Directed by: Ara Paiaya Written by: Ara Paiaya, Chris Robb & Adam Davidson Producers: Ara Paiaya & Raquel Paiaya Starring: Ara Paiaya, Raquel Paiaya, Adam Davidson, Chris Robb, Nick Cockburn & Vinnie Wilson
Ara Paiaya stars as Agent X racing to rescue a captured security defence expert from the hands of a rogue agent known as Pirani. A harsh man who will show no mercy to anyone. (plot synopsis excerpt from Ara Paiaya's official website.
Recognized as a creative and passionate force on the UK independent martial arts action scene, filmmaker and actor Ara Paiaya first broke onto the scene after fine critical notices on his debut Dubbed And Dangerous. Indeed a spoof of the genre, this subsequent direct to video effort Maximum Impact instead rubs shoulders with the basic plot structure of any American or Hong Kong made actioner of the 80s/90s. Never a bad thing if done correctly (as also said by Ara in interviews when talking of American vs UK vs Hong Kong action), Paiaya's 6th feature must be approached with some re-tuning in your critical mind. By no stretch of the imagination a good movie (although the term good here at So Good... you know I'm good at working with, re-adjusting to etc) but Paiaya's passion shines through any shortcomings and truth be told, Maximum Impact shows impact sporadically and warrants examination as part of the UK indie scene doing its damndest to warrant attention.
As Ara is drawing a line to his love for Hong Kong cinema, I will as well when specifically speaking of his opening to the film which is, without spoiling anything, structured like What Price Survival somewhat and even obscure 90s actioners like Braveful Police as it's showing what's to come, pre-cursor of events etc. But the most notable thing is that despite a very short running time of just a little under 70 minutes (minus credits) is that Ara does the correct thing by launching us quickly into the action... literally. The key ingredient is what it is and Ara isn't out to prove he's making a more important film than the title suggests.
While admirable as an action performer and the majority of the action scenes are quite thrilling, Ara or any of the rest of the cast aren't let's say extensively trained actors but whenever there's no action and storytelling is needed, it's all very serviceable for the purpose of the film. Drawbacks such as a way too frantic camera and the score being present (and overbearing) in scenes where it could've calmed itself down, Ara's efficient agent gets a worthy showcase in especially a parking garage fight involving the prop of a suitcase and it's here Ara clearly shows efficiency and comfort. While gunplay is admirable for its usage of computer generated imagery on a low budget, it's in the fight department the movie shines a lot more as the admiration for your very well known Hong Kong action stars using props, hands and feet is very evident. The fight outside of the castle towards the end does get top honors though as a clear and exciting look at fisticuffs on a budget headed by passion, sincerity and love for the wide genre of action.
So remember to re-tune that critique of yours and appreciate just how much genuine fire as a fan of action and a filmmaker can be put forth in a sparsely financed independent action film shot on video. I'm sure Ara Paiaya realizes he's in development but the occasional huge spark evident in Maximum Impact deserves opportunities to develop even more. God knows there's so much lack of sincerity and love for movies evident in filmmakers around the globe... even though the most talented ones often are relegated to the underground and background. Let's hope that fate is twisted and turned for Ara Paiaya.
