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Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021) in US theatres Dec 3

PostPosted: 07 Dec 2021, 18:21
by Jox
Scott Adkins' New Movie Has An Easter Egg To His Most Famous Character
https://screenrant.com/scott-adkins-new ... character/

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021) in US theatres Dec 3

PostPosted: 08 Dec 2021, 07:45
by savagesketch
I’ll keep my opinions to myself for the time being, as they’ll be included on an upcoming episode!

In the meantime, check out my interview with Kim DeLonghi, the lead villain and executive producer on the film!

https://imustbreakthispodcast.wordpress ... tle-falls/

As always, please feel free to rate and review the show on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever else you go to subscribe!

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021) in US theatres Dec 3

PostPosted: 09 Dec 2021, 16:59
by Jox
Another of what seems like a pretty good review:
https://spectrumculture.com/2021/12/08/ ... ls-review/
Barring the ‘90s era of PM Entertainment and Spiro Razatos, one could say that DTV genre cinema has never been better or more sophisticated and boundary-pushing. So a film like Castle Falls certainly has an uphill climb in order to impress. Ostensibly a riff on Walter Hill’s Trespass, Dolph Lundgren’s latest directorial effort overcomes budget limits and COVID measures to deliver a textbook showcase of fine entertainment.


What's a shame is that it doesn't seem like we're gonna get any extras on this one, would have been nice to have at least an audio commentary by Dolph like he did on SKIN TRADE...

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021) in US theatres Dec 3

PostPosted: 11 Dec 2021, 16:22
by bomaz
Do we know what was the Lundgren/Adkins movie thatgot cancelled and led to this ?

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021) in US theatres Dec 3

PostPosted: 11 Dec 2021, 16:26
by Jox
I assume it's MALEVOLENCE but I'm not 100% sure.

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021) in US theatres Dec 3

PostPosted: 13 Dec 2021, 16:41
by Jox
Castle Falls review – Dolph Lundgren puts on his specs and flexes his pecs
3 stars out of 5
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/d ... ott-adkins

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 14 Dec 2021, 12:55
by Jox
Castle Falls (2021) 3 stars out of 5
http://kungfumovieguide.com/castle-falls-2021/

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 14 Dec 2021, 18:19
by Tom
It's great seeing this get a solid review in The Guardian of all places. Normally a bit more high brow, and not too generous for generic action fare.

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 15 Dec 2021, 13:44
by Jox
I was thinking the same thing, and also that there are interviews in more "industry-like" trades like Below The Line, Final Draft, Forbes, Script Mag, No Film School, and Filmmaker Mag...



More interviews with Scott Adkins:




Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 16 Dec 2021, 20:25
by Jox
So, slow first act and unintentionally hilarious ending aside, Castle Falls is a solid action/crime thriller with a bit of heart, two strong leads and good intentions. It might not be the action film you go to throw on in a post-pub frenzy of adrenaline and alcohol-induced bravado but it is one you could show to the non-action movie fan in your life as it has an engrossing and occasionally emotional story to go along with the testosterone, making Castle Falls a pleasantly enjoyable – or even an enjoyably pleasant – surprise, despite its budgetary shortcomings.

https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2021/12/ ... alls-2021/

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 17 Dec 2021, 21:28
by Jox

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 20 Dec 2021, 17:23
by Jox
Available today in the UK, on demand / streaming (BRD / DVD release on January 10)


Certified '15' for "strong language, violence"
https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/castle-f ... c01mzm5mzu
language
There is strong language ('motherf**ker', 'f**k'), accompanied by other milder terms ('shit', 'bullshit', 'piss', 'dick', 'crap', 'Jesus', 'Christ', 'God', 'hell' and 'damn'). There are middle finger gestures.

violence
There are scenes of strong violence, including bloody shootings and stabbings. Other violence consists of bare-knuckle action. Scenes include focus on blood in the aftermath of violent events, including the body of a woman who falls from the upper floor of a tower block.

An image of a topless woman is briefly seen as part of a poster on the wall of a prison cell. There are also moderate drug references.



