst wood scraps in a clearing.

We later learn Samuel is a recluse, hiding in the woods, in a small shack with an old typewriter. He does not speak, but is not mute. He is writing a book, eventually he is discovered by Ruben Ramirez, a local police officer, husband to Unger's character. Ramirez has a heart, and tries to help Samuel Bleak, tries to get him to eat and get help for his situation.

Above Pic: Dustin Dugas Schuetter as Samuel Bleak

Samuel Bleak's Father Charles, portrayed as an abusive drunk, masterfully with Zeal by James Russo. In a flashback he bursts through the door grabbing a sloppy kiss from his wife loud and belligerent and he exclaims, I am sorry son I forgot your birthday, and slams a large Knife on the table and says happy birthday, not before forcing Samuel to close his eyes. Samuel Bleak's Mother was a writer.

Sadness exudes from Samuel's Eyes, as he has seen so much hatred, anger from one parent to last a lifetime. Samuel is admitted to a mental hospital after he does not eat then, the film truly begins.

Above Pic: Keith David, Deborah Kara Unger, David Zayas

Anger, love, consternation, hope, dreams, and a reflective look inside the creative tormented mind. Samuel Bleak is full of great acting and a thoughtful storyline, not only did the film hold my interest, I was thinking about it after the credits crawl. Auspicious, daring, bold, and inventive, while wearing three hats: writer, director, and star Dustin Dugas Schuetter brings an amazing effort to the screen, and enlists some experienced and ultra-talented actors in Unger, Russo, along with newcomer Christine Kelly as Kat, (whom Bleak befriends in the mental institution). Kelly brings an almost childlike innocence to her suicidal character, refreshing to watch and poignant.

The creative team behind Samuel Bleak are: Tom Conigliaro, Kevin Pugliese are
(Executive Producers), with Bernadette Dugas Producing. Carlucci Weyant is the Executive Producer, Producer, and Co-Developer of Samuel Bleak. The group obviously work well together and have come up with a professional independent film that should easily garner an audience on a major network, and be successful on the home video market. Split Vision Entertainment and Aria Relic Pictures are the companies behind the production.

Samuel Bleak, is not a fast paced film, but thoughtful in approach and direction, and artfully filmed. A worthy effort, I rate Samuel Bleak an 8 out of 10.

For More info on Split Vision Entertainment go to: http://www.splitvisionent.com/sve.html

For More info on Aria Relic Cinema go to: http://www.ariarelic.com/#!

Raze Set To World Premiere At TRIBECA Film Festival!!! New Trailer!

2013-04-05T17:00:00.001-07:00

Watch for RAZE movie exclusives from Dan's Movie Report! First UP. Marissa Labog chats about raze and other projects! :http://www.dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2013/04/actressstuntwoman-marissa-labog.html

TARA MACKEN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: http://www.dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2013/04/tara-macken-interview-exclusive-dans.html

From shadows of post-production emerges the long anticipated “RAZE” trailer! RAZE stars Zoë Bell (Django Unchained, Oblivion) , Rachel Nichols (Continuum, Star Trek, P2), Tracie Thoms (RENT, Death Proof), Doug Jones (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy), Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), Bruce Thomas (Legally Blonde), Rebecca Marshall (Saw 3D: The Final Chapter), Bailey Anne Borders (The Change Up), Allene Quincy (The Sentient), Adrienne Wilkinson (Xena Warrior Princess), Tara Macken (The Hunger Games), and Jordan James Smith.

Awakening after being abducted, JAMIE (Nichols) finds herself in a concrete bunker, and she discovers that she is not alone. She and SABRINA (Bell), a fellow abductee, both soon realize that they are in a modern day “coliseum” where, along with 48 other women, they are condemned to kill each other in order to protect their very own loved ones.

“We wanted to show the [audience] an experience and emotional ride that they aren’t expecting,” says Bell. “I hope what people get out of it is not just the physical horror of snapping someone’s neck or gouging someone’s eyes out or whatever, but the emotional horror of having to kill someone to save someone your love. That’s my hope.”

Produced by Zoë Bell, Kenny Gage, Andrew Pagana and Josh Waller, the project was developed with Cinipix and financed by Cinipix and Quincy Pictures, associated with XYZ films and Celluloid Nightmares, with executive producers Allene Quincy, Rachel Nichols, Bill Ceresia, and Mathew Hayden.

Click Link for You tube Trailer @
http://youtu.be/6vAs4ZkGGSE

Raze will have its world premiere at the TriBeCa Film Festival April 21, in New York. Additional public screenings will be shown throughout the festival. For details on scheduling check out www.razethemovie.com for the latest news and updates about the film. Also be sure to follow RazeTheMovie on Facebook www.facebook.com/razethemovie and Twitter www.twitter.com/razethemovie

Watch for Future Surprises, and Raze Contests on Dan's Movie Report! As Tara Says "Watch your Back!"

Actress/Stuntwoman Marissa Labog Interview (Exclusive! Dan's Movie Report)

2013-04-04T01:32:00.005-07:00

Above Pic Credit: Marissa Labog

With sense of controlled aggression Marissa Labog is prepared to take on the world, no matter if the world includes stunt work, acting, or her first love of dancing. Marissa is a what she terms: “A Punch you in the face kind of sister.” Speaking of punch you in the face, Raze is set to premiere at Tribeca Film Fest, and Marissa chats about her time on Raze and other projects such as Columbiana and Act Of Valor. Sit back, grab a coffee, or a sharp object, or both, and check out the ruminations of Marissa.

You always loved dancing as a child? Was there one influential person that you looked up to in your early dancing career?

I think I came out of the womb with jazz hands and a high kick. I danced all the time. I forced my family to watch me dance for hours and when they were too tired to watch I would prop my little cousin up in his high chair and make him be my audience. So when I was four, my parents decided to put me in dance class to maybe get it out of my system. Wow… did that backfire! It fueled the fire and gave me the tools I needed to do it professionally.

I don't know if there was one influence because I was basically drawn to all movement whether it was vaudeville, ballet, jazz, funk, or even Kung fu. But I did spend a lot of time watching musicals with Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse, Fred Estaire, and Ginger Rogers. I wanted to dance on the walls and ceilings like Fred Estaire or dance on roller skates like Gene Kelly. It just seemed like anything was possible.

Were you always flexible, or was it something you had to work at?

I was flexible but somewhat in the opposite way I needed to be. Starting with ballet, my teachers always joked that my legs were put on backwards because I didn't have a lot of outward rotation needed for ballet dancers but had extreme inward rotation. I was pigeon toed for the most part. So I had to work really hard to rotate the opposite direction. However when I started doing Modern Dance and Martial Arts, my natural rotation proved to be a real asset.

Did your dance background lead to get into the stunt world or are they two separate developing careers?

My dance background absolutely led me to stunt work. I really didn't know much about the stunt world growing up. There are moments I'm still surprised I'm in this incredible community. I went from dancing with ballet companies, to dancing in modern dance companies (which I'm still in), to breaking (a.k.a break dancing) in the industry, which led me to flipping around, which led me to parkour and martial arts, which fundamentally landed me in stunt work. I never would have imagined that this was my journey, but I'm happy it happened.

