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cineman777
Reviews
Severed Will of the Seppuku Warrior (2006)
Rockin' It Seppuku Style
Imagine taking the films "Rear Window", "Kentucky Fried Movie", and "Kung Fu Hustle", putting them in a blender, spinning, and seeing what type of frothy concoction emerges. Then, and only then, can you begin to conceive what "Severed Will of the Seppuku Warrior" is all about. A psychological study/comedy/action flick about a simple man attempting to overcome his inner demons. Had the inordinate pleasure of playing the wheelchair-bound martial arts expert Master Steve in this project. Amazing to me how a movie like this can come together so seamlessly on such short notice (it was written, filmed, and post-produced over the course of a single weekend June 9-11 2006 as part of the 48 Hour Film Project). Hats off to Rob Severson for his focused and sure-handed direction. Kudos as well to Aaron Crozier for his extraordinary writing and editing skills. Andrew Thiermann as apprentice Louis was a consummate professional. Matthew Sinopole proved a worthy adversary, and along with Jason Meyers provided superior voice work. Exemplary production design by Suzanne Stockhausen (particularly enjoyed the humanoid Deathshake costume). Yeomanlike work by Ron Warner manning that getup, especially in light of the fact that he couldn't see a thing once it was donned. Courtney Kennedy's art direction and acting turn as designated character Linda Garren were spot on. The evocative musical score by Justin DiCenzo, who lived in Japan for two years, was a key element. Did I mention that Jonathan Waters makes a killer milkshake? Speaking of milkshakes, nothing quite like the smell of curdled milkshake permeating your scalp in the sweltering St. Louis sun.
But I digress. In closing, these people are GOOD. Fun to hang with to boot. I'd gladly work with them anytime!
Kevin Stroup
Tribes (1970)
mind over matter
I saw this movie when it came out 35 years ago (has it really been that long?). Most memorable scene was the one in which free spirit hippie Jan-Michael Vincent was forced to hold up two full buckets of water (one in each hand) shoulder high as punishment by taskmaster Darrin McGavin. Vincent turned the tables by meditating on a carefree afternoon spent frolicking on a sun-dappled hillside with a comely young miss. His blissed-out state enabled him to maintain the buckets aloft indefinitely. This naturally drove the by-the-book McGavin to distraction. Enjoyed the culture clash theme. Exemplary writing, directing, and especially acting (McGavin superb as the grizzled DI, and Vincent at his charismatic best).
Dial 'M' for Hobo (2004)
Good Stuff!
Had the unadulterated pleasure of playing the designated character W.M. Murray. It was a singular honor and delight to participate! The script, which was written the night before the shoot, was hands down the funniest I've read in the 5 years that I've worked as an actor. Being a political junkie, the fact that I played a White House historian undoubtedly enhanced my interest and enthusiasm for this project. Also extremely impressed with the overall production values on a one-weekend shoot. These people are GOOD (are you listening Hollywood?). Looking forward to seeing what this talented assemblage will be doing in the future---the sky's the limit!
Cheers,
Kevin Stroup