Review 3 stars
https://thepeoplesmovies.com/2021/12/fi ... alls-2021/
Staggeringly suspenseful old-school action thriller
It’s all happening, hectic, fun entertainment. Adkins is a likable everyday bloke with a solid fighting gift, impressive actor too as seen in Hard Target 2 (2016) Triple Threat (2019) amongst others. The pride of Stockholm, Dolph directs and acts with usual poise, a legend. His stunning daughter Ida, plays Richard’s daughter here, she also appeared in the brilliant Command Performance, also directed by dad.



EDIT:


CASTLE FALLS: DOLPH LUNDGREN CASTS HIMSELF AGAINST SCOTT ADKINS
https://ultimateactionmovies.com/castle ... -lundgren/


behind the scenes shot
Image


EDIT 2:
I had the pleasure of talking with Scott Adkins about the film, as well as other Dolph-related subject matters, here is our CASTLE FALLS discussion first:


Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 20 Dec 2021, 20:44
by bomaz
Really cool, can't wait to listen to that :D

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 21 Dec 2021, 00:27
by Tom
Always interesting listening to Scott. He's not as easy going as he sometimes seems, when it comes to his approach to film. And it definitely seems like he doesn't suffer fools gladly when it comes to the people he is working with. He has expectations and obviously, if a crew member doesn't match up to par, he's not happy. It's clear he's ambitious still and not like a few other action guys who might just be blasé about it. I certainly think he has great potential as a director any way.

Re: CASTLE FALLS (Dolph Lundgren, 2021)

PostPosted: 21 Dec 2021, 00:57
by Tom
My thoughts on the film:

So given the idea and the budget/time constraints, Castle Falls is the kind of project that has a ceiling. It can only be so good if you reach that ceiling. It's almost impossible to smash through and exceed that level to a great extent but by the same token, this is the kind of project that in other hands, or with a more cynical delivery, wouldn't even get close to reaching the bar that's been set. Countless DTV films have similar ceilings but are miles off. Castle Falls has a kind of 3(3.5) star high ceiling and it reaches it with great efficiency. Conversely, Hard Night Falling is essentially the same film but it's a classic example of setting a low bar in the high jump and face planting yourself into the ground as you trip up before you've even jumped. Films like HNF are the norm and not the exception.

I think this one shows a development in Dolph as a director. The film has a real indie feel for the first third particularly, with a very deliberate character building approach, which actually was my favourite aspect. They're well worn character tropes but it's nice to see a bit of time taken to flesh them out. Scott and Dolph deliver good performances. Ida is also excellent. She could have a bright future if she turned her hand to acting. Once we get into the building and throw the leads and bad guys together, it's standard action fare, but it's well paced and keeps moving (similar in fact to The Defender). It's difficult to say which of his three Die Hard/Siege films were most effective. Defender is very well paced and looks great. Command Performance has the kind of irony value, is a bit more of a throwback, (and also has the Super 35 visuals) but lags in places as they let the confined setting become a little bit of a restriction. In terms of direction though, there's a distinct maturity from Dolph here and a kind of evolution. Signs are great for Wanted Man.

One strength this certainly has is with the fight sequences. Look, Adkins has done better, but he's also had more time in other films, and worked with more lithe M.A stunt guys. There's some nice fights here though. Dolph vs Scott is fun. If the action lacks one thing, it's a kind of 'big' moment, or standout set piece, but this is the reality of a 1.5 (less 10% on Covid fees) mill budget on 17 days.

The film actually looks pretty good too. Very gritty, naturalistic, but it suits the kind of A24-lite of the opening third and makes the best of shooting quickly. I feel like this is a warm up gig for something potentially bigger/better. Dolph cracking his knuckles and prepping for something more creatively ambitious. I think for something to get back into the swing of directing, in a landscape vastly different to his last outing, it's a perfect choice and he nails the landings. It won't amaze anyone but with recent fare like Dead Trigger, HNF, The Tracker etc, it's a real step up and you could actually call it a film.