Who are some of the stuntwomen you look up to?

The stuntwomen I look up to are amazingly enough, my friends. Jade Quon is amazing. We used to train together when she was also breaking back in the day. She is incredibly fearless and insanely talented. I'm in awe of how she has dominated the stunt world. Kara Petersen, Natalie Padilla, Tara Macken, are powerful and are constantly sharpening their skills. But who I think is most remarkable is Zoë Bell. She has not only been one of the top stuntwomen in the industry but has moved onto to being an incredible actor and producer. She has been able to use this platform she has built to create content that promotes, supports, and revels in strong women and the portrayal of strong women. I am definitely inspired to create and be part of more work like this.

Describe the audition process as a stuntwoman in general; is it the same as acting, or do the producers just bring in specific people for specific stunts?

It depends on the project and whether you are a stunt performer or doubling an actor or actress. Usually if they are looking for a stunt performer the audition process is like a dance and acting audition combined. In the beginning you would be asked to show off your individual skills or learn fight choreography. After that, depending on the role and what they are looking for you may be asked to read copy just like an acting audition. When you’re doubling, it is about your skills but more importantly about how much you resemble the actor. This is when your relationships and your reputation are vital.

Did you ever watch a stunt on screen and say "Damn" that is insane? (which one if you can remember?)

Man… there are a lot of stunts I think are insane. In the ledge fight scene at the end of the Thai film "Chocolate" when the stunt men are falling off the concrete ledges and literally hitting each ledge and sign on the way down before they hit the concrete ground below is.... mind-boggling. I still don' t know how any of them survived. The wirework of the ninja cliff battle in GI JOE: Retaliation is also incredible. The control and precision required for this scene is sick. I' m so proud of my friends Aaron Toney, Travis Wong, Kerry Pak Wong, and Ming Qiu.

I saw that you doubled younger Cataleya in Columbiana, do you have to get in a different mindset when you are doubling children?

Whenever I double anyone, especially children I'm really mindful of how they naturally move. I want to make sure I can embody their natural body movement while executing the stunt. I want the audience to know that these young girls have the power to accomplish anything.

Maybe share a story about your filming Columbiana, and strange or funny things happen on set?

Shooting " Colombiana" was a trip. First off, we were filming in a really dangerous area of Mexico City so we had security that was armed with AK-47s. People in the area had never been around a lot of film crews so there were people crowded around watching everything we did, asking us for our autographs, warning us of what houses to stay away from. It felt like a whole community came out to support the film.

But one of the most exciting parts of working on the film was working with David Belle, the proclaimed creator of parkour. His mind set was just so fascinating. He was so comfortable in the oddest situations. For example, one of my first stunts was jumping out of a third story window onto a ledge, to a drainpipe, and then onto the top of a car. David was on the ground near the car and I couldn't hear what he was saying. So he crawled up a drainpipe on the side of the building, much like Spider-Man (which was a nickname), to talk to me on the third story ledge. Bizarre but incredible. He just kept saying it was normal and natural to do what he does. Yeah... Ok... David... Normal, natural,....if you got bitten by a radioactive spider.... Sure.

Above Picture: Marissa in Act of Valor, supplied by Marissa Labog

Recently I watched Act Of Valor, fantastic film, full of action, how did you get that cool role? Was the audition process lengthy?

Act Of Valor was thrilling. My friend Sonny Sison, who was already working on the project, submitted me for the role. I believe I was replacing someone because it was a little grueling. So the next breakdown of the role included that she had to be a good actress who CAN FALL DOWN. Sonny submitted me and I went in, was handed an AK-47, and ended up working on the film for two weeks instead of just a couple of days.

Maybe share a story on set with the boys in Act Of Valor, must have been fun to be in a mainly male dominated film?

I learned so much working on this film. Everyone took care of each other. No matter what the shot was, everyone was there to lend a hand. I really felt like there was no room for ego on the set because we were pretending to live this life while the Navy Seals actually did. I remember hanging out with our group of stuntmen and actors talking about our lives working in Hollywood. Someone brought up the topic of luck. As we were sharing our experiences, one of the Seals starts talking about his experience in battle where the men on either side of him were shot and killed and he walked out unharmed. Another time, one of the higher rank officers was shot eleven times and not only survived but completed his mission, while his best friend was killed with one bullet. These were his stories of luck, which of course made everything in our lives feel lucky. It kept us in perspective, which was an incredible learning experience.

Do you have a new appreciation for the military and all the hard training after working on Act Of Valor?

I love my stunt family and think they are all incredible but Navy Seals could kick our ass! It isn't t that they are physically stronger than the stunt men and women I know but that the Navy Seals are the most determined group of people I have ever encountered. There is a laser sharp focus when it comes to the task at hand. Nothing seems to shake them except when they talk about their families. They would be cracking jokes, telling stories, but the moment they got in the zone, they were in the zone.

On to Raze, how did you get the part of Marissa, I mean you are Marissa so not much of a stretch right haha?

Haha… Yup! I got the role because of my name. I should really thank my parents for this one! No… all joking aside… I was first brought on to work on the Previz fights for the film, so I got to play in a couple of roles, which was a blast. After that, I guess they liked me enough to keep me on for the actual movie, which was amazing. I’m so honored.

Yeah the film set looked like a blast. Share a story from the set of Raze, any bumps, bruises, or falls?

I think we all walked out of this experience with battle wounds and a huge smile on our faces. I mean we looked insane. The ground was wet dirt so we were all filthy with crap in our hair, dirt down our pants, with fake and real blood oozing out. I got a head butt to the face and had a huge black eye. I was hoping we would use the take with the head butt because if you are going to get a black eye it should at least be worth it. But what's super crazy is that the real head butt looks fake. There isn't as big of a reaction when it actually happens so it' s hard to tell that anything occurred except for the really disturbing sound of two heads colliding.

Must have been fun to work with Z Bell, did you pick up some new techniques from her?

Zoë is hilarious. She could be beating you up, breaking your arm, and you would still be laughing uncontrollably. It is a remarkable thing to work with someone who really knows what it is like to fight and do stunts on camera as a woman. She has incredible power and strength but never once loses her femininity. She incorporates her strengths as a female along with her kick ass skills.

Experiencing a mostly male cast in Act of Valor and a mostly female cast in Raze, does it matter, or is it more enjoyable if the majority of the cast is female?

Honestly, I think it varies from project to project. I loved working with both the male cast of Act of Valor and the female cast of Raze but I think for different reasons. In Act of Valor we all came together because of the shared experience of navigating the life the Seals lived through. It was like we found ourselves in Oz and were learning about the Wicked Witch of the West. In Raze Zoë really brought us together. She had a special dinner for only the women of the film so we could bond and really get to know each other. We trained together and then fought together. So we really bonded as a collective of strong females to really revel in our power.

