Film Review - Showdown At The Grand (2023)

Outrageous, ionately presented action homage for movie lovers, written and directed by an old school cinema afficionado, film creative maestro Orson Oblowitz, actually named after the great, indie film trailblazer master himself, Orson Welles.

The extravagant iconic Warner Grand, proudly looked after and operated by theatre proprietor George Fuller, Oscar nominee Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow) who is trying to bring former 90s screen hero Claude Luc Hallyday (Dolph Lundgren) in for a retro screening to a house full of adoring fans.

Meanwhile, a criminal element disguised as property investors propose a non-negotiable offer to buy the business in order to knock it down for somewhat futuristic luxury homes. The answer is no of course and Hallyday has confirmed his visit to the movie palace for a sell out screening, the same night an inevitable take over attempt. Let the fun begin.

Because George is such a fan of the all conquering screen star, he owns a palate of props that are later used to defend the cinema at the same time bringing back fond memories for the fallen on hard times actor.

Shot over 18 days throughout the pandemic, this indie is full of life, distinct innovation offering unique perspective including a plethora of film references throughout, keeping any movie obsessed viewer such as myself recalling their source one after the other.

Besides legendary Lundgren and impressive Howard, an all round consistent, terrific non typical ensemble.

Tremendous Piper Curda, as dedicated theatre employee Spike, gleams with scene stealing high spirits.

Iconic, John Savage (Apocalypse Now, Hunting) and superior, Amanda Rightetti (Angel Blade, Friday the 13th) are great.

Also a standout is unassumingly alluring Clemmie Dugdale, featuring prominently in movie within movie moments wearing some inventive Cocoa Rigal costume designs that totally enhancing her performance. Teenage star of little known, British coming of age classic, Cracks (2009) Clemmie is one to watch

Back in the day, Showdown at the Grand may have gone ‘straight to video’, probably a compliment, as over time I am sure this entertaining opus will eventually gain an adoring, appreciative, unconventional audience discovering many of it’s celluloid tributes, for years to come.