Trust me, I'm an Actor

Alien Bee: G.I. JOE: INITIATE Fan Film in the works!

2012-02-26T18:18:00.000-06:00

Alien Bee: G.I. JOE: INITIATE Fan Film in the works!

Kickstarter Campaign for GI JOE Initiate (Fan Film) Kicks Butt

2012-02-24T15:10:00.001-06:00

Wow, we have received some great reception for the kickstarter promotion for our GI Joe fan-film "Initiate". We are so excited about this project! 71% funded with 16 days left to hit our goal! At this rate, we will be able to make a wonderful film.

Had a friend on facebook ask us if there was a way to donate through paypal, so we've developed a widget:

While this isn't through kickstarter, I will make sure that we honor the same rewards here as for our kickstarter project. ALL of the funds acquired through this button will be spent on resources for the film. To re-iterate our previous statements, we are in no way connected to Paramount, Hasbro or any other company with rights to the Joe property other than we are huge fans. It is not our goal to make any money on this project...only to give fans of GI Joe a great series to watch for FREE on the web. If, by some miracle we come up with more money than we can dump into the production (we can always add more), any proceeds will be donated to a military charity like wounded warrior. We totally respect those OFFICIALLY responsible for JOE and highly encourage you to check out John Chu's "GI JOE: Retaliation" this summer! Chu has really reached out to the fan base and from what I've seen of the trailers, his take on the franchise is going to be AMAZING! We're all stoked here.

So, what's new with the film? Well, we're in discussion with a very amazing knife-maker who may be helping us with a few hero blades for the film. Yes, there will be a very cool knife fight between some familiar characters. Also, we're closing a deal with the folks at Pit Viper Studios to help us make our villains look wicked and in decent quantity. Their stuff is amazing and you can check them out at PIT VIPER STUDIOS on the web. If you're looking for cool helmets for your film project or costume, these guys are the bomb!

We've also added another character to the reveal roster with Chuckles, played by Bryan Massey! Check out his resume on IMDB, HERE! He's one talented cat who stays busy making movie magic.

We're also waiting for a very cool package from the folks at Delia Tactical! They have sent us some very cool stuff we'll be using in the film. Go to their site and check out THE RAPTOR for a taste of things to come!

We also have an OFFICIAL SITE NOW! Click HERE for details!

Top 10 Sci Fi Guns from the Movies!

2012-02-18T13:02:00.000-06:00

I love movies. I especially love sci-fi movies. And of those, sci-fi films with incredibly badass guns rank among my favorites. I must warn you, this is my personal list from my years of sci-fi worship. Yours may differ incredibly, BUT I think we can find common ground here regardless of your personal tastes. In no particular order, here we go! Ready:

#10.) The M41-A pulse rifle from "Aliens".

#9.) The Auto 9 gun from "Robocop"

#8.) M134 Minigun from “Predator”

#9.) The PL-44 Blaster from "Star Wars"

#8.) The Samaritan Revolver from "Hellboy"

#7.) Moses Brothers Self-Defense Engine Frontier Model B from "Serenity"

#6.)Prawn DNA Rifle from "District 9"

#5.) The Noisy Cricket from "Men in Black"

#4.) The Morita Rifle from "Starship Troopers"

#3.) The AKS-74U from "The Fifth Element"

#2.) The Phaser from "Star Trek"

#1.) The LAPD 2019 blaster from "Blade Runner"

National Lampoon Talks About Humans Vs. Zombies

2012-02-18T11:46:00.000-06:00

Garrett Hargrove of National Lampoon talks about the power of reviewers and their official endorsement of film. He makes a lot of great points and I seriously do want Uwe Boll's phone number!

Here is a link to the article: http://nationallampoon.com/columns/i-am-the-authority. If your computer hates you as much as mine hates me, then here is a transcription of all the badassery that ensued:

There are common people. There are the 99%. There are legions who are being marketed to. Being targeted by advertising. But they know you don’t trust “them.” The advertisers. That’s because their profession is built upon trying to convince you through any means to buy their product. Their inherent nature is to falsely try to convince you that their product which costs X to make is worth you paying X plus an additional amount. They don’t care about what you like. They try to tell you what TO like.

The advertisers know you don’t trust them. So they sign on spokespeople you would trust. An authority on the matter. Sure naming your own price for a flight sounds sketchy. But if Captain Kirk tells you its a solid deal, you have to believe it. He would never lead you astray. You may think a Fiat is too small for you. But when J-Lo comes on screen selling it, you know that if her Stay-Puft marshmallow man she calls an ass can fit in it, yours can, too. She would never let her fans buy something she wouldn’t use herself, right? It’s not like she has complete contempt for the little people.

So why is this all relevant? See the below:

“Fantastic Movie!!! – Garrett Hargrove, National Lampoon”

Bigger than the name of the director on the cover.