Females fighting on film, as a writer and a person who enjoys balance on screen, I think Raze will break ground in this realm. What are your thoughts on Raze, do you think it could lead to more films like it?

I hope Raze opens the door to more films like it. I think it proves that women can really carry an action film. We have the ability to fight our own fight without the male hero coming to the rescue. We are powerful survivors and warriors with crazy skills to back it up. Raze shows that we can be shaken and bruised, but are determined to remain.

I hope this is the case with Raze opening doors, shifting gears to your influences, what actors and actresses do you enjoy watching and would like to work with in the future?

There are so many great actors out there and I find myself mesmerized by different ones depending on the roles. I love Viola Davis. She is amazing, raw yet composed. James McAvoy has an incredible way of being all the best parts of a human being. He is strong, focused, confident and then can switch to the nerdy, bumbling, insecure guy in a way that encompasses who we are as human beings. He is also hilarious with it. Jennifer Lawrence is very much the same way. But I think my all time favorite right now is James Badge Dale. He played the Gaunt Guy is Flight. He only had that one scene but it was powerful. He saw the humor and the nonsense of what we do with life in a way that was informative, sad, but joyful at the same time. I feel like anyone else would have focused on the sorrow and self-pity.

What is your focus now, more acting or stunts? Do you have a preference?

I would love to do both acting and stunts. The combination of the two would be my dream. I would love to be a like the character Wesley in " Wanted" or to do films like X-Men and Avengers. I always joke around that I'm a super hero in training but I do believe that is true. The beauty of such a life is to be a strong, independent, highly skilled woman, but who is still dripping with flawed humanity. I feel that this is what gives life and story the humor, determination, respect, and honesty it deserves.

Above Pic Credit: Marissa Labog Official Website

Marissa you are a superhero, closing this interview out, discuss some of your upcoming projects?

Right now I’m one of the leads on a great series called “Dead Man,” written and directed by Brian Maris. I don’t know if I can talk too much about it right now, but I’m exactly what I want to be. I’m a bad-ass with an intense past. So I get to live in both worlds of acting and kick ass action. In addition, I’m writing some of my own content, continuing to break ground on the possibilities of female strength and spirit.

You are a bad-ass and that is no damn lie haha, thanks so much for the fantastic detailed interview Marissa!

Watch for more interviews from the ladies of Raze! More from Marissa later in 2013 on Dan's Movie Report! Click the links below to learn more about Marissa and her projects and follow her on twitter while watching her kicking ass!

Marissa Labog Official Site: http://www.marissalabog.com/

Marissa Labog Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarissaLabog

Marissa Labog updated stunt action reel for 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exy7eHakj8s

Web Series Humber City To Premiere 4-30-2013!

2013-04-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Recently there has been an explosion in the popularity of the web series genre. The rise is exciting and dynamic, and allows for independent producers and directors to hone their craft, gain exposure, and possibly sell the rights to a network for distribution. Some series even have millions of views like Mortal Kombat: Legacy. Watch for more coverage on web series upcoming in 2013 on Dan's Movie Report, but first up is Humber City.

Humber City is an indie feature episodic crime drama, and premieres online at 8pm U.K. time, April 30th 2013.

Check out the teaser trailer for Humber City on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4FHw2lQ2co

Click the following link for more promo videos from the cast of Humber City http://www.youtube.com/user/LimitedFaith?feature=watch

Plasmafire Graphics are continuing the endeavor on creating new posters for Humber City in anticipation of the first episode of Humber City. This all new one sheet features Zara Phythian as DS Caroline Silvers - http://www.facebook.com/humber.city

Art by Plasmafire Graphics, Promo Photography by Shay McGreal.

Press:

Show Discription: A British crime drama web series with character, action, conspiracy and political unrest. In a city desperately in need of hope and salvation.

Small business owner John Radford (Michael Justice) finds himself in hot water when his deal with notorious crimeboss, Carl Southwark (Kenny Richards) begins to unravel.

"Darkest, Before the Dawn" stars John Carrigan and Joseph Stacey with guest stars Kenny Richards, Michael Justice, Sophia Agnew, Alex Bennett, Adam Bakes and Martin Upfold in a script written and directed by Peter Goundrill

Visit the Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/humber.city

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Movie Review

2013-04-01T18:28:00.003-07:00

Above Pic: Poster from G.I. Joe Retaliation
(All pics can be made wallpaper sized, by increasing the size in windows, left click, right click larger image and select view image and bam Wallpaper from Dan's Movie Report!)

Last year when Retaliation was delayed it was disappointing, as much summer promotion for it, I pointed out though to my friends that the season was too crowded. Getting a jump start on the Summer in 3d, and opening to over 130mil, no surprise the sequel is already green-lit.

Minor spoiler-

The president is captured by and impersonated by Cobra. The Joe's are sent on a mission to capture a rogue nuke, and boom all that is left is Roadblock: The Rock and two others, including Jinx Adrianne Palicki . With the recent allowing of Females in combat was refreshing, using cunning and intellect do get the result.

Is Retaliation full of detailed stories and complexities, no, but the action is so mind crushing that more than makes up for some oddities. The humor is thrown fast and furious in the beginning, things get decidedly more serious towards the end.

Above, Ming Flies!

Above Pic Poster of Elodie! Ready to retaliate! (C) MGM

The use of swords and bullets worked, the action was so tightly choreographed, obvious time was taken in each scene development. My favorite scene in the film by far is the action sequence on the mountain side, (in the trailer). Like a Monet Painting Stuntwoman Ming Qiu effortlessly flies through the air like a lithe bird full of anger and swords. Elodie Yung while rather quiet, speaks with her swords, trained by Ming her moves were crisp and aggressive. Tara Macken also had a hand in doubling Elodie. Watch for more on Dan's movie report about the ladies of Joe!

Regarding interplay between The Rock and Bruce Willis; a rip roaring testosterone fueled romp to watch. The sardonic quips, violence initiation, and mention of cholesterol, to a sultry Jade, just made the film flow. Technology and swords don't usually work but here it the mix is like fine wine and filet Mignon, with the beef belonging to The Rock!

Villains, heroes, and legendary Martial Artist James Lew as the Chinese Leader in a cool cameo. Joe has it all and flaunts it!

In short, G.I. Joe has an ultra cool indie feel on a 150 million budget, I loved it! Is is accurate, who cares, all I care about for Joe is the action, and If it is swords you want swords you will get, See it or die by the blade! I rate Retaliation 8 out of 10 on the sharpness scale!

For more on Ming Qiu visit her official page unless you are frightened! http://www.stuntming.com/

500,000 View Special! New Zealand! G.I. Joe Photos! DEAD SEASON!

2013-03-29T22:23:00.002-07:00

Get READY for A New New Zealand Nightmare! GHOST BRIDE!

Above Pic: Actress Rebekah Palmer as "Skye" in Ghost Bride.

Above Pic: Actress Fiona Feng as "May-Ling" in Ghost Bride.

Above Pic: Yoson An as "Jason" and Ghost Bride Director David Blyth.

