Art of Deception – Movie Review
Director: Richard Ryan
Writer: Michael Marcelin, Richard Ryan (Screenplay)
Cast
Richard Ryan (Christmas Staycation)
Jackie Nova (Ruse)
Leon Van Waas
Zac Titus (Una Great Movie)
Craig Bruenell (Sharknado 2: The Second One)
Plot: A scientist studying a deadly virus must fight back when he and his wife are threatened by an organization intent on taking over…
"Art of Deception" is a surprisingly fun little indie actioner that presents a compelling narrative in which a brilliant scientist finds himself entangled with a dangerous organization aiming for global control. The plot might seem like a classic thriller setup, but it offers more depth than is initially apparent. The action sequences are well-executed, showing off a high level of quality that surpasses expectations for a film that I’m guessing had limited resources to work with.
Richard Ryan (who directs and plays the male lead) and Jackie Nova (who plays the female lead), whose performances bring engaging energy to their roles, are central to the film's zing-factor. The pair play a married couple, something along the lines of the famous "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."
The storyline hands us a complex concept involving a CIA-engineered virus that controls human actions, a premise that, while fantastical, is portrayed convincingly enough to provoke thought. The antagonists are depicted with nuance, making their eventual comeuppance all the more gratifying. Beyond the surface-level excitement, "Art of Deception" delves into themes of sacrifice, love, and the significant impact of individual decisions in the face of a looming global threat. These elements provide a richer, more reflective experience than in your typical action flick.
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At the end of the day, "Art of Deception" is more than mere mindless entertainment; it's a thought-provoking film that combines a smart plot with effective action and strong character development. It's a good one for viewers looking for both excitement and substance in their cinematic choices—and a nice companion piece to the new "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" TV series.
Outwitting Your Enemies: A Guide to Being a Fantasy Rogue
Being a rogue in a fantasy novel can be a thrilling adventure, but it’s not just about the clothes you wear or the weapons you carry.
It’s about the attitude and approach you bring to the game.
Here are seven ways to embody the rogue spirit if ever find yourself in a fantasy world.
1. Master the art of deception.
Rogues are known for their cunning and their ability to deceive others. So, if…
wanna preface this by saying that i am. So normal. anyway i just spent the last week redrawing scenes from mystery skulls animated but as that hermitcraft au i posted about a couple times. you guys should watch msa it is. so so good.
Mara is an enigma, a master thief for hire whose beauty and danger intertwine like a finely woven tapestry. A burning hatred for the rich and elite has turned her into a cynic, something she is not keen on hiding. Meeting her and being around her feels like a test of your patience, as her sarcasm and cutting comments never run out.
She makes fun of you, your job and the people you associate with, but she is your best option for finding out what happened to the centerpiece of your exhibition, so you have to get along with her somehow. Her reputation in the underworld precedes her, she is well respected and feared, making her an invaluable asset.
Her recklessness and general lack of care for her own safety puts her in danger more often than not, but is it just part of her job or something more? And will your persistent presence in her life change things for her?
Character:
Mara is charming, confident and dangerous, holding up her femme fatale attitude around her like armor and lashing out with it like a weapon. She has lured many into her finely woven trap of sweet words, sultry voices and fluttered lashes and struck them once their guard was down.
Her facade does not allow any cracks or imperfections, which makes getting past it almost impossible. Her modus operandi is meticulous and clean, but reckless and dangerous. She does things others would only shy away from, making her both a formidable ally and a dangerous adversary.
With her past shrouded in mystery, it would take a strong connection to be able to get her to open up about any personal matters.
Appearance:
Mara has wavy strawberry blonde hair, which she keeps long and open, only tying it up when on a job. Her skin is fair and looks to be free of any serious scars or injuries, but she tends to keep anything besides her face, arms and legs hidden. Her eyes are a deep and clear green.
Her physique is lean and athletic, due to many years of doing what she does. Slender enough to slip in and out of places undetected but strong enough to lift impressive amounts of weight. She carries herself with grace and certainty and does not shy away from using her body to her own advantages.
I think a lot about Leo’s tendency to push his way into the spotlight despite clearly being a natural in the shadows. Hell, you could argue that his worst moments are when he’s forcing himself onstage, and his best are when he does things no one notices until it’s already been done.