Categories
Action Adventure Comedy Western

Shanghai Joe (1973)

A Chinese immigrant, recently arrived in America, fights to free Mexican slaves from their cruel master.

Shanghai Joe is a Chinese martial arts master who somehow finds himself in the racist Old West. This one is a real oddity, a martial arts western, with a small role for the ever evil Klaus Kinski as the bounty hunter set to go and kill our Hero Joe.

Joe arrives in San Francisco, and instead of meeting the people of the land of the free he meets the land of the racists, and his troubles only just start to begin. Joe is far to nice for his own good, polite and well-mannered, thats until he needs to defend his life and then his fists of fury unleash some retribution.

Directed by: Mario Caiano
Starring: Chen Lee, Klaus Kinski, Carla Romanelli, Gordon Mitchell.

Categories
Action Adventure Science fiction

The Punisher (1989)

When Frank Castle’s family is murdered by criminals, he becomes a vigilante known as The Punisher!

Based on the Marvel Comic, Dolph Lundgren is Frank Castle an ex-cop who lives in the sewers and acts as judge, jury, and executioner to the city’s criminals in retaliation for the unpunished murders of his wife and kids. Frank’s ex-partner Jake (Louis Gossett Jr.) finally catches up with the vigilante as he tries to stop the Japanese mob, which is trying to take over the city’s mafia operation.

Now THIS is what a comic book film should be!!!
Excellent live-action version based on a comic book character
Violent crime chiller about a relentless revenger
The Role Dolph Was Born To Play.
Awesome Marvel Adaptation

Director: Mark Goldblatt
Starring: Dolph Lundgren, Louis Gossett Jr., Jeroen Krabbé, Kim Miyori.

Categories
Adventure War

Ho’omau (2016)

War breaks out between two Hawaiian tribes!

Following a migratory period in ancient Hawai’i, war breaks out between tribes of different origin. Lehua, a young woman of mixed ancestry must persist against perilous odds to defend all she holds dear.

Ho’omau is a cinematic poem, a slow dance with grief that ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Seek it out if you’re looking for a film that challenges you to think and feel in equal measure

>”Ho’omau” is a native Hawaiian independent short film being shot on location in Kona by the filmmakers behind the 2012 native Hawaiian film “Until the Sun Sets”.

Directed by: Kenji Doughty
Starring: Tira Akina, Kala Alexander, Paula Fuga

Categories
Adventure Science fiction

Deserted (2016)

Amazing survival movie!

When twenty-four-year-old Jae is released from prison for killing her mother, she returns to her childhood home in small-town Ridgecrest. The desire to go anywhere but there prompts her to agree to join her brother on a road trip out to Death Valley – which results in getting them hopelessly lost in the most stunning, but unforgiving topographical terrain on the planet.

The writing and pacing are excellent. The acting is very good. Nothing in the movie is predictable.

Written and Directed by: Ashley Avis
Starring: Mischa Barton, Jackson Davis, Winter Ave Zoli

Categories
Action Adventure War

Nomad: The Warrior (2005)

If you like epic movies, don’t miss this one!

A historical epic set in 18th-century Kazakhstan, where a young man is destined to unite the country’s three warring tribes.

Rebirth of a nation. Not since Genghis Khan has anyone united the Kazakh tribes. Jungar tribesmen of Mongolia rule Kazakh land, but a prophecy has it that a descendant of Genghis will unite his people. Oraz the Wise travels the land looking for the child who will fulfill the prophecy. He finds that infant and protects him from the warriors of Galdan, the Jungar king. Oraz recruits one lad from each Kazakh tribe and teaches them the art of war, loyalty, and camaraderie. Two are the best: Mansur and Erali. They are like brothers. Each must prove himself; both fall in love with the same young woman; both fall into enemy hands. At what cost does a prophecy come to pass?

Directors: Sergei Bodrov
Writer: Rustam Ibragimbekov
Stars: Kuno Becker, Jason Scott Lee, Jay Hernandez

Categories
Action Adventure

Viking: The Berserkers (2014)

In Dark Ages Britain, a group of young Saxons are captured by a clan of fearsome Viking warriors and used as prey in a ritualistic manhunt!

Not the best Viking movie out there (can’t speak about the current TV show, haven’t watched it yet), but a small budget effort, that some might find interesting. Many accuse me for trying to find even the smallest positive aspect in a movie. Actually that’s pretty accurate most of the time, as in this case.