Link to David Blyth interview: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2011/08/david-blyth-talks-wound-exclusive.html

Director David Blyth gave me a detailed interview when my site had only 5,000 total views, I now will unveil the first part pf my 500,000 surprise! It is New Zealand, indie, and will prove that Weta is not the only game in town, time to go back! Thanks David, and Rod! Watch for exclusives, interviews, pics and other goodies, oh yeah! Indie!

Watch this page for exclusives!

Dead Season Contest to Begin April 19th! More Details to follow!

G.I. Joe EXCLUSIVE PICs

Above Pic: Autograph Elodie Yung Pic as Jinx, watch for more on her soon! Sharpen your blades or RUN! Dan's Movie Report!

Ming Qiu in Costume Behind the scenes! More to follow, later in April!

Warrioress Movie Review

2013-03-29T13:15:00.002-07:00

Above Pic: Exclusive screen from Dan's Movie Report Falonex Assassin Zara and Boudiccu

Update: 4-3-13: Ross Boyask reports: "U.S. screening announcement for Warrioress: Warrioress is officially screening in the Action On Film film festival in California, August 16th-25th! Many thanks to all our amazing cast, crew, friends and supporters." For more on AOF check out www.aoffest.com

After a long wait, Warrioress is in my grasp! A cold wind from the U.K. blows my way! Ok, Ok, I hear my readers are like, man you promised to review this a year ago, what is the delay? Be patient, things take time, and thus T's have to be crossed, I's have to be dotted and Q's have to be squiggly lined! As promised Dan's Movie Report in 2013 will continue to feature self financed films, spotlighting indie film makers! Watch for Warrioress Director Ross Boyask interview later in 2013!

Warrioress opens with a our sexy heroine Cecily Fay, as Boudiccu, calmly showering in a waterfall, yeah there is some nudity, so for all those asking, the film has some. Just like in the film In My Skin the person naked, produced and wrote the movie, so no casting couch, unless that particular couch is full of swords haha!

Soon trouble is a brewing whoa, a lady is in distress in the forest, and in a flash, Boudiccu slips into a small revealing dress and dispatches her unworthy adversaries. Cecily is an accomplished Silat practitioner, her moves in Warrioress, are fluid and effortless as she dances from scene to scene in a blood soaked ballet. Although some of the villains are background fodder, they are not the focus of Warrioress.

The quest to fulfill and ancient, yet incomplete prophecy is revealed that a warrior must be chosen through combat every generation. For the quest Boudiccu is given two magical swords, The Opener and The Dragon Singer. All the while an ancient spirit the Morrighan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Morr%C3%ADgan speaks in riddles to confound Boudiccu, thus forcing her to meet her fate, without much of a clue! Yeah I got a bit lost here, but the flowery dialogue and ominous foreboding is enough to set the mood.

The Leader of The Falonex assassins: Djahn hides before the fight!

Of course there is fierce, and sexy resistance. The seething energy offered up by the female fighting force of Falonex Assassins is my favorite scene in the film. The Falonex, Ruled by and aggressive and sultry Djahn portrayed with zeal and fervor by excellent stunt-woman Helen Steinway Bailey her fights are detailed and expertly choreographed. Yeah, watch for more on her soon!

Not to be outdone, Martial Artist, Actress, and purveyor of all around mayhem with piercing stares; Falonex Assassin Zara Phythian has an epic dual with Cecily. While most women sit around and argue the merits of Cosmopolitan, and how to prepare fondue, refreshingly, these two ladies gladly use whip-chains, swords, and Bo Staffs are used to discuss matters!

An unlikely alliance is a prelude to an uncertain future!

In fact virtually every weapon is displayed throughout the copious fighting in Warrioress, and I mean everything. Boudiccu is joined on her quest by a second warrior named White Arrow (Joelle Simpson) as in the prophecy one from each village. The two are forced to form an alliance as based on the prophecy, but to what end? White Arrow's skill lie in cunning,thievery, and deadly arrow accuracy. She makes men and women quiver with her quiver! She is a hard drinking, crass ruffian, this the ironic exact opposite of white! HAHA! The dichotomy of the two characters works, as they go on their quest, with Boudiccu wanting to go in hard and White Arrow, picking her battles. Simpson's voice is booming and authoritative, and works well for her character

Warrioress has humor, but not over the top, just enough to keep you smiling. As Boudiccu declares "A different Death For Each of them!" in one scene littered with and enough adversaries to attack a village!

Ahhhh... back to the quest, No! Not gonna spoil it! Damn you reviewer tell us more! There is fighting, an even greater enemy, prisoners, a variety of outfit changes haha etc... An official Production blog is set @ http://warrioressthemovie.blogspot.com/ Check that site for an detailed character list if you want more!

On the periphery, the movie is well framed camera wise, utilizing the forest, shoreline, etc even on this limited budget is rather cool. The fight scenes seem to be choreographed based on ability of those involved, as some fights are amazing, others are just a one and done thing. Due to the wide variety of locations used in Warrioress, at times the quality of the voices are often uneven, with the volume and tone variations, this aspect does not detract from the story, and the fight sequences have undulating clanking metal going on. Of note, I only watched a screener online, officially sent of course, so hell could be my audio, I am sure the authored DVD will be far better.

Warrioress has the feel of Dragon Crusaders, minus the dragon, Scorpion King 3, minus the elephants, and creates its own sub-genre as Sword, Dress, And Sandals Flick HAHA! It must be noted that although Dragon Crusaders came out first Warrioress was filmed first. For more info on Cecily Fay Check her interview. Warrioress is better than most of the SyFy aired movies and should find a home in the U.S. Film Market, in addition should screen well at U.S. Comic Book Conventions. Overall I rate Warrioress a sexy, violent, sardonic ride, and a 7 out of 10. Worthy of a purchase, when available.

As the time comes closer to official DVD release watch for contests, more interviews and other Warrioress surprises on Dan's Movie Report!

Please read the detailed interviews with Cecily and Zara on Dan's Movie Report to get ready for a new wave of U.K. action! Ladies who surprise, can kick ass for real, not just on film.

Cecily- http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2011/09/cecily-fay-interview-c-2011-danny.html

Zara - http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2011/10/zara-phythian-exclusive-interview-c.html

Vikingdom: The Blood Eclipse First Trailer Arrives!

2013-03-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

After over a year of waiting we finally get a one minute teaser trailer to Vikingdom: The Blood Eclipse! The trailer chalked full of action and CGI looks promising and fun. Check it out below on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkBbQm-W5SI

A facebook Page is set up @ https://www.facebook.com/Vikingdom?ref=ts&fref=ts

Check out the interview with star Natassia Malthe @

http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2012/01/natassia-malthe-interview-c-2012-dans.html

Raze The Movie Set to Premiere at Tribeca Film Fest!

2013-03-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

Above Pic: Raze poster for Trribeca

“Raze” set to Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival

Horror movie fans will finally get taste of the of the much anticipated gritty action thriller “Raze” set to premiere at the TriBeCa Film festival this coming April.