Bigger than any of the stars.

Bigger than the Zombie logo at the bottom.

Almost as big as the bloody machete.

It’s a testimonial from me. A film I had nothing to do with has decided that my recommendation was worthy of the cover. I’ve tried to keep it all in perspective. Tried to not let it over inflate my ego. But I could come to no other conclusion other than:

I AM THE AUTHORITY
Humans Versus Zombies is a fun film. It is a real movie as you can see here on Amazon and not just some photoshop I made: Amazon Link. Its got fun zombie action. Its got nudity. Its got that cute, curly haired girl from the last season of “Friday Night Lights”. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. What more could one ask for from a zombie film? But that’s not always enough. In this world where HD cameras are cheaper than your average Kardashian, there are lots of zombie movies that CLAIM to be worth your time. The posters may look flashy. Advertisers will try their darndest to lure you in and convince you to try their zombie movie over HvZ. Brian T. Jaynes was at a loss for how to stand out amongst the slew of other Zombie films when all he has is a split second to catch your eye when you see it on the shelves.

Then, sometimes fate smiles upon you. Humans Versus Zombies happened to be showing at the Houston based Splatterfest. Right after my film, Cherry Bomb. Following my film, I stuck around to see HvZ. I enjoyed it. After the screening, I met up with Brian, the director. People were approaching him telling him how much they enjoyed the movie. “Pfft. Your opinion matters not, for you are but a common man.”

I then approached him and told him about my appreciation for the film. His eyes lit up. “But… you’re… YOU! You’re not like these other people. You write for the Lampoon. Your opinion means something.”

I bowed my head. “I know.”

“Would you be willing to spread these words of praise onto the interconnected series of computers known as the internet so others might hear of your authoritative praise?” Jaynes pleaded.

I agreed.

I posted a review on imdb for the film. We parted ways. Then it came time for Jaynes to distribute his film. And he came to me once more. “The distribution company has asked for permission from the great National Lampoon wordsmith to use his quote as an endorsement of the film.” Jaynes came humbly bearing gifts with his request.

I granted it.

And now, when Humans Versus Zombies enters stores in May, shoppers will see it. And know it is worthy of their money. And not because of advertisers or flashy marketing or even the nudity.

But because the Authority has assured them of its quality.

None shall question this approval. Critics opinions are airtight and not subject for contention. Critics are infallible. Should you disagree with the verdict or opinion of The Authority, realize it is purely because you cannot possibly analyze and comprehend on the same levels as The Authority.

I asked star Frederic Doss (of GI Joe: Rise of Cobra and Transformers) how it felt to have the Authority recommend his film. He was elated:

“National Lampoon said “Humans Vs. Zombies” is FANTASTIC?!?! You hear that Michael Bay? Fantastic! Now who has Uwe Boll’s phone number? I’m about to be huge!”

“As an actor you have to trust your director. I told Brian I trusted his vision, but it wasn’t until National Lampoon validated it that I really believed it.” said Chip Joslin, who played Brad in the film.

Star Jesse Ferraro said: “To have national lampoons give a shout out in any way, shape, or form to HVZ…well who cares what happens from here on out.”

Madison Burge said “No, I will NOT give you Adrianne Palicki’s number! I am blocking this facebook account!”

Seeing the difference this has made to Jaynes (HvZ is set, even in pre-sale, to become the highest grossing film ever starring Madison Burge and Chip Joslin), I decided to use my divine ability to bless or condemn products on a larger scale. Since reviewing Michael Biehn‘s The Victim, Biehn’s production company has signed a three picture deal with Aspect Films. Its been on an every once in a while basis up until this point, but now… The Authority is going to accept films, DVDs or beef based products for a regular review column on this site, the authority on comedy, National Lampoon.

So, feel free to contact me through here for films or products to review. The Authority will always strive to create the best Gene Shalit-esque quotes for your film or food product poster. And when people doubt the quality of your product, you can point to The Authority’s review and cut the legs from under your detractors.

And in NO WAY should this be construed as simply an act to attain free stuff.

Interview With Frobot and Pow

2012-02-16T23:17:00.001-06:00

"HUMANS VS. ZOMBIES" HITS CHILLER TV!!!!

2012-02-13T13:45:00.001-06:00

Yep, you heard right. Starting FEBRUARY 17, you can see "Humans Vs. Zombies" on Chiller TV! WOOHOO!

Also, you can preorder the DVD for it's May release here on both bluray and regular formats:

G.I. JOE: Initiate (a fanfilm)

2012-02-13T13:10:00.000-06:00

Some of you may have noticed my absence from the blog world for a bit. Well, I can assure you, I've been building up a new stockpile of films to share with you that totally rock. But, what has been distracting me is also highly cool.

