Ashes to Ashes

Now I have seen a lot of independent films in the past, but Ashes To Ashes seriously poos on every single one of them. This is an entertaining kung fu film that mixes action, comedy, sex, and brutal, brutal violence.

The characters in this film are amazing in every way. But the main bad guy in this film, Nelson, is the greatest. He doesn't speak very good English, but that's what's amazing about him. The argument between him and his partner in crime, Muhammed, about who could win out of a fight between Bruce Lee and Muhammed Ali was just insane. If those two did have a fight (which is impossible I know, but just imagine it anyways), let us pray that it doesn't look like Ali vs Antonio Inoki.

Another amazing bit in this film is where Muhammed is talking to his children on the phone whilst a major interrogation goes down. You have to see it to believe it! The last scenes in the movie are adrenaline pumping stuff. Some great action scenes that have you getting behind our hero, Gabriel.

So all in all, you really should buy the DVD or get a copy from someone who taped this film on Sky channel ACTV. I've lent this to my cousin and he thinks it's great.

GET THE DVD NOW!

I don't know what is going on with the reviews for this film; some calling it "the worst movie ever" and then another review saying, "best movie ever." The truth has got to be somewhere in the middle. This is where my review comes in.

My honest review is this:

First off, yes, this is a low budget film and some of the and some of the production leaves a lot to be desired. But having a small budget doesn't mean it is a bad film. Have you ever seen Clerks? Cheaply made but still a great film. A huge budget does not equal a great film. Just look at Waterworld or Godzilla. More isn't always better, sometimes it's just more. I think the filmmakers did the best they could given the resources they had.

As far as the cast goes, I think they did a good job. There was quite a few clichés thrown in but you have to remember this is, at its heart, a kung fu movie. Over the top and one dimensional characters are part of the storytelling. I'm sure the producers would have loved to have Ben Affleck or Jennifer Garner in this film but I'm pretty sure they could afford those actors.

The fighting scenes are actually pretty good. You can tell they have some good martial artists in there. Certainly not all of them. There are some interesting camera angles that do their best to present certain performers in the best light. I did cringe at times and laughed a few times but over all I enjoyed the action.

I honestly did not expect Pulp Fiction or Fearless when I sat down to watch this film. I figured it would be a low budget action movie that I could enjoy. And I was right. I like small budget films. I like to see what someone can create using the resources available. Creating something from nothing is the essence of art. And if someone, like Wayne Gerard Trotman, has to be the writer, director and star in in to see his vision fulfilled then so be it. Spike Lee does it all the time.

It seems to me that some of the negative reviews are attacking Trotman personally. To take the risk, both financial and personal, to make any kind of creative endeavor is no small thing. It takes incredible faith and guts to do that. I see this film for what it is; an enjoyable low- budget action movie that doesn't quite live up to its potential but is awesome in its own way.

If you want to get bored and disappointed with the movie industry then see this movie.

Ashes to Ashes is trying to be a kung-fu/mafia/action/sex movie which doesn't really work within any of these genres. The dialogue is truly awful, embarrassing and is obviously trying to emulate Tarantino's style - but I think Quentin can rest easy in Hollywood! The acting is at best desperate and at worst laughable. However there is some acting talent within the cast unfortunately it is very well hidden beneath lousy direction and a clichéd script.

I hate to be so negative about a movie especially when I am so into independent films and have the ultimate respect for all film makers out there however this is a first class example of what complete and utter garbage can be created by someone with (I presume) too much time on his hands but not enough money or talent. I'm saying this because apparently this movie was written, directed, produced and starred by the same person.

Well If you would like to waste your time, money and sanity... then try to buy it and... well try (if you can) to watch it.

I just hope Wayne Trotman has got this movie making business out of his system and I pray that there is not a sequel in production.

How has this film got anything above one star, the acting is poor the story line is as best weak and the ending is shocking.

When fighting with weapons you can see it bend as its made out of plastic.

it is a self indulgent film with no entertainment value whatsoever, the actors who are in this would not show this to anyone if they want to build up a credible CV to get other parts.

And don't get me wrong a love a movie that is rubbish but knows it but this is another level of bad.

Good luck if you decide to watch this and remember I did warn you.