"We are thrilled to have RAZE premiering at this year's Tribeca Film Festival", stated Todd Slater, CEO of Cinipix. We have a truly original thriller with some of today's biggest female stars, and we feel it can be the next chapter in genre filmmaking. The concept is one that has not been seen before and is one audience's should really flock to at the theaters."

Todd Slater is recognized as one of the top independent film and media consultants in Hollywood. Areas of expertise include financial modeling, media and film transactions, negotiation of rights, and the structuring of media financing.

The movie, featuring kickass stunt woman Zoe Bell, and sexy Continuum star Rachel Nichols, focuses on 50 women who are abducted and forced to fight each other to death using their bare hands, all for the sadistic enjoyment of an elite, voyeuristic society.

Produced by Cinipix,a vertically integrated production, acquisition and distribution company dedicated to producing high quality digital features using state of the art equipment.

As the film fest gears up, several of the films key stars are also set to attend the premiere. To keep up with all TriBeca news on “Raze,” including live twitter discussions with the cast, behind the scenes red carpet events and the upcoming release of the movie trailer, be sure to check out the official “Raze” website at www.razethemovie.com and follow them on twitter and facebook @razethemovie.

Hot New Wonder Woman Fan Film Kicks On Vimeo

2013-02-27T10:31:00.002-08:00

Are you starved for action? Directly from action auteur Jesse V. Johnson comes Wonder Woman, a cool 2 minute fan film trailer which shows an adorable Nina Bergman as the lady in tights, getting rough and tumble with a bevy of Nazis. Blast your browsers to http://vimeo.com/60594348 for the video!

The action is fierce, and a look what to expect in the future from Jesse.

Follow Jesse on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActionJesse

For more info on Nina Bergman ceck out her official sites:

http://www.n-i-n-a.com/

https://twitter.com/ninabergman

https://www.facebook.com/ninabergmanmusic?sk=wall

Company Of Heroes Movie Review

2013-02-21T14:35:00.002-08:00

Company Of Heroes Blu-Ray (C) 2013 Sony Home Video

Company of Heroes opens with a small unit of WWII soldiers on patrol in a remote region of Belgium in December of 1944. After clearing out a sniper, the unit heads back to base for a supposed easy transport run. On the transport run, they are met head on with a full column of tanks and heavily armed men. Many of their unit is killed, on the way back to base they are stranded behind enemy lines.

The unit soon discovers a top secret German operation, to develop a nuclear super-weapon and the top secret allied plot to capture the leading scientist, and bring him to the US.

Company Of Heroes tries hard to be a great war film, but perhaps the limited budget, and emphasis on flash and firepower, rather than distinct story telling, the production feels rushed. The first 45 minutes contain the bulk of the war action, then the story shifts to the science area of the particle accelerator for a brief moment, than boom, right back to the action.

Company Of Heroes has a few bright spots with the gritty performances of Chad Michael Collins as the young gun sniper and Tom Sizemore as the grizzled old vet, who is busted down in rank to cook. A splash of beauty thrown in with sultry actress Melia Kreiling as Krestrel, who helps the soldiers in the secret weapons area, makes sure this testosterone fest, does not forget the fairer sex.

I am not a WWII buff, so I cannot comment with regards to the historical accuracy of Company Of Heroes, but I can say at least a valient attempt is made to exclude most, I say most, present day colloquialisms. The uniforms looked old and tattered, as they should from long battles. Actually I welcome comments on this.

Sadly though, Company Of Heroes has a few shortfalls. The story should have been fleshed out more. A 100 minute movie seems a bit short, given the subject matter, I would have liked to see more of perspective, from various command points of view and more story detail given to the super-weapon compound.

Problems aside, Company Of Heroes plays out as a decent action/war flick.
Overall I rate Company Of Heroes a definite rent for war buffs. I rate the film a 6 out 10.

Actress/Singer Selina Lo To Release Debut Single March 17th!

2013-02-19T11:06:00.003-08:00

Above Pic: Selina Lo Single "What You Want" from her official Facebook page.

Actress/Singer Selina Lo is set to release her debut single "What You Want" March 17th. A sneak preview is available on Sound Cloud @ https://soundcloud.com/selinaloofficial/selina-lo-what-you-want-teaser

Ok, so what in the hell are you waiting for! Unless you are frightened, and even if you are, follow her on Facebook and twitter!

Facebook @

https://www.facebook.com/selinalofans?fref=ts

Twitter @

https://twitter.com/selinalo

Jurassic Attack Movie Review

2013-02-18T19:57:00.002-08:00

Dammit I love B movie madness! Jurassic Attack opens with a light plane carrying professor Roxton (Michael Worth) experiencing engine trouble, and eventually crash landing in a dense tropical forest. Wouldn't you know it, there was a large dinosaur there to be the welcoming party! The professor survives, because his com-padre remained in the crashed plane and became lunch.

The main story involves some sort of militant in the jungle angle with a biological weapon. A small group of military personal are sent in to rescue this ultra hot looking scientist, kind of in the vein of Tears of The Sun.

Leading the rebels that want to procure a biological weapon, is a man named Marquez (Israel Sáez de Miguel), he has captured scientist Angeles Ibanes (Natascha Berg) to do his dirty-work.

Jurassic Attack is cheesy, silly, at times the epitome of camp. None of the militants have much aim, and the dino creatures don't run from a hail of bullets. The dinosaurs are a times poorly rendered, but no worse than most other movies from companies like The Asylum. The main problem I had was that the dialogue is woefully bad, and not in a cool Evil Dead way. This element detracts from the flow of the story. The constant references to The lost world and criminally bad punning, were hard to take for 90 minutes.

Above Pic: Looking for Dinosaurs and avoiding militants, the crazy professor has sexy accompaniment, with a couple of sultry, well armed ladies! (C) 2013 Little Dragon Productions.

Not all is lost on Jurassic Attack, however, as Michael Worth's Roxton character adds a lively spark. Michael Worth states on his Facebook page the initial role was written for a 70 year old British guy and he added his own spin, to entertaining results. Sexy actresses Alicia Ziegler as the forceful military gal Sarah Haldeman, and Natascha Berg (see above pic) add a strong female presence to the big gun, big dinosaur, Jurassic Attack.

Overall, Jurassic Attack is pretty bad, but has a few bright spots. Worth a rent ONLY if you like B movies, dinosaurs, and ludicrous dialogue. I rate the film a 4 out of 10, you have been warned!

Zombie Killers Takes Off!

2013-02-18T17:44:00.001-08:00

Actress Aoni Ma informed me she is going to be in a new film entitled Zombie Killers. The project features three lovely ladies, who happened to be trained zombie hunters. Aoni, and cast mates Eve Mauro and Amy Johnston will find, and exterminate zombies. Think Charlies Angels, complete with zombies. A video preview has posted to Youtube @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgcUSDNcxcM

Subscribe to their Youtube Channel @ http://www.youtube.com/user/ZombieKillersTV?feature=mhee

For more info on Aoni check out her exclusive interview on Dan's Movie Report @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2012/01/aoni-ma-interview_7679.html

Watch for more exclusives in the future on this project, keep reading Dan's Movie Report!