>Set in 835 AD we meet a Saxon peasant called Wade. He gets captured by some Vikings and both he and his brother get carted off to the Vikings den, which are some tents and twigs on the side of a hill. There they are chosen to take part in a Viking ritual that involves the use of sacrificial human hearts. This is done by some sort of Priestess witch who has a fetish for heavy use of mascara.

Written and Directed by: Antony Smith
Starring: Sol Heras, Douglas Russell, Amber Jean Rowan

Categories
Adventure Drama

Freedom (2014)

Freedom is visually stunning and almost a masterpiece!

Two men separated by 100 years are united in their search for freedom. In 1856 a slave, Samuel Woodward and his family, escape from the Monroe Plantation near Richmond, Virginia. A secret network of ordinary people known as the Underground Railroad guide the family on their journey north to Canada. They are relentlessly pursued by the notorious slave hunter Plimpton. Hunted like a dog and haunted by the unthinkable suffering he and his forbears have endured, Samuel is forced to decide between revenge or freedom.

The Screenplay, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costumes, and Make Up are all top notch. Its also is a well edited film. The Original Score was ok but not great.

The artwork and scenery is breathtakingly filmed, and the acting tremendous. If the storyline occasionally stretches things a bit, just relax and enjoy what, is in essence, one of the best faith-based stories on film since ‘Risen’ and ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.

Director: Peter Cousens
Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Sharon Leal, David Rasche, Kimberly Nichole

Categories
Adventure Drama

Street Dreams (2009)

Fantastic Film, a must for skaters!

Like all skaters, Derrick Cabrera dreams of being sponsored and one day going pro, but the world is against him. After getting arrested, he runs away with his skateboarding crew to Florida for a big skateboarding contest that will change his life.

Lots of tricks, lots of drama, and lots of swearing!! This film is a perfect movie for skaters and even none skaters alike to enjoy. Great acting by Paul Rodriguez and Ryann Dunn. The jokes that Ryan Dunn cracks are just hilarious and witty. Not a perfect 10/10 score for me, but a lot higher than this site gives it for sure. The story was great and it actually came to a conclusion properly and didn’t lose track of itself.

Directed by: Chris Zamoscianyk
Starring: Paul Rodriguez, Rob Dyrdek, Terry Kennedy

Categories
Adventure Drama

Sleepwalk (2018)

A man goes on a journey for a slice of apple pie!

The balance between photography and storytelling, details , large plans and silences represent the main virtues of this film reminding first a western, then a form of tension and high expectation, last – the powerful force of memory and generosity. Short, more than a good short film, it is a pure delight.

>The balance between photography and storytelling, details , large plans and silences represent the main virtues of this film reminding first a western, then a form of tension and high expectation, last – the powerful force of memory and generosity. Short, more than a good short film, it is a pure delight.

Director: Filipe Melo
Starring: Greg Lucey, Durant Mcleod, Joy Green

Categories
Adventure Comedy Horror

Rebooted (2019)

A love letter to old school movie magic!

A stop-motion animated skeleton takes drastic measures when he learns the film for which he was created is being rebooted without him.

Rebooted has launched to international audiences on YouTube, having already been featured at Austin Film Festival, Flickerfest (Best Australian Animated Short Film) and nominated for a Best Short Film AACTA Award 2019.

It’s eclectic mix of characters include a Ray Harryhausen inspired stop motion skeleton as its lead, a character depicted in traditional 2D animation, an animatronic Velociraptor, an homage to the Creature from the Black Lagoon and a kitsch mid 90’s liquid metal CGI man.

Written and Directed by Michael Shanks
Produced by Chris Hocking, Nicholas Colla, LateNite Films

Categories
Adventure Thriller

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to save Sir Baskerville from a curse that has plagued his family for centuries!

Although this version of the story differs from the original novel, there is much to recommend it for. The film is well paced and atmospheric but it’s greatest strength is the excellent cast, particularly the three leads. It’s nice to see Christopher Lee playing the romantic role as a change to his usual monsters and Peter Cushing is brilliant as Holmes, his performance being the definitive as he makes the character believable and interesting. This film also features the best ever casting of Dr Watson. Andre Morell moves away from the bumbling fool of other Holmes films and makes Watson intelligent, capable and even dashing. Morell’s charismatic performance is all the more welcome as ‘Hounds’ is the story which puts Watson centre stage for most of the plot. It’s a shame he never played the part again as he and Cushing make the perfect Holmes and Watson. If only Hammer had made a series of Holmes films.

