There's no shortage of the "new grindhouse" these days. Sure, gone are the days of shithole grindhouse theaters on 42nd St. with floors that go stick, but it sure hasn't stopped the resurgence these films have been having. Hell, I was walking down 42nd just a few weeks ago and found it hard to imagine that such a day even existed. Now it's full of upscale restaurants packed with business executives drinking away their Wall Street worries. With Cold Hard Cash director/producer/cinematographer Mike Pecci brings back a little of that old time vintage sleaze in a way even Tarantino would be timid to touch.
Cold Hard Cash is a short 20 minute film following a couple of sexy tattooed chicks as they get nailed by some gangsters for ripping them off. The boss demands the girls make amends by finding him a certain briefcase containing $175,000. What ensues is several twists, a lot of raunchy sex, and some bloody fuckin' carnage. Total grindhouse bitches.
One of the most enjoyable features of the film was the cinematography, and no wonder as Pecci is at the helm. Pecci is an award winning filmmaker from my virtual backyard of Boston MA and a regular photographer for the Suicide Girls. Pecci displays a great eye for excellent angles, and shot set-ups. The shots in the film are well thought out and cut skillfully on the editing table. This makes the film a visually pleasing experience. The intentionally distressed prints are reminiscent of the Rodriguez/Tarantino double billing that we're all overly familiar with, but I think it would be fair not to credit Tarantino as an influence. This effort has a more pure vibe to it. The sound is mixed well, and overall this is a technically sound piece given the near non-existent budget.
On a small production, and a short film to boot, it falls upon the characters to advance the narrative. And this is where the key portion of my review lies. At times the film seemed to forget it had a story to tell and relegated itself to what could be called at best artistic smut, not that anyone here is complaining. I mean, after all this is "grindhouse". But it would have been nice to have seen this plot structure brought together a bit more.
In terms of the acting we have to mention the loveable Tron. This guy was fuckin' horrible and to a degree detracted from the action with his ridiculous acting and character who acted out of sorts. No self respecting tough guy is going to let some busty broad get the best of him, especially when he's taking her to see "the boss". Maybe in a club or out on the street, but not while he's on the job. Somehow, through the low budget appeal of the film, there cut through a certain endearing touch to Tron's lifeless performance that makes you feel for him. Kinda in the same way you wouldn't want to see that special kid on the bus get picked on.
Enough of Tron. Let's talk about the girls. I haven't seen such a wonderful performance from a completely untrained actor as Odette Suicide who played the character of Deanne. This girl radiated badass to the boner. She was completely comfortable in her own skin, shot most of the film topless, appeared confident and in control throughout, delivered her dialogue with dead pan accuracy, and was just superb. Deanne, if you're reading this know what we're applauding. This girl needs to be featured in more stuff like this. The material was right up her alley.
As far as Eliska is concerned, I'm a huge fan of voluptuous curves and big boobies, but I found her character so reserved and weak it was difficult watch her and really get into what she was all about. Unlike Odette, Eliska wasn't that great of an actress and so her lines came across as dry and unrehearsed. She would have been better with fewer lines. Thanks to her background as a Suicide Girl model she did a great job when she didn't say anything. To her credit there was one particular scene late in the film where a violent struggle ensues and she physically delivered a great performance. She clearly has the ability to strike a pose at the drop of a bra, and that's what she should stick to.
Extras for the DVD are quite impressive. You get the full unedited version of the film, then a shorter 10 minute festival version. This version cuts out much of the story and re-arranges the shots to tell a slightly different tale. There are multiple commentary tracks. By far the best is the "Mommentary" track where Pecci screens the film with his mother. This had me laughing out loud at several points. Additional extras include a music video for Chris Renna's Suicide Love song, and finally wrapped out by The Ballad of Tron Howitzer, a homemade documentary about good ol' Tron, struggling for acting jobs, and ultimately getting stood up for a gig that should have been his.
Listen, I could talk quite a bit further about this film but I don't have the room or the time. The fact that I've shit out nearly 900 words thus far should tell you that this isn't a film to miss. Cold Hard Cash makes an excellent lead in for a double billing of pure raunchiness, exploitation, and bloody goodness. We recommend that you find your way to the director's website and pick this one up today. We promise you won't regret it. - Marc Patterson Deadly DVD.com
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