I Declare War | Geekscape

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Ms. 45 (1981)

by MCDaveDecember 10, 2013

Drafthouse Films is synonymous with creative independent filmmaking. They’ve made their mark by serving up original works of art such as I Declare War and Cheap Thrills, just to name a few. But this time around, they are resurrecting a lesser-known crime thriller in the form of 1981’s Ms. 45. Disturbing and gut-wrenching enough to spoil the holiday season for just about anyone, fans of ultra-violent B-movie cult classics should thank Drafthouse for giving them a reborn-masterpiece.

A mute seamstress named Thana (played by the late Zoe Tamerlis) works in New York City circa 1981 and finds herself emotionally and psychologically violated after experiencing two sexual assaults just moments apart from one another. But rather than playing the victim, she attacks back. Thana takes a handgun and goes on a vengeful rampage through the streets of New York, killing any despicable male she encounters.

Director Abel Ferrara’s stylish no-holds-barred revenge tale delivers countless iconic moments, such as Thana’s night-time gang execution and her unforgettable nun-dress finale at a work Halloween Party. And although leading actress Zoe Tamerlis has sadly passed, her talents live on with this riveting and breakthrough performance. Speaking less words than this year’s assumed Best Actor Nominee Robert Redford in the survival film, All Is Lost, Tamerlis embarks on an eye-opening transformation into pure insanity. Her onscreen presence is beyond brilliant while we watch idly as the sweet and innocent Thana morphs into a crazed and psychopathic murdering machine. Her performance is remarkable, one that will haunt my memory for a very long time. Yet, Zoe Tamerlis isn’t the only person worth complimenting, Ferrara captures the audience with a sleek technique of his own. The filming angles generate immense intensity from scene to scene, solidifying Ms. 45 as a wonderful exploitation film of the 1980s.

For all of its amazing accomplishments, there’s one area that deserves criticism in Abel Ferrara’s Ms. 45. With Drafthouse’s newly remastered in HD version, the color is more than a bit off. The “reds” on screen are almost unbearable to look at. The visual quality is clearly disrupting, but certainly not enough to ruin the main character’s gritty metamorphosis into a deranged killer. Although I haven’t seen the original Ms. 45 and its initial picture-quality, this new version leaves plenty to be desired in the enhancing department.

For what it is, Ms. 45 deserves to be held in the highest regard. Many films attempt to model themselves in its image and fall victim to an over-saturation of gore and torture. While Ms. 45 certainly contains plenty of violent material, it doesn’t become obsessed with this aspect of the film. Rather it fully commits to the story and stays true to its feminist retribution game-plan. If you can appreciate a twisted and gritty revenge film of its kind, then Ms. 45 should be at the top of your Christmas wish-list.

*** Be sure to check it out in select theatres this December and January or on Blu-Ray at Drafthouse Films’ website.

GRADE: 4.5/5

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In Case You Missed It – November 2013

by MCDaveNovember 9, 2013

Let me be the first to tell you that the DVD and Video-On-Demand selections for November include a feeble cluster of mediocre options. Therefore, it might be a good idea to check out something from October’s releases instead. Otherwise, here’s my suggestions from all the new titles for the month.

#1. Breaking Bad (The series)

Honestly, there’s nothing to be more thankful for this November than the DVD release of Breaking Bad: The Final Season. I suggest you go out of your way and either start, or resume and then finish, the greatest drama television series of all time. Yes, I’m aware. It’s a bold claim to label something as “the greatest” of its kind, but I believe it whole-heartedly. Vince Gilligan crafted an amazing transformation story, unmatched by anything we’ve ever seen before. Breaking Bad is a pioneer, setting the bar well beyond imaginable heights and doing so on a cable television network. Nope, Breaking Bad never got the HBO or premium channel treatment. It opened the door for a world of possibilities, showing that immaculate writing and creativity far exceeds budget and marketing. So if you want to know my number one recommendation for the month of November, it’s to get your hands on the entire series of Breaking Bad and begin to be transformed. (November 26th)