Directed by: Terence Fisher
Written by: Arthur Conan Doyle (based on the novel by)
Starring: Peter Cushing, André Morell, Christopher Lee

Categories
Adventure Horror

Python (2000)

A Kill The Celebrities Movie!

Python is a film that is very reminiscent of those classic B horror films of the 1950’s. It’s a film that you know from the start won’t win any awards for acting, directing or writing, but you find yourself unable to turn it off. You can’t blame anyone but yourself for watching this film for the simple fact, you knew what to expect before you even began watching it. The star of the film is a HUGE python, genetically engineered to be almost indestructible, the characters are never fully developed, but overall, the film is fun to watch and if you can call this film a guilty pleasure.

Directed by: Richard Clabaugh
Starring: Frayne Rosanoff, Robert Englund, Casper Van Dien

Categories
Adventure Drama

The Silver Brumby (1993): Gallop into Greatness

G’day, mates! Saddle up and hold on tight because “The Silver Brumby” (1993) is a hoof-stomping good time! Directed by John Tatoulis, this Aussie gem is more exhilarating than a kangaroo on a trampoline and more heartwarming than a koala’s cuddle.

Russell Crowe, the man who can make even a hat look cool, takes on the role of the legendary Silver Brumby, a horse with more charisma than a Wallaby at a stand-up comedy night. Crowe’s performance is so dynamic, you’ll wonder if he spent his formative years in a stable.

Tatoulis paints a vivid canvas of the Australian wilderness, capturing the Outback in all its untamed glory. The sweeping landscapes are more breathtaking than a sunset over the Sydney Opera House, and the cinematography is as sharp as a crocodile’s tooth.

But let’s not forget the real stars of the show – the horses! These magnificent creatures steal the scene every time they gallop onto the screen. Their graceful movements and powerful presence will leave you wishing you had a steed of your own.

The supporting cast is no slouch either. They ride alongside Crowe with a camaraderie that’s tighter than a kangaroo’s pouch. Their chemistry adds depth to the story, making you root for the Brumby clan with every thundering hoofbeat.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Hunter, is this film all galloping and no substance?” Fear not, mates! “The Silver Brumby” weaves a tale of freedom, family, and the untamed spirit of the Outback. It’s a story that’ll warm your heart faster than a dingo in a sleeping bag.

So, grab your Akubra hats and get ready for a ride that’s wilder than a Tasmanian devil on a sugar rush. “The Silver Brumby” is a rip-roaring adventure that’ll have you cheering for the Brumby clan from start to finish. Saddle up, because this film is a winner in my book!

Written and Directed by John Tatoulis
Starring: Caroline Goodall, Russell Crowe, Amiel Daemion

Categories
Adventure Science fiction

The Survivors (2018)

The World has changed after apocalypse!

The World has changed. There are now two types of lands in the United States. One is the civilized gated cities run by dictators, and the other is the lawless lands dominated by Marauders. John is a Teenager faced with an overbearing Father trying to teach him the ways of this lawless land. When he witnesses a brutal act of inhumanity, he must decide how to handle what he has seen. How he faces the test will determine the path he takes for the rest of his life.

A post apocalyptic film. familiar for theme. for music. for performances. the two different societies. a boy and his choices. and the survive as only duty. all is beautiful in this case. the performance of the young Bryce Michael Kelly, the landscapes, the cinematography, the options of John and the strange form to define himself. a film about small things defining humanity. correct , precise, touching. not extraordinary. but beautiful. and full of bitter poetry, reminding, as many films from the same genre, the old tales atmosphere and moral.

The Film stars Amber Rose Mason, Jax Menez Atwell, Travis Barchenger, Tianta Stevens and first time actor Bryce Michael Kelly.
Directed by Randy Kelly Jr.

Categories
Adventure Animation

Nullarbor (2011)

Road rage with an elderly driver!

An animated road-movie set across the vast and barren landscape of Australia’s Nullarbor Plain.

The Oscar choices for Best Animated Short left me and the audience at the theater confused and annoyed when we saw them this morning. Never before had I gone to a showing of the Oscar-nominated shorts (animated or live action) and heard people loudly grumbling about the poor quality of the selections until today. And, while I was not in love with Nullarbor, it was better than a few of the nominees.

Directed by Alister Lockhart, Patrick Sarell

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