Since watching films like "Troops" and "Batman: Dead End" I have always wanted to do a fanfilm. The trouble was what to do the film about. Well after watching Mark Cheng pave the way with his badass fanfilm "Operation Red Retrieval" that "G.I. Joe" was a viable option.

As many of you know, I was in the first film "GI Joe: Rise of Cobra". I play an apache gunner and as awesome as it was, it's a brief role in the film and while I do get done in by Cobra, my character isn't an official member of the Joe team. In short, I wanted to be a bigger part of the Joe universe and while I was so happy to do what I did (it was awesome), I still had this itch to do more. Then, I got to submit reads for three different roles on Jon Chu's "GI Joe: Retaliation" which looks AMAZING, but alas...it wasn't in the cards.

Then, one day a couple weeks ago, while kicking around the desire to do some short films and rethinking fanfilms like "Modern Warfare: Frozen Crossing" (one of the best out there), it hit me. I have a lot of military hardware and access to a lot of fellow veterans with even more hardware and more credentials than I have...and we all love JOE!

So, I posted a thread on facebook and was shocked at the response. Director Brian Jaynes of "Humans vs. Zombies" jumped on board to direct for us. Also, my buddy, writer/graphic designer, Anthony Schiavino ("Sergeant Zero") was more than happy to co-write a script with me. We quick turned what has been praised by some folks I can't mention.

Since then, we've added people like veteran producer Kerri Navarro, and acting talent such as Billy Blair, Bryan Massey, Brandon Slagle and Samuel Haun. Real life badasses Michael Brown, Rusty Brooks, Aaron Self and Michael Marcano round out the cast.

Here are some key things that we believe set us apart from the other fan films out there. Most of our cast has real world training with weapons and tactics. We have some top notch crew onboard with more than a few notches in their belts and they have some amazing equipment that will give us solid production value. We have access to cool stuff like tanks and APCs. We have credentialed actors. We are also intent on blending the lighthearted atmosphere of the original series with a more tactically grounded harshness of actual combat.

We've also received some awesome support from one of the premier Joe fansites THE TERROR DROME. Those guys rock!

What you can do to help, is go to the link below to the kickstarter project and donate to our cause, even if it's only a few dollars. We truly appreciate the support and we can't do it without you!CHECK OUT OUR KICKSTARTER HERE!

Gruesome Hertzogg Interviews ( Scott Geiter ): Actor | Producer Frederic Doss " GI JOE: Initiat...

2012-02-12T17:05:00.000-06:00

Gruesome Hertzogg Interviews ( Scott Geiter ): Actor | Producer Frederic Doss " GI JOE: Initiat...

Check out this interview I did with Scott Geiter at Gruesome Hertzogg!

365 Movies Day #217 "Phase 7"

2012-01-26T00:23:00.000-06:00

When a disease begins to spread like mad, an apartment building is locked under quarantine. The film follows Coco and his very pregnant wife Pipi as their building slowly caves into violence. One of their neighbors is a highly prepared conspiracy nut that reminds me so much of my character Frank in "HUMANS VERSUS ZOMBIES" that the two could be related. Also, the film features one of the most badass shotgun toting, knife wielding old men I have ever seen.

The crazy old man, Zanutto, is played by one of Guillermo del Toro's favorites, Federico Luppi, who has appeared in all of his Spanish language films such as "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Chronos". He kicks some serious ass with a shotgun decapitation that made me jump.

This is one of the best Spanish language films I've seen outside of del Toro's work. It feels very real while being very absurd at the same time. Daniel Hendler does a great job as Coco in making the character seem like a totally reluctant badass. Yayo Guridi is wonderful as conspiracy nut Horacio and Jazmín Stuart is so wonderful in her neurotic, yet lovable role as Pipi.

Looks like it's time to look up more films by Nicolás Goldbart!

PHASE 7 ON IMDB

365 Movies Day #216 "Dead Man's Shoes"

2012-01-25T23:45:00.000-06:00

Another great revenge film! I love these things. This one stars Paddy Considine ("Cinderella Man", "The Born Ultimatum", "Hot Fuzz") as a returning soldier who finds that his mentally handicapped brother has been abused by a group of low-life thugs while he was gone. This becomes incredibly bad news for them as Richard (Considine) marks them all for a very unhappy time.

One of the most impressive things to come from this film is a fairly unknown actor named Toby Kebbell. A couple years ago when I saw a little flick called "Rock N Rolla" I said, this guy is good. He played Johnny Quid in that film. You may also recognize him from "Prince of Persia", "War Horse" or even "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". He was also the lead in another flick I'll be talking about next up. Kebbell plays Richard's mentally retarded brother Anthony and he does it very well. Robert Downey Jr. would approve.