Tara Cardinal To Unleash Scarlet Samurai: Incarnation!

2013-02-16T19:10:00.001-08:00

Above Pic: Sword slinging Tara Cardinal ready for action.

Have you been starved for action? Soon Tara Cardinal will unleash a world of action Scarlet Samurai: Incarnation. Keep reading Dan's Movie Report in the future for more info in the future. In the mean time like the facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ScarletSamuraiIncarnation?fref=ts

David Leadbeater Brings the Action In His Matt Drake Series!

2013-02-16T15:54:00.002-08:00

Author David Leadbeater is no stranger to action and adventure, and he delivers an exhilarating series of four novels, his latest is entitled The Tomb Of The Gods. All four novels follow the trials and tribulations of Matt Drake. Adventure, peril and excitement make up the stories, and eventually I hope to see them as a series of movies. All of the books are available on Amazon for just a couple of dollars, support independent writers and buy them! Click the Links Below. Newest book is first.

For More on David check these links:

David Leadbeater Official Site:
http://www.davidleadbeaternovels.co.uk/news.php

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/dleadbeater2011

Demon Hunter Movie Review (2012)

2013-02-16T11:52:00.003-08:00

Above Pic: Original Poster from IMDB

Demon Hunter, formerly known is Obsidian Hearts, is the story of a young lady named Cosette (Jenny Allford), who has the curse of attracting demons wherever she may be. Cosette's "curse" also attracts various other nefarious people, who want to do others harm. Because of this horrid curse, she roams in the forest with a protector, a tall, stoic German speaking man named Klaus (Robert Amstler). Cosette seeks to break the curse, to be reunited with her father, and for once, to live in peace. In order to do that she must locate two ancient artifacts to be joined.

Demon Hunter opens with a Klaus in the forest, just unloading a huge can, no make that a full case of cans of whoop-ass on this guy with music blaring, instantly I know with Demon Hunter I am ready for madness! After the ass-kickery and gun-play we are introduced to our lady Cosette, a nice looking blond, digging through a deceased demon's skull to look for the artifact.

Above Pic: Klaus and Cosette share a quiet moment on Demon Hunter.

Let me just say that the story flails out from there, demons, mercenaries, ghost towns, haunted abandoned hospitals with full electricity, shiny windows haha, and wild shoot outs in the forest with mercenaries that have the same expertise in aim as a walrus has running a marathon. Demon Hunter is a fun flick with copious amounts of action. The acting at times, perhaps due to the actors' inexperience, is a trifle wooden on the secondary characters, but does not detract from the story, however the action and dialogue expound on the story and are more than enough to retain interest.

Above Pic: Raven Lexy heats up the screen in Demon Hunter.

Newcomer Raven Lexy does a good job portraying her small role Michelle My Bell, and she has a memorable scene, and I am not gonna spoil it. She has a nice smile and clear delivery, looking to see more of her on film. Oh, by the way did I mention she is just amazingly beautiful. Lead actress Jenny Allford is given a lot to say and do, this role must have been challenging for her, she for the most part pulls it off. Robert Amstler, yeah he is the guy in the Brawney commercials, is quiet, has very few lines, but the action he pulls off is pretty cool.

Above Pic: What movie named Demon Hunter would be complete without a DEMON!

In actuality, Demon Hunter is more of an action-adventure film with horror background, as there are shootouts and fight scenes during several parts. The two small gripes I had was the narrative went on for a bit too long, but better this than not saying enough and the story not making sense, and the pacing seemed a bit off. As a side comment, there is nudity in Demon Hunter.

Director Rene Perez should be commended for wearing so many hats in this film, including writing the script with Barry Massoni, and composing the musical score! Hope to see more of his work in the future.

Overall I like Demon Hunter, the film should play well on the DTV market. I rate Demon Hunter a stabbing, hot girl, 6.5 out of 10

Exclusive Steve Austin Wallpaper Images From The Package!

2013-02-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

Greetings Readers, in celebration of the release of The Package February 17th, here is some exclusive wallpaper images, more will be added! Actress Monique Ganderton is ready to torture Steve Austin. The movie review is @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-package-movie-review.html
Click on Image to enlarge!

Keep reading checking back as more will be added, in the mean time check out the full interview with Monique @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2012/01/monique-ganderton-interview-c-2012-dans.html

Exclusive! Actress Zara Phythian involved in two new film projects!

2013-02-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

Actress Zara Phythian reports that she has just completed work on an exciting project called He Who Dares and will be working on a new film this year called MemorieZ http://memoriez.blog.de/

" Delighted to be cast and working with Timo Rose's new horror 'Memoriez'. As soon as i read the 1st draft of the script i was captured by the character he had in mind for me especially with the action skill set as well. The film is more than just gore and i think it will surprise a few out there once completed, plus the fact that i get to play Zombie smash em up is right up my street, looking forward to meeting the rest of the cast and shooting both in Germany and UK, well done Timo, it's going to be an awesome journey " .. Zara Phythian The Hike, He Who Dares, Underground,

Watch for more exclusive news and info on Dan's Movie Report later in 2013!

Zara also is still very active teaching the all aspects of fitness and martial arts with her Academy in the UK http://personalbestacademy.com/ If you want to train with the best, hit that site up!

Zara is also Very active in the Twitter-verse hit up her official site for all the info @ http://www.zaraphythian.co.uk/

Spiders Movie Review (2013)

2013-02-13T17:28:00.001-08:00

Above pic: Spiders Poster (C) 2013 Nu Image films

With my respect for the diverse career of indie icon Christa Campbell, and my full on fascination of spiders, I run headlong, in Spiders, without a web to catch myself! Before I start this review, this is a LOW budget movie, all of my criteria are based as compared to movies of this type. I watched the 2D version.

Above Pic: No spider is safe with Christa Campbell and Patrick Muldoon hot on their trail. (C) 2013 Nu Image

{Warning Spoilers ahead, do not read or do!}

Spiders opens innocently enough with the crash landing of an object later to be discovered as space junk from an U.S.S.R era space craft. Ok then, the said object crashes into a New York subway station, and questions arise as to what is it after a man dies on the subway tracks, a third rail scenario. At first it is thought to be a bacterial outbreak, but crack researcher Christa Campbell says wait a minute, it is eggs, and they are completely bacteria free?

Whoa, haha well it turns out that this is actually a military experiment gone awry, a genetic mutation of some sort of alien DNA that was implanted in the spiders, as they were the only earth hosts who could house it, what for you might ask? A bullet proof web from the Queen!

Above pic: No one is safe from being caught in this web! (C) 2013 Nu Image

Back to the film, I actually kind of liked the far fetched premise and Spiders had a Quasi Starship Troopers Feel to it. The acting was rather bland at times, , but I must say, I really enjoyed newcomer Sydney Sweeny as Emily the resourceful daughter of third lead Police Officer Jason (Patrick Muldoon She showed fear when necessary without going over the top, and a bit of cunning as well. Christa Campbell was her cool and calm self, and played the solid mother of Emily. If anyone knows the actress that played the babysitter of Emily, please let me know, she did a decent job as well.