#2. Clear History

What an easy segue. From the greatest drama show to the man behind the greatest sitcom/comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David’s latest HBO project finds its way to DVD this month. David stars as Nathan, a man who jumped ship on a rising car manufacturer and cost himself billions of dollars. Living under the dark cloud of his decision, he moves to Martha’s Vineyard where he begins a whole new life under the name Rolly. Yet, while thriving with his new identity, Rolly’s former business partner moves to the island and threatens his new existence.Clear History has plenty of laughs and includes a remarkable cast made up of Jon Hamm, Kate Hudson, Danny McBride, Michael Keaton, Liev Schreiber and the list goes on. (November 5th)

#3. I Declare War

One of the most compelling blends of reality and make-believe ever caught on film can be found in the independent film I Declare War. General PK has never lost a game of capture the flag. But on this day, his arch-nemesis Skinner has big plans of his own. Without an adult actor appearing throughout the entire film, I Declare War delivers the ultimate childhood nostalgia. While the feature is clearly imperfect and it comes with its ups-and-downs, the imaginative approach taken by directors Jason Lapeyre and Robert Wilson serves as a formidable foundation for a war movie unlike any other. (November 12th)

Honorable Mention: There are quite a few selections that I haven’t seen, but look forward to catching this month. First up are the indie films Frances Ha and Prince Avalanche (both on 11/12). While I have my complaints about earlier features released by both of their directors, I still have enough of an interest to check them out. One major release that I failed to see during its theatrical run was the comedy We’re the Millers (11/19). Although I’ve heard mixed reviews, it could also be a film worth watching. As far as documentaries go, one of the most buzzed of its kind is the feature Blackfish (11/12). Finally, although I wasn’t a fan of Zack Snyder’s action overdose, Man of Steel (11/12), I’d do a big disservice by failing to mention that it comes to DVD this month.

Geekscape Movie Reviews: ‘I Declare War’

by MCDaveAugust 27, 2013

After watching a movie such as Jason Lapeyre and Robert Wilson’s I Declare War, it’s becomes extremely easy to remember all the reasons why I love independent movies. Having journeyed around the festival circuit for well over a year now, I Declare War is anything but your “average” film. Remarkably original and blissfully imaginative, you won’t believe your eyes. And you shouldn’t.

The rules have been laid out and the game is simple. Twelve child acquaintances embark on an adventurous and tactical game of capture the flag. PK (played by Gage Munroe) is the undefeated leader who finds his army pitted against Quinn, his untrustworthy soldier Skinner and a band of minions. But with individual agendas and vendettas coming to light throughout the battle, which side will win the war?

I Declare War feels like a very difficult film to get made these days. Yet, I’m thrilled that it did. With no adult actors whatsoever and a child-filled vulgarity-fest, it seems like a difficult sell. But as a polar-opposite of the stereotypical big-budgeted action dreck that haunts me every summer, I Declare War is a fresh idea that proudly stands out from the rest. It’s a movie that’s brilliantly executed and superbly edited. There’s an unbelievable amount of balance to the film. Tense yet witty. Genuine yet surreal. I Declare War delivers an ever-evolving tone that never feels out of place. It’s a difficult and rare feat that filmmakers Jason Lapeyre and Robert Wilson perform with such ease.

While I thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed the film, I Declare War clearly isn’t perfect. Its second act struggles to move the story forward and causes a sustainable lull. For boasting a running time barely north of 90 minutes, this little indie film really manages to drag on. However, some cleverly-crafted characters and a fantastically unique blend of reality verse imagination make for a constantly engaging movie experience. Outside of a few minor pacing issues and a couple weaker over-acted subplots, I Declare War represents another shining example of innovative independent filmmaking.

As an admitted harsh critic of action films, I Declare War is certainly one of the good ones. The special effects are limited and nothing is over-the-top. An original never-been-done story filled with wacky characters and an inescapable immature charm, I Declare War reminds us all just how thankful we should be for independent film.

GRADE: 4/5

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