A lot of cool news for the week, I have no idea why this video is so short. Feel free to let me know how you feel about any of the news I cover, like Iko joining Man of Tai Chi.
Trailer for Champions of the Deep
Clandestine: Your Questions Answered
Chinese Zodiac Coming to Comic Con, and a BTS Video!
Background Info
Eric Jacobus helped start the Stunt People back in 2001. Since then, they’ve worked on countless short films and projects. Their first feature film, Contour, debuted back in 2006, and featured solid action and intricate choreography, but was lacking in a deep story. This time, in the spirit of the Action Kickback, the team focused on a more story-driven film that still had solid fights. Would Death Grip be able to satisfy without sacrificing the action?
Story/Characters
As expected, the story to Death Grip is the main motivation for all of the sequences that follow. It is simple enough to create a foundation, yet has enough going for it to keep people interested. The events don’t feel forced in, and all of the action flows nicely. I wish that more characters got the same attention to backstory that the main characters got, but it’s a tiny gripe in an otherwise strong story.
Like the story, the main 2 characters are the most interesting while the supporting cast has a little less to go off of. That being said, the relationship between Kenny and Mark feels very natural. You can sense the history between these two people, and it’s what make you root for them. They are people with real pasts and tragic histories that shaped who they are they are now. Johnny Yong Bosch plays a strong villain who’s not inherently bad, while Alvin Hsing masterfully plays a truly twisted character.
Action/Choreography
This is where the Stunt people truly shine. The fights are fast and intense. I absolutely loved some of the longer takes and little stunts that were sprinkled in. What make the fights truly shine, though, are the situations that are created. Each fight has its own personality and feel, and it’s apparent that a lot of thought went into these. One of my favorite fights is one that takes the term “toilet humor” to a whole new level. If you like fights, you won’t be disappointed.
I should point out that there are certain segments that play out more like a “what if” scenario. There are some moments when it is difficult to determine what is truly happening and what is simply imagined. Even though this can be a small hiccup, it actually gives the Stunt People the opportunity to film the same fights twice, and I’m not complaining about the quality of them. Oh, and those that are slightly squeamish might be uncomfortable for some sequences, but they are done very well.
Own it, Watch it, or Skip it?
Death Grip is a film that took a lot of risks and showed the team’s growth. It has a deeper story and more interesting fights. The team’s humor has also grown, with excellent timing and delivery. It’s safe to say that Death Grip succeeded on everything that it set out to do, and made a lot of people sit up and take notice as well. Death Grip is easily worth a watch, but warrants a buy for anyone who appreciates martial arts films. You can tell it was made by people who love their craft, and it’s one that will compliment anyone’s DVD library.
Own it
This week has been crazy for me, but some cool news for the site as well. Hopefully you guys forgive me while I try to get everything back to normal.
Trailers for Wu Dang and Six Bullets and Expendables 2 Poster
Attend the Premiere of Death Grip!
I’m excited to see Death Grip, and the day is quickly approaching when I’ll be able to see it for myself. However, those that are lucky enough to live in the San Leandro, CA area are in for an even bigger treat. Death Grip will be premiering at the Historic Bal Theatere on June 30th. That’s right, you can purchase tickets right now to see Death Grip on the big screen!
Not only is this a great chance to support the Independent Film culture, but you also have the chance to meet everyone that worked on the project. Maybe you can get a signature or two! Since I live on the wrong coast, I won’t be able to attend myself, and I’m super jealous of those of you that can.
If, for some reason, you don’t know what I’m talking about, here is a great fight sequence from the film to let you know what you’ve been missing:
Those of you that are interested in watching this movie and meeting the cast should click here to buy tickets. Be sure to do it in advance, as I’m sure they are limited. Head out and show your support for Death Grip. If you see Eric, tell him I sent you and he’ll probably punch you in the face….in the nicest possible manner.
I’m just kidding, he wont…probably.
I’ve been excited to see Death Grip ever since the logo was released online. Since then, I’ve seen the movie change names and overcome numerous obstacles. Now, finally, the DVD and Blu-Ray release of the film has been announced!The Stunt People are looking to have the movies ready to sell on June 30th, at the premiere for the film.
In the meantime, check out the sleeves for both the DVD and Blu-Ray!
Just so you guys know, the Blu-Ray will have fewer overall features while the video will be in full HD. The DVD will have more bonus features, but at the expense of the quality of the feature film. In other words, pick your copy carefully.
Eric has teased that more news will be trickling down the pipeline as the end of the month nears, so be sure to check out his site to get the latest news.
If for some reason you still haven’t seen the trailer yet, here it is as well.
I’m planning on doing a review as soon as I get a copy, and I’m pumped for it already!
If you want to grab a copy for yourself, click the link here to purchase Death Grip! (Death Grip isn’t there yet, but there will be a placeholder for it later today)
UPDATE!!!!!
Here is a knife fight from the film. Trust, me it looks amazing!
I mentioned this in today’s Finishing Blow, but I didn’t have time to get to it until now. Hopefully you’ve heard about this film enough to know about it, so I’ll just be quiet and let the movie speak for itself.
While it’ s been a while since we heard about Death Grip, this trailer proves that everything is going very well on track. You can clearly see that a lot of time was put into the action, and it doesn’t look like they wasted a minute of it. All of the fights in the trailer look fast and frantic. I’m excited to see how far the Stunt People go to entertain us, and I’m sure the end result will be awesome!
It was announced today that Rise and Fail would be, most likely, referred to as Death Grip once again. Here was their reasoning for going back to the original title:
While the change to “Rise And Fail” felt more appropriate for the film’s stronger story, we do agree that it can be a bit confusing in telling what kind of a film it actually is. Whereas the title “Death Grip“ very clearly says, “this is an action film.” And in the end, story aside, we do want people to see this first and foremost as an action movie.
Personally, I’d pick Death Grip over the two choices, as I think it has a very “old school” vibe to it while still letting people know what type of movie it is. As stated, Rise and Fail takes a little more explanation, but doesn’t necessarily make it a worse title.
That being said, I’m curious what you guys think about the importance of a movie title. Would you prefer Death Grip or Rise and Fail?
What about movies like Danny the Dog, where the title was changed to Unleashed for US audiences? I always thought Danny the Dog was better, and that the original title should be what distributors stick to. Feel free to sound off on how important you think a movie’s title can be.
Source: Official Site Page
Since this week has slowed down for a bit, I wanted to bring this to the forefront one more time. Rise and Fail is a movie I’ve covered quite a bit, and I think it’s shaping up to be a pretty promising film. However, it’s an indie film and needs a lot more support that a typical movie does.
Rise and Fail had a fundraiser event a few months back, but they were unable to reach their goal. So, they launched another even in hopes to make up what is lacking. Well, this one isn’t doing to well either. If you guys can, be sure to donate to the Rise and Fail film, it won’t be for nothing either. Those that have already donated will have their perks stack up for the most rewards while new donations will have their own prizes.
If you are thinking of picking up the film, remember that 30 bucks will get you the limited edition DVD. It’s pretty much like preordering the copy and helping the film out at the same time. Show some holiday spirit and support the Stunt People with Rise and Fail!
Donate by clicking here
The Stunt People have put out a new trailer for their film Rise and Fail. (more…)
There are only a few more days to help contribute to the awesome film known as Death Grip. (more…)
