Review: Dubbed and Dangerous is the latest independent production from Ara Paiaya, a talented Armenian born martial artist, turned filmmaker.

Paiaya's film may lack professional production values, but once you see the man in action you'll recognize the skills of a rising martial arts star. This action film short plays mostly as a series of fight scenes where Paiaya amazingly duplicates Jackie Chan's style and humor with quite a bit of success. The loose plot involves Paiaya's attempt to discover who is behind the terrorist bombing of a subway train. After receiving instructions from his superior, he sets out to collect evidence that leads him into a series of brawls with various thugs.

What first caught my eye on this film was Paiaya's skill when it came to executing difficult stunts. All of the action is done without the aid of digital effects and he exhibits abilities generally reserved for a seasoned Hong Kong stuntman. The reason is that he's been training in martial arts since the age of four under his father's guidance. Over the years, his skills have evolved into his own style that incorporates elements from his Hong Kong heroes such as Jackie Chan. This includes knowing how to take a fall and working in and around props and the surrounding environment. Paiaya hops through car windows, runs up walls, and even replicates Donnie Yen's trademark leaping kick, used to take down three opponents at a time. Aiding the action is Paiaya's sense of humor which pervades the film. Its hard enough to accomplish these stunts without professional assistance, but to make make them funny deserves even greater praise. The title itself refers to the fact that the film is of course, dubbed with a smattering of dialogue that mostly spoofs the action film genre. Paiaya even takes a prat fall or two. While none of this is outright hilarious, it sets the proper tone for a film that cannot possibly compete with a big budget production and doesn't bother to try, except where the stunts are concerned.

If for no other reason, Dubbed and Dangerous is worth getting for its prospects as a potential collector's item. Ara Paiaya, who has already caught the attention of Jackie Chan by making his way into an uncredited role in Highbinders may end up starring in his own blockbuster film if movie execs have half a brain!