As for the additional elements; the CGI was not great, but I have seen far worse. The rendered smaller spiders were better than the queen, the built sets were cool, and judging by the length of the credits many people were involved. Some lighting was good other interior scenes not so much, the scope and scale of some scenes was a trifle off the spiders were either too big or small. The main problem I had was the pacing, this film needed more urgent behavior from the characters, not sure if this is the intent, as it did pick up ever so slightly towards the end. but the first 40 minutes really dragged, so as a horror film it fails, but works as a sci-fi.

Is this a great film, um definitely no, is this a super bad film um no, Spiders is an average monster based sci-fi, with an homage to old style monster films. Spiders is PG rated, no over the top blood and guts, and no nudity.

Overall I would say a rent, Spiders rates a tangled web of a 5 out of 10 score.

Here is the amazon link:

"Patrick Muldoon" "christa campbell" "william hope" "jon mack" "thriller movie" "spiders in 3d" WooHoo!

Zom Ammara Interview (Ammara Siripong) (Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!!)

2013-02-12T04:19:00.002-08:00

After seeing Chocolate and Kill 'em All I decided to do a bit of research on actress Zom Ammara. As it turns out, Zom is a true triple force of nature. In addition to literally kicking some major ass on screen, Zom has a morning radio show called Get Divas on Thailand's Get 102.5 radio station. She is an expressive singer, with a diverse following. In addition to her talents, Ms Ammara has diverse musical influences, and as a former college radio DJ myself, this interview is a real treat. At the end of the interview check out the links to listen to her radio show, and how to follow her on Facebook and Twitter. Without any more of my blustering, time let Zom unleash her entertaining, at times bone crushing, cranial blast of text on my valued Dan's Movie Report Readers, haha, all of you have been warned! It is time to take a trip to Thailand Zom style!

Chat about your childhood upbringing, did you always love music, and performing? Also please chat about you tattoos and their significance.

I am the big sister of four younger brothers. I always lead the play when we were together. I went to boarding schools and grew up with 1,000 young ladies till 18, what a conflict!....Home=Man / Society = Woman.. And yes I always lead all play with those ladies. But somehow, I am more gentle to ladies than the men, which made me be friends with ladies better. For men …I’m more like their boy-friend not girl-friend haha.

My dad is a doctor, both him and my mom love reading a lot. I was nurtured surrounded by books and cooking and blood and death.
So yes… another conflict warm family and cold experience.
As my dad was a doctor he taught me to dress a wound and took me to see more than 50 dead bodies I the hospital he was the director. He taught me about pain and Buddhism.

I read lots of books, and several kinds of stories that have influenced me to have a tattoo since I was 14. I told my mom that I "wanna" have one. She told me that normal people don't have tattoo…at that time they compare tattooed people like prisoner. We made deal that I could have a tattoo when I turned 18…My mom might thought that I would forgot, but I researched about what tattoo I will have instead, haha.

Above Pic: Get 102.5 Photo Shoot 2013.

Shed a bit more light about the tattoos.

The lady on my arm is a goddess of wisdom, arts, religion and philosophy. Her name is Sarasavati….more info about her? Google it.
Reason I like to have her picture on my arms is the meaning of all my interested wisdom, arts, religion and philosophy. On my back is a flower which represents another of my big interests, which is nature.

Discussing acting, how did you get the part in Chocolate? Describe the audition process. Share a story from the filming of Chocolate. The emotional mindset.

In Chocolate I went to the audition where I was asked to act as the mom. So yes, I think about my mom, we really love each other and she is the best woman in my life. Plus, I thought about the Buddhism way about birth… I think when I was being born, the person who got the most pain on earth is my mom. She must love me so much to be so brave that her body could tear apart giving birth to me. Everyone cries when we were launched to living…No beauty at all …it full of pain in living (that's why humans always create art, to give passion to living) Anyway, I think when everyone celebrates their birthday, they should celebrate for the bravery of their mom.

Turning to acting in Chocolate which multiplied those brave characteristics of a mother raising her child alone, and protect her the best she can even though the way of communication to her child is very limited as the child has autism. In conclusion of giving even her own life for her child to live.

Plus one funny story about my mom, the most tenderly lady, and got up with a fork (or something) to protect my younger brother from a fight in a restaurant. All of that is how I flow with the emotional mindset in Chocolate.

Above pic: Zom Ammara trains for Kill 'em All.

Chat about how you became involved in Kill Em All?

After Chocolate launched, I was contacted by a producer from Epic film that's how it started.

Tim Man says you only had one month of training, prior to principal photography, did you have prior martial arts experience to Kill Em All? Any bumps and bruises with the training, maybe share a story from the training, and one from production.

I never have any prior martial arts experience in my life (Ed note: wow!). I think what helped me a lot in the quick training was my sport and game experiences, movies, and the Tim Man method of training. Sure you will have bumps and bruises when you do martial training or any new sport you are trying. Key is to know the limit and nature of your body. I just have fun with Tim Man training. It’s like I am play-fighting with my brothers. Most of the stuntmen I practiced with had pain. Not me… they protected me from getting hurt but I did not know how to protect them back then.

Sometimes, when I was really tried from shooting from 6 pm. to 6am, the next morning my brain started to get hot. I put some ice on my head like a boxer. We kept kicking and punching to get the best shot for more then 7 hrs. Around 8 am on that morning we shot the final take of the fight between Mickey(in Kill Em’ All) and me. We were all tried. Like I told you, I’m not built to miss the hit. What we were trained mostly is for me not to hit my colleague. I was so tired, but I tried to concentrate before every move for more than 6 hrs, ...And Mickey was really tried, noticeably, from his slower moving. In the Killing Chamber, Mickey must move away from my fist, and I must not hit him. You know what happened… Yes…I broke his nose!

Ouch! note to self back away! I asked Tim about the final edit of Kill Em All he was honest and said he was not happy with it, do you feel things could have been changed?

Honestly, I did not have the time to see the completed film yet.

How was it sharing screen time with Gordon Liu, were you nervous, talk about the final fight for Kill Em All.

It’s really the best experience for me, acting in the scene with Gordon Liu. He is like the real master from Shaolin. We talk about Buddhism ‘s way and mind control. He’s also a real gentleman which we rarely find in this world nowadays. One word description of him, “ REAL”!!!.

Above Pic: Zom Ammara Gets her brick, on a well deserving thug in Kill 'em All!

Do you like the tough girl movie roles? If so Who are some of your acting influences for action films?

Yes I like it. All actor and actress that make you chill & trill (true and real) also affect me. For me I cannot count the number of them.

Calm & Powerful is what I chose to put in Kill 'Em All. Please imagine Gong Li + Edward Norton + Bruce Lee. Haha. (Ed note, that is one diverse combination!)