Former British boxer Gary Stretch (who played in "Megashark Vs. Crocasaurus" which features my homeboy Brandon Slagle) is spot on here and one of the best things about this film is that the badguys have very realistic reactions to the mayhem around them. They feel loss. They feel regret. They are scared. They are so feeling that to a certain extent you almost feel bad for them. Considine and Stretch have a showdown in one part of the film that may be one of the most badass moments I've seen in a film for awhile and not a blow one is thrown or a gun pulled. In fact, I think there is only one gun in the whole film. Shane Meadows does a fantastic job as director and co-writer with Considine of giving us great characters to watch, gritty realism and a couple twists near the end that will kick you right in the brain.

DEAD MAN'S SHOES ON IMDB

Help Alex!

2012-01-25T10:29:00.002-06:00

You won't see very many of these from me on here, but this boy's father is a dear friend of mine and a wonderful filmmaker. If you can spare anything, please send it here!

CLICK HERE TO HELP ALEX!!!!

Alex is a 5 year old little boy. He's one of those children you meet that instantly puts a smile on your face! He has always had the GREATEST personality, he's extremely artistic and incredibly smart, ... in fact he speaks English and French, fluently!

A couple months ago he went to bed and the next morning woke up a completely different child. He had developed uncontrollable Tics, lost the ability to draw and write and his behaviors and emotional state had regressed. Currently he is undergoing aggressive antibiotic and steroid treatments until he can get the treatment he needs.

His condition is due to a bacterial infection (Strep Throat) which somehow triggered his immune system to start attacking his brain. (More specifically, the basal ganglia). This is an autoimmune illness. The best treatment for Alex is a series of IVIG infusions, which will help to reset his immune system and bring him back to the boy we all know and love. Unfortunately insurance does not cover his treatment, they consider it experimental.

So we are pleading for your help! IVIG is a very pricey treatment, and has proven extremely effective, especially in cases like Alex's. Please help us cure Alex! If you can donate anything we would greatly appreciate it. <3 We are hoping to start his treatments in the next 4 - 6 weeks and I will keep you updated as we go along!

365 Movies Day #215 "Further North"

2012-01-20T12:08:00.000-06:00

Here is one you probably haven't heard of, which is sad. Minnesota-based director James Snapko delivers a film, that with a bit more funding and a few names (not that any of the actors fall short on delivery) would have probably been an Oscar nod. The film follows several characters as fate and circumstance brings them together for a dark reckoning. A man whose wife and son were murdered is out for revenge. A man who murdered his own girlfriend is out to hide from his past. A woman treading down a dark road wants justice for her lost friend. A ruthless hitman is on the path to finish a job. A cunning businessman will do whatever it takes to succeed. A sheriff will stop at nothing to protect his town (played by my dear buddy Larry Laverty).

The film is reminiscent of flicks like "No Country for Old Men" in artistic style. It's dark. It really focuses on the characters and their struggles. All of the leads deliver on performance. There are a few spots here and there in the production where you are reminded that it is NOT a huge Hollywood budget, but they are easily ignored for the big picture. This is a wonderful film. Here is hoping that we see more from Snapko and company in the future! Here is a great place to check out films from Collision including shorts and trailers. COLLISION PICTURES ON YOUTUBE.

FURTHER NORTH ON IMDB

365 Movies Day #214 "The Horseman"

2012-01-19T23:36:00.002-06:00

I love revenge films. We've covered a lot on the blog, but this one might take the cake. It's the first and only film (so far), by Australian director Steven Kastrissios. It follows a 44-year-old father, who, when learning his daughter was left to die after being drugged and abused during a graphic porn shoot, tracks down the men responsible and ends them in a way that makes "FASTER" look like "Kindergarten Cop". The film has some marvelous things going for it besides a great cast and a gritty feel. For starters, they never lose sight of what drives him and (as a father) they made me feel it throughout the film. It made me want to go hug my daughters...several times. Second, in the many fight scenes, it always looks like the participants are really fighting for their lives. It isn't fake or Hollywoodish (one of the things I love about Will Kaufman's "THE PRODIGY" and "SINNERS AND SAINTS". This film is brutal in a horror fashion, but oddly it leaves quite a bit to the imagination. The gore and violence is present, but nor overpowering. The scenes are disturbing as hell though.

Peter Marshall stars and deserves special mention for the film. This is a guy who hasn't been used to his fullest potential yet and this film shows he needs more amazing work. He's brilliant here and easily can go toe to toe with Bronson and Neeson for the title of vengeance dealer. His raw performance and broken heart drive the film. It's intense and incredibly well done. Hats off to him and Kastrissios.

