Review of Sushi Girl (2012) by Karl M — 05 May 2014

'Sushi Girl' is the debut feature from writer/director/editor Kern Saxton and he hasn't held anything back. It makes Tarantino's 'Reservior Dogs' look like a Pg13 flick with no style (I know that comment will no doubt infuriate fans of Quentin; but hey, this is just my opinion and if you don't like it don't read it).

The film starts with 'Fish' (Noah Hathaway) fresh out of jail after a robbery that went pear- shaped 6 years earlier; and being 'invited' to a reunion with his former partners in crime for a night you won't soon forget. Seated at a table graced by the 'Sushi Girl'; laying naked if not for their meal covering her vital areas, is the ultimate group of bad guys you could ever get on the screen for a film like this.

At the table is Duke (Tony Todd), Francis (James Duval), Max (Andy Mackenzie), and Crow (Mark Hamill). Now I must say, Kern Saxton has brought out quite possibly the best performances I have ever seen out of these guys, period. As he slowly builds the tension between the characters; we are led through flashback during the 'meal', the background story that slowly twists and turns its way into a film that is certainly not for the faint hearted, so be forewarned. It well and truly earns it Ma15+ rating. I would normally think of 'Candyman' as Tony Todd's scariest character he's ever played till I saw this. His voice just carries so much depth without ever raising it, but when he does raise it in this film, your skin just crawls. I am certainly looking forward to what he does next in film as this is a true standout performance.

Mark Hamill, who I fondly remember as a child as Luke Skywalker, performs like you've never seen him before. He just chews through his dialog playing one of the more memorable torturers I've seen on film in a long time. I don't know where he drew his inspiration from for this character; but I think this film will do for his career, what 'Pulp Fiction' did for John Travolta .

James Duval also gives a sensitive and understated performance, with a character who seems to be able to just talk his way out of any situation.

Now to get to the stand out of all the bad guys, Andy Mackenzie. His character 'Max' is one man you don't ever want to get angry. This is the first film I have ever seen him in, his character really freaked me out. If you have ever met me, you will know that i'm not what you call a small guy. But if I ever, ever meet this character 'Max' in real life I would definitely wouldn't want to be interrogated by him. I would just spill the beans and soil my pants. Noah really had some balls to resist his type of punishment. Noah I remember from Battlestar as a kid. His performance I must say is Oscar worthy, how he held it together portraying his character Fish is beyond me. Man he can act, you can almost feel his pain that he is experiencing. His range of emotion, is remarkable.

The sound is wow. For a film that centers on a lot of dialog throughout the story, the 7.1 soundtrack on this film just rocks. If you have a chance to watch this on the big screen in 7.1 surround, boy are you in for a treat. Kern Saxton has really done his homework in getting you involved in a films atmosphere by getting the sound 'around you'.

The big question I must ask is? Kern Saxton, will there be a Sequel/prequel?

I did have the privilege of spending some time with the cast and crew of this feature during the Gold Coast Film Festival and Supanova last year, but there is no bias or privilege given in the above review. I have found that they are a great group of guys who enjoy their trade in entertaining us all.

Ps Destin Pfaff; you are a legend. I really did enjoy hanging with you and the guys. It was a weekend I will not forget.