The Violent

This short film came across my desk recently and my initial thought was, terrific, more mindless brutality. I am pleased to report though that this is exactly what the viewer gets. Muay Thai champion John Wayne Parr hands out some heavy treatment which is superbly shot and edited. Amongst the violence, the whole piece has a controlled smoothness which is highlighted by a atmospheric score and bone crunching sound effects. Not being completely verse in the genre's requirements, I can confirm that the office staff were mesmerized by Parr and his ability. I was too. An amazing athlete who if handled correctly, can make his mark in the world of action cinema.

It is not surprising that anyone who has been five times World Muay Thai Champion carries a huge fan club. John Wayne Parr has achieved that incredible notoriety and in 'The Violent' he introduces himself to a new circle of fans. The camera loves him and the fight scenes are superlative. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a preview of 'The Violent' and was so excited to be watching the beginning of a major acting career. Make no mistake about it, the fight choreography is mesmerizing and the editing with sound effects totally captivating. Director James Richards lets us see the awesome power of this fine athlete and leaves us desperately wanting to see more. Nick Pendragon plays Tommy Youngblood and shocked this reviewer with his intensity of performance. I can't wait to see the full production.

I saw 'The Violent' at a special screening and although I went in with no great expectations, I was most impressed with the quality of production. Firstly, the cinematography is superb and the editing sharp. It looks just great, all shot at night with a true gritty feel. The two fight scenes are fast and furious, expertly done but what would one expect with John Wayne Parr in the lead. Five times world Muay Thai champion is some fairly decent credentials. Parr is also a surprise when to comes to delivering lines, natural and relaxed. The other support cast members handle themselves well especially Nick Pendragon. At the screening, we were told that this short film was a precursor to a feature film being planned and let's hope this group of talented film makers get a chance to strut their stuff. All in all, this is a stylish offering and very entertaining.

Finally the Legend of John Wayne Parr, a man who has dominated World Muay Thai rings, makes his move onto the big screen. Teaming up with Award winning Writer/Director James Richards, Parr brings his dynamic and charismatic presence to the world of knock em down fight films. No one can doubt his fight credentials or his uncanny ability to inspire and entertain but to make this translate to the big screen without detracting from his full contact style takes some doing. In choosing Richards for his Director, Parr shows talent in his choices and as the great Stella Adler stated, "Talent is in your choices". Parr will make an immediate and devastating impact on the fight film genre, he already has a massive World fan base to ensure success and if he keeps doing films of the Quality of 'The Voilent' he is sure to dominate the people hurting business for years to come!

A friend of mine who worked on this short film showed it to me and I was blown away. I didn't know much about John Wayne Parr but I do now. This guy is a real 5 times world Muay Thai champion and a legend in the sport. What really surprised me was his screen presence and how comfortable he was in front of a camera. He came across so natural and likable and then he would go nuclear and kick some serious butt. The fights were nasty without too much blood and gore but enough to look realistic. This is just straight out street fighting where you get the sense that it could really happen like this. The whole film has an extreme level of coolness as well. I liked the music and the style. If there was one criticism, is that the sound effects were a bit to loud. Also, it wasn't long enough. I wanted to see more. Well done to all involved.