The two films you have been in are both action oriented, do you like these types of films, would you like to do other types?

I like these types of films, the same as cartoon animation, “5th Element” “Notebook” and “Gone with the Wind”. I like to do other types also. The only scene I cannot act in is the love scene. The director must say cut for more than 1,000 times if you asked me to you that. I just cannot do it with person I did not have the feeling for. But doesn’t mean that I always have the feeling to kill people so I can do Kill Em’ All! HAHA!

Above Pic Zom Ammara (C) 2012 ActionVIP photographer Panuwat Wiriya
https://www.facebook.com/vipaction

I noticed you have many career paths, singing, Radio DJ work, and acting, is there one that stands out in your life currently, or do you let life flow, and whatever path it takes.

Yes that's how I live. Singing is what I love the most, it makes me alive literally!! I am also a creative manager and marketing manager for some companies and being a consultant for some projects under my company. Now I am working the most passionate project of mine which is a comic story….

Shifting to you musical side, prior to discussing the comic, chat about Zom Ammara and being the "Rasta Queen" how did that nick name come about is it musically related?

Yes, I was called Rasta Queen because I’m the first lady who writes and sings Reggae- Ska-Reggaton in Thailand. Actually I like all kind of music from Jazz to electronic, Trace to Rock to Tribal Drum n’ Bass.

Describe your mental preparation for a musical performance? Does it differ from acting?

It’s like leading a troop if I must explain…I put my heart into my audience’s heart and ride the feeling with them. Yes, it differs from acting which I have to put the heart of the character, act and react as the nature of that character being. It’s all about understanding the human being but somehow I don't understood my lover much.

Chat about the bands you have been in and their musical style.
Share a funny or unusual band story.

My own band plays live music with 5 musical instruments. We Play the combination of Rock/Reggae/HipHop Beats with Blue & Jazz tone. These guys are also another group of my younger brothers. I also had chance to jam special project with Gan Core Club.

As I always like to go to the sea and I did lots of environmental projects. One of the project was at Koh Tao , south of Thailand during the time Tsunami happened in 2005. I am a part of organizing the largest diver gathering in Guinness Book 2005 to stop Global warming.

My musicians always support me by doing nothing that could interrupt me in the event organizing. They like to play cards. One of the card games is named, "The Drinker", Whoever loses the game has to drink …water or Vodka…or whatever was agreed before each game. I don’t drink alcohol. When I played cards with them it was just to relax after the organizing part. They changed the agreement into the loser having to take off their clothes. I always won (or even if I lose some of them will be gentleman and take off their clothes) …. That’s how they show love and respect to me. Anyway, it wouldn't be fun if I didn’t show the “Boss” role, so after 2 of them lost ...I ordered them to jump across logs on the beach in front of many beautiful blonde ladies getting tans, lying on that beach in Koh Tao. You have my free copyright to use this game to play with your close friend who is always pain in the ass.

.
That is a interesting story haha! Shifting gears you chatted in your previous answer about global warming, what are the names of the charities your work with?

Royal Project foundation
http://www.royalprojectthailand.com

Habitat
http://www.give2habitat.org/thailand/habitatyouthbuild2012

Princess Pa foundation
http://www.princess-pa-foundation.or.th/index.html

What are some your favorite aspects of being a Radio DJ? Do you like the interviews, chatting with callers, and the music?

Man…I’m a singer. I love music. Being a Dj keeps me updated on music. I always like to listen to people, but the part that I like most about radio is this program, GET DIVAS. This morning program is very special to me, because I am always surrounded by men in difference dimensions of my life. GET DIVAS is the combination of four women talking about all dimensions of life. All means politics, cooking, country, love, beauty, sex, family, sports arts, human behavior, children, environmental…. You never know what is in a woman's head, but you will know if you listen to GET 102.5 GET DIVAS.

What is in the future for Zom? More movies, DJ, singing. Upcoming projects, chat about the Souls that you mentioned earlier?

Above pic: Concept for Souls

SOULS is my upcoming project I am sleeping with for 2 years now..as I told you in the beginning, whoever wants to support me please contact freedom.zom/gmail.com

“Souls” The Romantic Thriller story of life that I originated was choreographed by a mix martial art guru and me. Aim to endorse spiritual way of thinking and also promote Buddhism warrior’s way of living to world.
Plus putting back “Thailand soul of nation” to the Thai teenager – young adult.

Here is the backstory:

Thailand, 220 years ago… Many wars all over Thailand in order to win the country lead by King Taksin. Nearly the last war Siam had to win over Chiengmai. Two warriors fall in love and because of that love the war was won and Thailand was united. The King Taksin’s warrier (TidMun) married a Chieng-mai female warrier (Kumjao). TidMun got lots of rewards and one of them was a very special sword named Lotus. Lotus Sword was made by combination of white magic materials and had tremendous power. But Thailand was still in war with Burma. TidMun & Kumjao had to fight together under the name of King Taksin & Chieng-mai army until they both died. Only the lotus sword was left as the witness to their love and brave.

Thailand 2012, a politician(Chan) wanted to gain his power in politics so he ordered his right hand(Kiri) to get the powerful historic sword(Lotus). But the Lotus sword is in the personal gallery of an good American millionaire(Paul) who adopted his dead friend’s daughter(Bua). Paul wanted Bue to secure the Lotus sword back to Thai nation gallery in order to be seen as one of the weapons to gather the nation. Bua had to travel with a history university professor(Satra). Bua and Satra had to fight with Kiri and his crew for the mission. If Kiri could take the Lotus sword, Chan would make his sorcerer (Raung) set the ritual to have the power to be able to order anything to rule politics of the nation.

This mission for the nation bring back Tidmun & Kumjao from last life as Bua & Satra.

Does Love over the Life time will win over the curse of Karma?
The Romantic Thriller story of life “Souls”.

• East Asia Wisdom and philosophy
• Buddhism idea
• Strong Beauty of Thai mutual art and mix
• True Love over life time

That sounds fantastic, I am looking forward to that ambitious project! That about wraps it up for now, thanks again Zom for taking time out of your busy schedule to conduct this detailed interview. I wish you best of luck on all of your future endeavors, and will look forward to write about them! Special thanks to my mom for help with the editing, please check out her site @ https://sites.google.com/site/susanshamon/susanshamon

Watch for more exclusives on Zom in the future on Dan's Movie Report!

Before you check out the links check out her one of her music videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb6sKYKBLuo

For further info on Zom, check out these sites:

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZomRastaQueen?ref=ts&fref=ts

Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zom_Ammara

Get 102.5 official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/get1025?ref=ts&fref=ts

Get Divas official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GetDivas?ref=ts&fref=ts

Although Zom's radio show is on in the morning in Thailand, the time difference in the USA makes it available to listen live from 8pm to 10pm est Sun thru Thursday. in the USA. The dialogue is in Thai, but they do play a wide variety of English Music! So expand your mind and check it out!!! Listen world wide on the internet!

http://www.clickradiofm.com/1025.php