A STRANGER IN PARADISE

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Corrado Boccia and Freestyle Digital Media comes an action film that deals with A STRANGER IN PARADISE.

This film tells the story of Josh (Colin Egglesfield), a young man rising in the ranks and getting ready for a work promotion. As a congratulations Josh goes to Bang-kok to visit brother Paul (Stuart Townsend). What he doesn’t realize is that there is something bigger at play here – and more dangerous.

From the moment he lands there is problems as Lek (Byron Mann) wants something in particular. There is also information that the SEC believes Josh has regarding insider trading. Adding to the problems is brother Paul works in the Thai mafia and now they want him to get what they want as well.

With Jules (Catalina Moreno) trying to help it doesn’t seem any of them have the luxury of time when the Thai mafia wants what it wants.

What is there to do but make a deal – but with whom?

FINAL WORD: Egglesfield as Josh does a right good job of getting his ass handed to him. Whether being chased down, beaten up or getting caught in the crossfire I’m sure there were bruises after filming. The best part is Egglesfield didn’t overact this simple premise and I appreciated that immensely.

Mann as Lek was just an evil guy who gets away with a lot. He enjoys beating people up and thinks he’s smarter than everyone else around him – that’s usually a sign of trouble.

Moreno as Jules is not a woman to be toyed with. Working for Paul has its advantages but more so disadvantages as Jules is running for her life without really knowing why.

Townsend is his usual sexy self. There is a dark brooding side to this actor that I know several woman can’t get enough of. Being the big brother who is living an exotic life, he knows more than he’s saying and it leaves the audience guessing.

Freestyle Digital Media provides film and television content to US VOD and DVD rental kiosks. Believing in offering a medium of choice they provide anytime-anywhere capability for a great digital viewing experience using any device in any location.

Other cast include: Gary Daniels as Derek, Sonia Couling as Chris, James With as Zane, Elina Loukas as Eleni, Lynette Emond as Oh, Varintorn Yaroojjanont as Somchai and Jan Yousagoon as Mei.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give A STRANGER IN PARADISE three tubs of popcorn out of five. Although the premise may not be all that original with bits here and there that remind me of other films – it doesn’t take away from enjoying the film. I could have done without the homage to MIDNIGHT EXPRESS however.

There is action enough and intrigue enough to go around. I was thrilled to see Stuart Townsend again. They mystery of ‘who has it’ keeps the film going in the right direction with an ending that celebrates the end (although there should have been a moment of silence – you’ll see why).

In the end – each step leads them either closer to danger or freedom!