Dust Up (2012)

Dust Up! delivers raucous humor and balls-to-the-walls story-telling that studio films don't have the kahunas to try.The story is relatively simple: A one-eyed former vigilante turned pacifist/desert handyman must summon his inner commando to rescue a young mother and her meth addict husband from a cannibalistic drug lord.It's the execution and blend of story/character/music/violence/humor that makes this exploitation film so damn funny. Everything from the opening credit sequence to the exploding bar and the desert dance-off smacks of Tarantino on a tight budget.This film takes characters you've seen before – the eye-patched warrior (a combination of Billy Jack and Kill Bill femme-assassin Elle Driver), the even-keeled, arrow slinging sidekick (Tonto of course, but played much more coolly by Devin Barry as "Mo"), and the out-of-control ultra-violent drug lord (name any memorable film where the bad guy was so awesome you loved to hate him, add some outrageous antics and you've got Jeremiah Birkett's "Buzz"). Toss in an attractive damsel in distress (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Amber Benson) victimized by her husband's ineptitude and an adorable wide-eyed baby (Director Ward Roberts' daughter Bo) … and there's a lot to like and laugh about.Even more impressive is that Writer/Director/Producer Ward Roberts pulled this all off on a micro-budget.A great job all around, and a fun time to be had by all who dare to venture into the off-kilter mind of Mr. Roberts. Special kudos to Aaron Gaffney (who plays the protagonist one-eyed soldier Jack) and Jeremiah Birkett (the afore-mentioned despicable villain with a maniacal laugh).

I picked up this movie based on impulse. Based on its cover, and the title, bot which spoke of outwrite insanity, I had to fish it. And I am so glad I did.Its one of those movies which is entirely based on only a hand full of characters, but sometimes that's all it takes. The characters were nicely created, specially the bad guy (played by Jeremiah Birkett). This guy surely performed his role to the optimum limit. I don't know if I am alowed to say this in a review but if you are a Tarintino fan, and are tired of all those high government conspiracy big budget movies, and just want a good mindless entertainment, with a lot of character, do check out this movie. It won't disappoint you.

Reformed one-eyed ex-soldier Jack (well played with stoical and laconic cool by Aaron Gaffey) just wants to live a peaceful solitary existence. Jack is forced to revert back to his previous brutal ways after he makes the acquaintance of Ella (an appealing turn by the pretty Amber Benson), an attractive young mother who's in deep trouble with evil cannibalistic drug lord Buzz (smoothly essayed with lip-smacking wicked aplomb by Jeremiah Birkett) and his pack of vicious goons. Jack's loyal hipster Native American buddy Mo (a fine and likable portrayal by Devin Barry) helps out. Writer/director Ward Roberts relates the kooky and entertaining story at a zippy pace, makes neat use of the arid desert locations, brings a galvanizing flashy style and an equally invigorating hip'n'flip sensibility to the wacky material, further spices things up with a very funny sense of inspired loopy humor, and totally goes for broke with the wild action scenes. Moreover, Roberts delivers plenty of unflinching over-the-top gore and a tasty smidgen of yummy female nudity courtesy of the delectable Victoria De Mare as Diane the boob dancing girl. The zesty acting by the game cast rates as another major asset: Gaffey and Barry display an engaging chemistry as the oddball heroes, Benson makes for a fetching and charming damsel in distress, Birkett has a field day as a gloriously depraved and maniacal villain, plus there are sturdy supporting contributions from Travis Betz as Ella's pathetic speed freak loser husband Herman, Al Burke as fearsome disfigured flunky Mr. Lizard, Mike C. Nelson as nerdy henchman Keith, and Ezra Buzzington as the corrupt Sheriff Haggler. Shannon Hourigan's slick widescreen cinematography provides a pleasing bright look. The lively twangy score by Kirpatrick Thomas and rowdy rock soundtrack give this movie an extra thrilling ultra-kinetic kick. An absolute blast.

Absolutely one of the best Indie films I've seen. Humorous and action packed!! I highly recommend giving this Movie a pause of your time to view. If you like grotesque, lizard guy, action, campy one liners, then This movie will be right up your alley. All mentioned makes for a good entertaining movie. I was compelled from the first scene of eye patch scruff dude doing yoga and Indian dude shoots an arrow at him to the last scene where there's a BBQ'd guy skewer and stuck in the ground. The makeup and props were quite impressive for a low budget film. The cast are a perfect match for their roles. Amber Benson plays a great character of weaknesses and gains a pair by the end. Two thumbs up with a little bang bang!!!