The impact of some films is ruined if a reviewer blathers on about it. This is one of those. Watch this one minute of cinematic brilliance. You won't regret it!
Hush (2018) Starring: Kavya Trehan and Joy Chatterjee
I am finding so many neat mini-mystery/crime dramas on YouTube that I have decided to breathe a little life back into Watching the Detectives... and this ole blog as a way to perhaps call attention to these great gems among the vast collection of videos. I hope you enjoy these offerings as much as I did!
Look for another short film here on the second Monday of every month. I might step up the frequency if interest warrants it. Hell, I may even get around to posting a new review or two.
But, today, I'm starting this new phase of Watching the Detectives with something short and excellent.
Cirriculum Vitae (2017) Starring: David Alizadeh and Sam Chaginy Director: Yousef Bilal
Rating: Nine of Ten Stars
Also, please join me at my YouTube channel. It's pretty random what I do over there (which is, of course, a recipe for NOT succeeding on YouTube), but I would love to fail in front of an audience!
Meanwhile, here's a song that's thematically appropriate for today's short film... and just a great tune in general!
It's not often that a fan-produced film starring professional actors comes along. It's even more rare that it captures the essence of what made the comic book upon which it was based so cool.
This sort-of sequel to the 2003 "The Punisher" is a must-see if you liked the original black-and-white comic stories... and the stand-alone stories that were scattered throughout the 1990s issues of "The Punisher" and "The Punisher War Journal"... the stories were he was far, far removed from the Marvel Universe of heroes.
And, once again, I have to say... Thomas Jane IS Frank Castle. Check out this excellent short film... and see if you can answer the question, "What is the difference between justice and punishment?"
Dirty Laundry (2012)
Starring: Thmas Jane
Director: Thomas Jane
Rating: Ten of Ten Stars
Here's what Jane had to say about this film: "I wanted to make a fan film for a character I've always loved and believed in - a love letter to Frank Castle & his fans. It was an incredible experience with everyone on the project throwing in their time just for the fun of it. It's been a blast to be a part of from start to finish -- we hope the friends of Frank enjoy watching it as much as we did making it."
I'd Lie for You (And That's the Truth) (1995)
Starring: Meat Loaf, Dana Patrick, Brett Cullen, and Xander Berkley
Director: Howard Greenhalgh
Rating: Eight of Ten Stars
The music videos I've always enjoyed the most are those that tell a story, and I've only seen a few that have been more enjoyable that this Meatloaf, action-film inspired video for "I'd Lie for You."
When it was first released, it was reportedly criticized as being too complex and over the top. I don't see either complaint as applying to what we have here.
Lemon Drop (2010) Starring: Ali Larter, Martin Kove, and Erica McIntyre Director: Traktor Rating: Six of Ten Stars
Lemon Drop (Larter) is a sexy defender of cute animals, and when a pair of kittens are abducted from the pet store that serves as the front for her operation, she swings into immediate action. Clues lead her to a night club, but why would singing sensation Johnny Thunderbird (Kove) want to abduct kittens?
Absolut Vodka has a cute ad campaign going for their lemon flavored vodka, the center piece of which is an online short film that tries to look like one of those discarded drive-in B-movies that show up in less-than-perfect condition in the DVD multi-packs with titles like "Tough Dames" and "Drive-In Movie Classics."
Although it's not a "full-length movie" as banner ads at Rottentomatoes.com and elsewhere claim, it is still a cute little spoof. Although I'm usually a Three Olives kinda guy--with chocolate and cherry flavored vodkas being my favorites--I might reward them by giving their product a test next time I'm restocking the liquor cabinet. The jokes are funnier and the performances are better in this little ad are better than in some real movies I've been subjected to in recent years.
You can check out "Lemon Drop" without needing to go anywhere but here. Just click "play" on the imbedded video, below. (For what it's worth, it's strictly a soft-sell ad.)
Mask of the Ninja (2007) Starring: Bernice Liuson Sim Director: Kevin Anderton Rating: Nine of Ten Stars
A Chinese secret agent (Sim), who has studied the ways of the Ninja, sees her skills put to the test when she is beset by enemies on all sides.
"Mask of the Ninja" is a three-minute short that's a hilarious spoof of martial arts movies. The filming and editing is nicely done, and the acting is also very nice. Of course, this is just a three-minute short, but it's so good that it leaves you wishing for more. Plus, it's guarenteed to make you laugh.
Watch the film yourself by clicking below!
A big "Thank You" to Vic Clay (who appears as one of the two bums at the very beginning of the film) for calling this film to my attention.
