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Cast: Mike Pfaff, Devon Ogden, Adoni Maropis, Eric Roberts, C.Thomas Howell, Lenny Clarke, Cedrick Stewart, Sal Rendino and Sean Carmichael
A hit man on the run and a woman with a secret try to evade teams of assassins headed by the lethal and relentless Mr. Gray.
"Lazarus Rising" tells the story of Michael Fitpatrick. One of several hit man hired by the local mob. He is also some what of a woman's man who can get any woman he wants including his partner, Angelica. But his heart belongs to the beautiful Emma but when her name comes up on the hit list Michael must go on the run to save her from sure death while bringing his drug-addicted brother Sean with them.
When Michael pressure’s Emma has to why she is on the list secrets are revealed including the local Senatorial hopeful James Connelly being involved in the high level corruption. Before long three run out of real estate and must stop and confront the ruthless assassin, Mr. gray.
"Lazarus Rising" grabs your attention right from the start. The opening scene shows Michael beaten and bloody as he tells us how he has gotten to where he is. The story then flashed back four days to tell the whole story. This kind of opening guarantees your attention for the rest of the film and what follows only amplifies that.
I am not going to go into major plots details here so not to ruin the film or it's surprises from those waiting to see the movie. Instead I will tell you about several things I really enjoyed about the film. First is the action scenes which are very well done and quite impressive. The film is not all action though. There is plenty of much needed drama and even a little romance as well along the way. The drama really completes the film because it gives the movie its human side in the form of background stories and character development which is important here so you can have feelings toward the characters in one way or another.
One of the first things I noticed and enjoyed about the film were its production values. The film looks absolutely amazing thanks to Cinematographer, Douglas Gordon. I also enjoy all the various locations and settings used, they helped in giving the story its gritty feel. I can only imagine how fantastic this is going to look on the big screen.
Now on to the cast, I already mentioned how well-written the characters are but you need to have a cast that can deliver on those characters and "Lazarus Rises" has just that. Let me first say everyone in the film did a great job. The film has a large cast and I thought they all did a great job including the supporting cast members. As far as pointing out a few of the lead actors that impressed me I again am not going to name them all but I was really exited over Mike Pfaff who played Michael. He reminded me a bit of another action star I like, Gary Daniels. Mike was quite impressive during the action scenes as well as the dramatic scenes which speaks a lot about his acting abilities. I was also impressed with Devon Ogden who played Emma. She is as talented as she is beautiful and I see a bright career ahead for her. And what is an action film without a great bad guy? Well "Lazarus Rising" has just that with Adoni Maropis who is as ruthless and cold a hit man as you are going to find as Mr. Gray. And last but not least yet me also mention that the film also has a bit of star power to back it as well in the form of C. Thomas Howell and the always amazing Eric Roberts who plays the corrupt local politician.
Props go out to Director, John Depew and Writer, Rufus Chaffee. The story is so well-written you fall right into the lives of these characters and the direction is flawless. "Lazarus Rising" is an effective, engaging and highly entertaining crime/thriller that should gain legions of fans in a short period of time. Action packed, dramatic, suspenseful with numerous twists and turns along the way makes this a must see. The film has won numerous awards during its Festival run and all are well deserving.
"Lazarus Rising" will be available on DVD July 26, You can order it HERE.
The entire cast and crew of "Lazarus Rising" have a lot to be proud of here. Their hard work has definitely paid off. I highly recommend seeing this excellent film when it comes out in July.
Summer Hill Films
**** Out Of *****