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Action U.S.A. (1989)
The Best Drug Money Can Buy
Stuntman-turned-filmmaker John Stewart created one of the most dangerously high-octane action films of the 80's with "Action U.S.A." A non-stop barrage of daredevil stunts, practical explosions, outlaw gunfights and wild chase sequences. Unfortunately for Stewart, "Action U.S.A." didn't get the appreciation it deserved back when it was released in '89 and slipped under the radar until Vinegar Syndrome rescued it from oblivion. This is a diehard action junkie's wet dream and a real monster truck of a film that has to be seen to be believed.
Opening with "Long After Midnight" by Urban Shocker, a gorgeous blue-coated 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray fires on all cylinders, much like the film is about to. In the first twenty minutes, the audience is treated to a full-on assault to the senses with an insane showcase of vehicular stunt work. The opening chase scene moves from cars to a helicopter and back to cars before inevitably ending in a balls-to-the-wall blaze of glory. "Action U.S.A" may hit its peak in the first twenty minutes but everything that comes after is definitely close enough to matching its level.
With a hackneyed script from David Reskin that's every bit as cliché and forgettable as they come, "Action U.S.A." simply isn't the type of film to watch for the plot. However, considering how much it's lacking in that department, the film bombastically skates by on its pure machismo and action dynamics. The holy trinity of Gregory Scott Cummins, William Hubbard Knight and Barri Murphy are a charming trio to ride this rollercoaster of a film alongside. Ross Hagen, who plays our villainous assassin, steals the show from them as the stoic badass, Drago.
"Action U.S.A." is a violent extravaganza of adrenaline-fueled mayhem, buddy-cop tropes and beefcake heroics. This is a true hidden gem in every sense of the word. It's honestly upsetting that John Stewart didn't have much of a directorial career following this film for his death-defying direction and impeccable focus on stunt work is incredible throughout. The wise will inject "Action U.S.A." directly into their veins with this Texan blend of fun for eternal stimulation. It's recklessness is addictive, endlessly rewatchable and worth the trip every time.
Junky (2019)
"Junky" is your best fix yet.
Stephen Steinbacher's "Junky" is a wonderfully delirious short film revolving around two stoners who are crafting a bomb, when two detectives following up a report involving the two junkies and their suspicious activity show up. Shot, edited, co-written and directed by Steinbacher, "Junky" is a stoner comedy that is anything but half-baked. This short film is downright uproarious throughout, scored to perfection and coated in a Jason Eisener-esque acid technicolor.
Made in 48 hours with a $200 budget, this impressive little gem has a homegrown feel that makes this goofy comedy really work. Filmed in Colorado, the mountainous setting of "Junky" really adds a unique element to the short film. The architecture of the main location is also really interesting, which is further accentuated by some insane lighting and over-saturated color grading techniques. "Junky" also has an excellent retro score throughout composed by James Steinbacher.
Zachary Barrett and Emma Anne DePriest form a strong alliance as the leads with a great deal of chemistry between their characters. The quirky interactions between the two leads and the supporting detectives (played by Mark Taylor and Natalie Farris Taylor) is what truly makes this short film stand out. The acting on display has an authentic charm to it where it feels as if one is simply peeking into the lives of said characters and observing just another average day.
Overall, "Junky" is an infectious short film with only a few minor technical errors here and there (mostly due to the time limit of the 48 hour challenge). Strongly cast, cleverly written and energetically shot with a ton of splashy, vibrant style to spare, this is one hell of a trippy ass gonzo comedy. Stephen Steinbacher clearly has a passion for filmmaking and has proved himself to be one to watch in whatever he decides to do next. This was truly a joy to behold.
Final Task (2020)
Rohit Shivdas' Latest is a Solid Return to Form
Rohit Shivdas' "Final Task" is about two friends who work as contract killers. Actively competing against other hitmen in a competition named the 'Game of 56', their involvement leads them down a path of betrayal as their final task in this twisted game is to kill one another. Rohit Shivdas (Letterboxd's own Milez Das) is back with his first short film in four years. Almost reaching the heights of 2016's amazing short film "Thoughtless", "Final Task" proves that Milez still has the goods as he delivers one hell of an action thriller that tests how far one is willing to go in the name of honor, commitment and rivalry. Written, produced and directed by Milez; he's a very capable director and guides this solid short film along with finesse. Prathamesh Kulkarni and Atharva Lahurikar lead the film and really sell their camaraderie in an authentic manner. A truly captivating scene set at a restaurant early on establishes the high stakes and gives us enough meat to care about these characters and their fate. While the short admittedly fizzles out a bit by the end, the high point is the existential focus on these characters and their decisions. In a masterful sequence near the end, the characters realize that whatever choice they make, they both won't be succeeding in the way they wanted. With this realization, their options narrow down to death knocking on their doors no matter what. Violence begets violence and the pointlessness of it all is a taxing viewpoint on these characters and their lives. Definitely the biggest highlight of the film. Milez's cinematography looks pretty good throughout for most of the run-time. However, there's a few stale shots here and there that reel it back a bit. The biggest point that needs more attention is the audio and sound for dialogue and music. It's the weakest part of this one and this short film would really benefit largely with more work on that aspect. And if the ending was tighter, "Final Task" would be Milez's best work yet. Very strong follow-up and hopefully, Milez sticks at this because he is a filmmaker with strong potential; armed with a unique eye, a clear skill for storytelling and a deep-rooted care for the characters, Milez will soon be a force to be reckoned with. Milez needs to make more cinematic ventures soon, this is a skill that is always on full display and has to be nurtured to become something truly special. If you have a few minutes, I implore you to check out Milez's latest short. Indie art should always be supported and this is definitely one that deserves love.
This Is the End (2013)
This Is The End
Last night, I was able to go watch This Is The End in theatres and I can say that it's the most fun I had at the movies in a long time.
This film had a perfect cast and I don't think it could have gone over any better. The cameos were hilarious and the story itself is just beautiful. I haven't laughed this hard at a movie in a long, long time. I literally had a huge smile on my face the entire time.
It's surprising how much sincerity and truth there is to the film. It's the ultimate "bromance" movie. Although I wish there was more cameos and it ran a bit longer, this is hands down the best comedy of 2013.
Go check it out with your friends. You won't be disappointed.