THE HORSEMAN ON IMDB

365 Movies Day #213 "Bunraku"

2012-01-17T01:09:00.000-06:00

Sheer brilliance. Maybe one of the best films I have seen in awhile. Not since I watched "Faster" at the theater have I been this captivated and surprised by a film. How did this thing fly under my radar? This is the second feature from director Guy Moshe. He's assembled a star-studded cast in a an amazing action adventure display of stylized badassery that just blew me away. The score, the color, the lighting, the characters, the dialogue, the story! Not too often that a film just moves me as a whole. This one did. Can't say enough good things.

Visually, the film is reminiscent of flicks like "Sin City", "Moulin Rouge" and "Kung Fu Hustle" with something else thrown in. A friend had me watch the film "Casshern" awhile back and while I was stunned with the visuals, the plot and characters left me hanging. This is what "Casshern" could have been. Filled with comic-book colors combined with pop-up book style backgrounds (it fits in the story) with startling transitions and a fantastic use of lighting, this whole film is just visual porn.

On a sound note, listen for video game noises during certain points that predict exactly what you're thinking visually. The music score is a mixture of so many cultures and sources (just like the film's content). I'm normally not one to notice score. Maybe I'm growing as a "film guy", but I'd buy the soundtrack for this and that is saying something for me. I don't own a score for anything besides "Star Wars".

Coming to the story, it's your basic vengeance story filled with some of the most badass characters to ever grace such a story. The varying fighting styles, costume choices, dialects and mannerisms greatly enhance each character. To start with, I thought Josh Hartnett captured epic badassery in "Lucky Number Slevin" and "Sin City". He kicked its ass and made it his bitch in this film. Starring as The Drifter, Hartnett is straight up Charles Bronson sporting a bar-brawling style of fighting that makes me want to step in a ring. He is a force of nature in this. Feels like a Sergio Leon character dropped in a kung fu flick. This is his first visit to the blog and what a film to enter with. Next up is Gackt Camui, who plays Hartnett's equally badass compadre who is more on the Japanese samurai side of the house. Although he looks kind of like a chick in this...he kicks major butt.

On the villainous side of the house, in addition to a host of badass martial arts folks, we have Kevin McKidd as one of the most wicked sword wielding villains ever to grace the screen. I felt like they stole this guy straight from my head. "DOG SOLDIERS" is where I first talked about McKidd in the blog. You'll love him here as well! The big head badass in this is wonderfully played by none other than "Hellboy" himself, Ron Perlman. Ron has been here a couple times with "CITY OF LOST CHILDREN" and "DARK COUNTRY". Another great role for him with this film.

In the wings on this one is an interesting supporting cast made up of Demi Moore (still hot...stupid Ashton) and the reason I saw this movie tonight, Woody Harrelson. Just last night I watched "THE MESSENGER" with him and while I was researching it, I noticed he was in another film I kept flipping past in my queue on netflix instant. So, tonight, I decided to sit down and watch it. Harrelson has also been featured here for his lead role in "DEFENDOR".

Oh, and the film is narrated by Mike Patton...yep that's right, front man of Mr. Bungle and Faith No More.

BUNRAKU ON MIDB

365 Movies Day #212 "The Messengers"

2012-01-16T15:40:00.000-06:00

This is a stunningly beautiful film and I am surprised I hadn't seen it before now. I am such a fan of Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson and both deliver some amazing performances in this film which lead to an Academy Award nomination for Harrelson as supporting actor and for writers Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman for best original screenplay.

The film is about a young SGT Montgomery, wounded in combat and near the end of his enlistment. He heads back to the states and is assigned as a to a casualty notification team. Basically, these are the guys that show up at the family's door to tell them their loved one has been killed. Powerful content. Montgomery is skillfully played by Foster who is one of my favorite actors around right now. Foster has been talked about in the blog before for "PANDORUM" and he has wowed me before in flicks like "The Mechanic", "3:10 to Yuma", "Alpha Dog" and "30 Days of Night". Montgomery is partnered up with CPT Stone, a hard-edge, by the book veteran of the casualty notification duty and the first Gulf War. Stone's thick-skinned exterior hides a pretty lonely guy and the film quickly becomes an interesting "buddy flick" with a twist. When Montgomery doesn't heed Stone's warnings about following procedure events unfold that change both men forever. Stoner is played by Harrelson who has been featured in the blog for his wonderful starring role in "DEFENDOR". Looks like he, Foster and "The Messengers" writer/director Oren Moverman recently teamed up with Steve Buscemi again for another flick I have to see called "Rampart". In "The Messengers", Buscemi makes a brief but memorable appearance as one of the fathers the team has to notify.

