GetEven

GetEven
a.k.a. Road to Revenge 

Dir. John De Hart, James Paradise
1993
U.S.

John De Hart writes, directs and stars as Rick Bode, a cop fired from the force along with his partner and best friend Huck Finney (Wings Hauser) after being set up during a disciplinary hearing by his former Lieutenant, Normad (William Smith). 

A year later Rick and Huck have moved on with their lives, but find themselves again face to face with Normad when Rick becomes reunited with an old flame Cindy (Former Playboy Playmate Pamela Jean Bryant) who is hounded by Normad’s gang of drug dealing, baby murdering, satanic cultists. 

While on a romantic motorcycle ride Rick and Cindy are violently attacked leaving Cindy mortally wounded and a heartbroken Rick heads off to exact revenge. Unfortunately Ricks only ally Huck has slowly been losing his mind as a result of the physiological abuse of his ex-wife, so Rick must attempt to single-handedly thwart the machinations of the evil Normad.

Road to Revenge is the pinnacle of John De Hart’s small film career, with only an acting credit for The Champagne Gang (2006) and uncredited writing for Outer Touch (1979) to compete. As others have discovered John De Hart is a L.A. Trial Lawyer by profession, Unlike some I have not had the pleasure of conversing with John De Hart myself regarding either profession but judging by his portrayal of the criminal justice system in GetEven I’m sure he’s a very fastidious attorney. 

It's fortunate that John De Hart has his law profession to fall back on because as an auteur some would say he fails miserably and that GetEven has no merit, artistically or otherwise. I however am not one of them. 

 

GetEven is rather enjoyable if one can look past it’s insipid writing, deplorable acting and production values more suited to a church play. That's not to say that money hasn’t been thrown at it but it does seem to have all gone on De Hart’s leather ensemble. And whether it was money or some possibly incriminating evidence that got Hauser and Bryant involved in this project, one can only speculate but Hauser appears to be drunk and acting in a completely different film and there is no way Bryant is enjoying the awkward mustache-heavy sex scenes. 

As a friend of mine said " I can’t decide if GetEven was made to promote De Hart’s talent for Shakespearean dialogue or a rather contrived dating video."

Don't get me wrong with this, GetEven is an enjoyable watch.There’s action, suspense, romance and even a twist you’ll never believe.What more could you want in a movie? This is trash at it’s best!

If you can get De Hart to process your PayPal payment correctly you can buy a copy directly from him, if he still has it in stock that is, http://geteventhemovie.com

Spot a crew member assisting De Hart with his props as Rick prepares to make nasty with Cindy on their wedding night.

For Y'ur Height Only

For Y’ur Height Only 

Dir. Eddie Nicart 

1981 

Philippines 

I suspect that many would avoid this film at first glance let alone take the time to critique its cinematic merit, but I’m giving it a go.  Amongst the many parodies of Ian Fleming’s James Bond franchise this film has it’s noticeable differences, the star of this ‘80s Filipino spy flick is dwarf actor Weng Weng as ‘00’. Unlike most spy films, Bond or otherwise Weng Weng dosen’t portray a villain or a seconded fiddle sidekick, he’s the man of the hour. At little over three feet Weng Weng has large shoes to fill, but Weng Weng doesn’t just follow in 007’s footsteps, he beats his own path. 

 Born in the Philippines, where physical differences are commonly looked on with disdain and publicly mocked. Weng Weng birth was considered a miracle living past a few days. This led Weng Weng to be looked at with awe in his community. Weng Weng was a mischievous child but became an obsessive martial artist, though a series of fortunate events Weng Weng eventually became a regular guest in the house of the controversial president Ferdinand Marcos, who made Weng Weng an honorary badge carrying secret agent. In 1981 First Lady Imelda Marcos organized the Manila International Film Festival, it’s purpose was to showcase the culture of the Philippines, amusingly the only film that sold was; For Y’ur Height Only. 

Unfortunately not currently available in its original Tayalog dialogue, the English dub leaves Weng Weng with a rather high distracting voice, elsewhere, certain familiar traits of  Bond appear to have been lost in translation, It’s difficult to believe Agent 00 as a womanizer, as when 00 is asked by one of his several female acquaintances “Are you a sexual animal”, 00 replies “I dunno”. 

 Fortunately the film isn’t all incompetent voice acting and womanizing, in keeping with the spirit of the original bond films there’s plenty of high-energy action. As a competent swordsman, a weapons expert and of course a martial arts master, 00 shoots, stabs, jumps, kicks and punches the backside of any thug or henchman that gets in his way; aided naturally by his impressive array of gadgets, among his vast arsenal is the classic tracking device, shoe knives, poison detection ring, x-ray glasses and his remote controlled flying saw hat, quick-assembly scaled down machine gun and last but not lest no spy would be complete without a custom miniature jet pack! 

 Every inch of 00 is put to the test to catch the notorious drug lord and white slave Mr. Giant. After 00 thwarts a major drug transaction, Mr. Giant kidnaps the eminent Dr Von Kholer in an attempt to procure the Dr’s dreaded N Bomb in his plan of world domination. Then, to make matters worse, Mr. Giant kidnaps Irma, 00’s fellow agent and lady of the hour. 00’s mission ends in a duel with Mr. Giant that is not to be missed. 

 For Y’ur Height Only may not be the Bond or Bourne we have become used to but this true cult spy classic deserves respect for its naive charm and its unique hero Weng Weng, the Philippines’ biggest little star.