jhpstrydom

While shooting an action film in Thailand a film crew gets attacked by real soldiers who kidnap their leading lady. The director Frank who has a background in military tactics, gathers members of the crew to set out on a daring rescue mission.

I bought this movie from a distributor in South Africa called Impact Video who released the film under the title, BLASTFIGHTER FROM HELL. Aside from believing the title change might help it sell better, I have no idea why they did that. Of course, I also expected a completely different movie as the summary on the back of the cover didn't match what I saw in the final film.

Nonetheless, this was a fun little action gem that managed to entertain. The concept on paper sounds totally absurd but it actually works. Mainly because it features a bunch of very fun characters. The film stretches plausibility to an extent, although in this case it never really bothered me. In fact, putting your brain on autopilot makes it even better.

The only thing that hindered the entertainment value was a single scene that never really added anything to the overall plot and created a bit of a pacing problem. If removed the film would've been better for it.

For those looking to be entertained this film comes highly recommended. Serious film fans might also find something to like about it so I would encourage everyone to seek it out, as the fun factor is really high regarding characters and action set pieces.

Double Target is an Italian war action film directed by Bruno Mattei. It stars Miles O'Keefe, Bo Svenson, Donald Pleasence, Kristine Erlandson, Luciano Pigozzi and Massimo Vanni. It tells the story of Bob Ross, an ex-military specialist in Vietnam who is trying to gain custody of his son from the Vietnamese government after learning his wife died in a concentration camp. Unknown to him, there are others watching who believe he's a spy for the American government. Ross makes a deal with the state department to gather information on their behalf. If Ross is successful in his mission, he'll be able to claim his son and take him back to the United States.

Shot mainly on location in the Philippines, Double Target isn't a very well-conceived war film but an entertaining one nonetheless. As with many films directed by Bruno Mattei, there are plenty of big explosions and gun play to keep things going. The plot and dialog are rather half heartedly conceived. The performances range from average to somewhat okay. What stands out the most is Bo Svenson's Russian accent often switching between a Russian and American one, making difficult to tell whether or not he is one or the other.

The characters aren't really given much of a backstory, the only thing made clear about them is their purpose in the overall plot. Otherwise you don't really get to know much about them. Although the character of Toro is mildly likable. Overall, it's not well thought out but still entertaining.

Not many people will agree with me but SKIN TRAFFIK (a.k.a A Hit-man IN London) is from one perspective a film with a lot of heart. Given that Ara Paiaya is not only the producer and director but also the editor, Cinematographer and Fight Choreographer. Also what it sets out to be is a film that delivers action at a break neck pace and it delivers in spades.

The cast consist a bunch of familiar faces. Such as leading man Gary Daniels who despite being fifty isn't showing signs of slowing down. as well as Mickey Rourke, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Eric Roberts, Alan Ford, Dominique Swain and Jeff Fahey. All of which giving fine performances and adding their own special flavor.

In terms of plot progression the film picks up quickly and maintains its quick pace throughout. The action comes in large doses and remains thoroughly entertaining. The story line isn't the greatest but with this type of film that's pretty much a genre trademark.