The characterization and story arcs for both leads is wonderful. It's also interspersed with very powerful moments when they are performing their duties. Each time they notify a family in the film, as a veteran, I teared up. Such raw performances from actors like Buscemi, Peter Friedman, Angel Caban, Portia, Yaya DaCosta, Stevie Ray Dallimore, Marceline Hugot, Kevin Hagan and others. Also, Samantha Morgan ("Minority Report") is fabulous and a key player in the film. Salute to Jena Malone in this one too. She had a tough unlikable role in this one and was also hot as hell. You may know her from "Sucker Punch", "Into the Wild", "Donnie Darko" and other films.

All in all, this is an incredibly well-done film that deals with the ugly side of war that isn't disrespectful to servicemen or their families. In a way, it is a wonderful tribute to the men and women who give their lives in service. If you are in the service, have been, or are a relative of someone who is, prepare for a tearjerker. This is a powerful flick.

THE MESSENGERS ON IMDB

Scientology a Dangerous Cult Sponsors the Golden Globes.

2012-01-15T23:53:00.000-06:00

So this add ran during the Golden Globes tonight. Really? Enlightenment? Reason? How about the biggest cult and one of the most dangerous organizations on the planet. Founded by a failed science fiction author and can pull tens of thousands of dollars from its members and uses extortion and blackmail to keep its members in check. Sounds great to me.

Just look at what they did to the Cult Awareness Network (CAN).

49 Frederic Doss and Brian Jaynes 01/15 by Arts Talk | Blog Talk Radio

2012-01-14T19:32:00.000-06:00

49 Frederic Doss and Brian Jaynes 01/15 by Arts Talk | Blog Talk Radio

Listen to internet radio with Arts Talk on Blog Talk Radio

365 Movies Day #211 "Deathwatch"

2012-01-14T11:13:00.000-06:00

I love combination military/horror films. Guys with guns going up against a horror element have just fascinated me, probably since "Aliens", "Predator" and...to an extent "Terminator". Lately, I've tossed a few your way in the blog. Look at "OUTPOST", "THE KEEP", "DOG SOLDIERS" and "THE OBJECTIVE" for other examples of the genre. This was Michael J. Bassett's first film and I'm curious to see if he can rescue the "Silent Hill" franchise with his latest flick. Looks like he wrote it too, so high hopes. Also looking forward to seeing his 2006 film "Wilderness" where he teamed up with blog vet Sean Pertwee ("DOG SOLDIERS", "DOOMSDAY" and "EQUILIBRIUM".

The premise of this one is great. First of all, it's WWI based which is a period often ignored in favor of WWII (though there are a lot of anachronisms in the film that pin the weapons and equipment more toward WWII, but only noticeable by the true historian). A group of British troops is caught in a bad way and exposed to a gas cloud while storming a German trench position. In the aftermath, the survivors discover a German trench that may be possessed by pure evil. Will they escape alive...or even with their souls in tact?

A solid cast led by Jamie Bell ("TinTin", "Jumper" and "Flags of Our Fathers") who plays 16 year old Charlie Shakespeare who lied about his age to join up. Shakespeare struggles with his fear and humanity throughout the film as he is exposed the horrors of war and beyond. "Lord of the Rings" fans will be excited to actually SEE Andy Serkis (the voice of Gollum) as a totally brutal asshat in the form of warmongering PVT Quinn. Hugh O'Conor is also wonderful as the resident chaplain. O'Conor is known for "Chocolat" and the 1993 "The Three Musketeers" film. Hans Matheson (recent adaptations of "Sherlock Holmes" and "Clash of the Titans" as well as Thomas Cranmer from "The Tudors" and Marius from the 1998 film version of Les Miserables plays PVT Hawkstone.

With a great cast, some sadistic effects and a great backdrop, this is another fine example of military and horror combined. Perhaps I need to start writing...

DEATHWATCH ON IMDB

365 Movies Day #210 "Antibodies"

2012-01-12T23:51:00.001-06:00

German director Christian Alvart's film "PANDORUM" impressed the hell out of me, but his 2005 film "Antibodies" absolutely blew me away. It is a twisted journey into madness like no other. Perhaps one of the best serial killer films I have ever seen.

Alvart's killer Gabriel Engel, is chillingly portrayed by André Hennicke. Hennicke is also known for films like Alvart's "PANDORUM" (he played the leader of the mutants), "Downfall" and the latest Cronenberg Mortensen partnership in "A Dangerous Method". Hennicke gives a masterful performance here.

At the beginning of the film, Engel is undone when two German police officers stumble onto his sick twisted fun. One of the officers is played by Norman Reedus ("Boondock Saints", "The Walking Dead" and had cameos in films from the blog like "MIMIC" and Alvart's "PANDORUM". In fact, Reedus tends to make a habit of appearing in Alvart's films in small cameo roles.

Wotan Wilke Möhring, who plays the film's hero, Michael Martens, a small town part-time cop who gets pulled into Engel's world in horrific fashion can also be seen in "PANDORUM" as well as Tom Cruise's "Valkyrie". Möhring delivers in a tough role as a good man pushed to his limits and beyond.

A truly great film with an ending that will kick you square in the teeth.

ANTIBODIES ON IMDB

365 Movies Day #209 "The Objective"

2012-01-10T11:21:00.000-06:00

In 1999, director Daniel Myrick shocked the world with a super-low budget horror flick, "Blair Witch" that went on to be a huge box office hit that spawned countless imitators and put found footage films on the map. Like many, I've been wondering what Myrick has been up to. Without even realizing it was his film, I popped in "The Objective" as the suggestion of a friend and was very impressed.

The film stars a very impressive actor, Jonas Ball, as CIA Operative Benjamin Keynes, who arrives in Afghanistan to lead a team of Special Operations folks to rendevous with a mysterious Muslim village elder. However, it becomes clear that there is much more to the scenario as supernatural events begin to occur and rip the team apart at its seams.

The team has been applauded from a few folks I know who have been there, done that and got the T-shirt. Led by real life Army Operator Matthew Anderson who has an impressive list of stunt credits, the team is also composed of Michael Williams (who played MIKE in "The Blair Witch Project"), Sam Hunter, Kenny Taylor, stunt vet Jeff Prewett and former Air Force guy Jon Huertas who you may recognize from "Sabrina: Teenage Witch", "Generation Kill", "Castle", or one of Myrick's other films "Believers".

All in all a creepy flick with spot on portrayal of special operations, solid acting and a great story. Recommended for anyone who likes the paranormal and/or military flicks.

THE OBJECTIVE ON IMDB

365 Movies Day #208 "Surviving the Game"

2012-01-08T15:11:00.001-06:00

Classic 90s action at its finest. And what a cast. Rutger Hauer plays a fantastic badguy and he's been here on the blog before with "CROSSWORLDS", "SPLIT SECOND" and "HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN". Charles S. Dutton ("Alien 3", "Legion", "MIMIC"and star of the "Roc" TV series) plays Rutger's partner as they gather hobos to hunt for sport by a group of rich folks. Kind of an opposite role for our resident Hobo with a Shotgun. The cast of those enjoying the unwholesome entertainment is equally cool with F. Murray Abraham ("Amadeus", "Scarface", "MIMIC" with Dutton, and "The Last Action Hero"), one of my personal favorite character actors in "Scrubs" own John C. McGinley ("Platoon", "Seven", "The Rock", "Point Break"), William McNamara and probably a legendary performance for the epic Gary Busey. Busey is a phenomenon of a human being with his roles on films like "Lethal Weapon", "Predator 2", "Point Break", "Lost Highway", "Under Seige", and then playing himself rather comedically in the show "Entourage". In fact, the following clip is perhaps one of the best scenes he has ever done:

But, here's a little hint when snagging hobos to hunt. Don't snag up gangsta rapper Ice-T! The man has made a name for himself on the show "Law and Order: SVU" and has been a part of some of my favorite flicks like "Johnny Mnemonic", "Tank Girl", "New Jack City" and "3000 Miles to Graceland". In this film, the down on his luck badass comes back with a vengeance to ruin some lives. Some great action scenes in this, a fun plot and it kicks the crap out of Woo and Van Damme's "Hard Target" (similar story). If you like 90s action and "Surviving the Game" isn't in your lexicon, you are wrong.

On a special note, director Ernest J. Dickerson was responsible for one of my favorite films of all time in the form of "TALES FROM THE CRYPT: DEMON KNIGHT" and directed 3 episodes of the second season of "Walking Dead". Hats off for the solid entertainment sir.

SURVIVING THE GAME ON IMDB

Some other things that may be killing Huang Hoang's (Junie Hoang) career...beside IMDB

2012-01-08T13:01:00.002-06:00

Well, before you start attacking IMDB, maybe you should take down those video blogs about your daughter stealing your vibrator. Kind of gives away your age...and is just kind of...wrong.

And you know what else shows your age? Maybe that you don't look 25 in this video...

But you know what? I'm sure it's all IMDB's fault. You deserve that million dollars.

365 Movies Day# 207 "Downstream"

2012-01-08T12:36:00.000-06:00

Here is a film that has probably definitely crept under your radar lately and it deserves to be on a must watch list! "Downstream" is a low budget post apocalyptic tale that delivers on every front. From the creative telling of how the world fell, to the stellar acting jobs by both leads and supporting this film rocks. What caught my eye the most is the creative editing style that I normally only clue into when I'm watching Tony Scott films. The crew on this one really managed to capture a comic book graphic novel feel without making it feel at all campy. Hats off for a beautifully shot flick.

The film stars Jonathon Trent as the son of a prominent intellectual and inventor who saw the end coming. As Wes Keller, Trent does an excellent job of capturing the child-like innocence and rugged individualism I haven't seen since Costner's "The Postman" and mixes it well with moments of total berserker rage (handled very well by the post-production crew as well). Trent is a fellow "Transformers" vet playing computer hacker extraordinaire Fassbiner in the second film. He also worked on the film "Burlesque" and has had some memorable TV appearances. This guy deserves a TON more work. Keller basically travels around the wasteland in search of Nuclear City or Plutopia. It's a fabled place that is powered by cold fusion where the world continues to thrive. He travels alone except for his dog, Lugosi, who he talks to regularly.

In this reality, women were basically wiped out by a rare cancer or otherwise disappeared. When Wes runs into a lovely woman in need named Sara, played by Elizabeth Roberts, the Black Swan event (something you don't plan for) happens and changes everything. Complications arise with her rescue and their run-n with brilliantly played psychopath Tobias, played by Jonno Roberts. It's a story of human interaction, desperation, dependence and success at all costs. I'm a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre and "Downstream" delivers.

DOWNSTREAM ON IMDB

365 Movies Day #206 "Crossworlds"

2012-01-08T12:13:00.004-06:00

Here's some cool 1997 sci-fi for you complete with transdimensional fight scenes, Josh Charles looking like Shia LaBeouf all growed up and of course...Rutger Hauer, plus an early cameo appearance from...Jack Black? Josh, who you may know better as the traitorous McCabe in "SWAT" got his start in films like 1988's "Hairspray", "Dead Poet's Society" and "Threesome". He also worked on another favorite of mine, "Four Brothers" and you can currently catch him on the series "The Good Wife". Josh plays the lead character who stumbles into a transdimensional war when he is trying to pick up a chick at a party...with his friend Black.

After striking out, Joe (Charles), heads home to crash, but finds himself awakened by a different lovely lady he saw at the party played by Andrea Roth. Roth presently plays Janet Gavin on the series "Rescue Me". She also made a brief appearance on "LOST". In this film she turns out to be badass alternate dimensional agent Laura. After a bit of asswhoopery when Joe's apartment (roaches need not apply) turns into a dimensional gateway, Laura takes Joe to meet her partner played by Rutger Hauer. Now, Hauer is no stranger to the blog now. He' had two films featured here already and at least one other I'm planning to share very soon, not to mention flicks like "Bladerunner" and "Ladyhawke", Hauer was stellar in "HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN" and "SPLIT SECOND". He's a badass here as well as AT. Together, the three must protect the staff and the jewel which are weapons and tools powerful to them and to the other side, a gang of warlords who have been travelling around conquering worlds. They are lead by the evil Ferris, played by Stuart Wilson ("Enemy of the State", "Lethal Weapon III", "Zorro").

The film is directed by Krishna Rao who you probably know more for his work on "The Unit". I think my favorite part of this film is the end fight scene which winds up bouncing all over the globe as they teleport from place to place. It's well done and I found myself rewinding it a couple of times just to watch it again (a rarity for me). This one definitely deserves a place among classic sci-fi.

CROSSWORLDS ON IMDB

365 Movies Day #205 "Stoic"

2012-01-07T18:37:00.001-06:00

I've found myself defending Uwe Boll lately from people who seem to only know about his horrible video game films. It's sad that these folks haven't taken a look at his works like "DARFUR" and "RAMPAGE". Boll's big talent in film-making is using ultra-violence combined with natural improv-style acting/direction to produce compelling and deeply disturbing stories. "Stoic" is no exception.

The film follows four prison inmates and the entire film (except for inter-cut interviews with the inmates)takes place in a 4 person prison cell. The story basically follows an escalation of force as three of the inmates turn against the other in what has to be some of the most disturbingly filmed de-humanizing violence I have ever seen. Not for the sensitive at heart, but definitely a must see for those with a stomach for such films.

The other thing wonderful about the flick is its low-budget brilliance. Basically 4 actors and one room. Headlining the cast is Edward Furlong who has come along way since "Terminator 2" and "American History X". A great performance here and he also worked with Boll on "DARFUR". Shaun Sipos, who plays the brutalized Mitch in the film is also a Boll veteran from href="http://fredericdoss.blogspot.com/2011/05/365-movies-day-40-rampage.html">"RAMPAGE". Sam Levinson co-stars and has worked on films like "Bandits" with Bruce Willis and "What Just Happened" with DeNiro. Finally, there is the chilling Steffen Mennekes who has come up working with Boll on "Postal", two "Bloodrayne" films, "RAMPAGE" and "Far Cry". Plus, he has a role in Boll's upcoming "Blubberella".

Been a dream of mine for a bit now to work with Boll. Hope to make that happen soon.

STOIC ON IMDB