Review: Fatal Defense

I really hope "Fatal Defense" doesn't turn people off from self-defense classes. This action-thriller premiered on Lifetime this weekend and pulls no punches (literally) as viewers meet a fighting coach from hell.

At the film's onset, we watch a terrifying home invasion. Single mom Arden Walsh (Ashley Scott) is terrorized by a masked intruder. She's robbed, held at knifepoint and tied up. She survives, but remains scared out of her wits. Her sister Gwen (Laurie Fortier), a police photographer, and a supportive detective (Sherilyn Fenn -- this blogger's college crush) provide some comfort. Still, she's pretty shaken and her cute daughter Emma is equally frightened.

Sister Gwen recommends that Ardent take a self-defense course and suggests one taught by handsome fight master Logan (David Cade). On her first day, he comes on a bit strong ... and not in the creeper sense. This dude pretty much puts a wrestling hold on poor Arden as soon as she enters the door. For some reason. she stays in the class and eventually becomes his star student.

It's not long before Arden becomes attracted to Logan. He, however, is more concerned with her progress in the class. So much so, he invites her on a date and winds up throwing her in a car trunk as a kidnapping simulation exercise. Any attraction she had for Logan is out the window, and she reports him to the cops. Logan is undaunted and still has big plans for her star student. What follows is dangerous cat and mouse game between Logan, Arden ... and the thug who broke into her home in the first scene.

I'll rate this movie in two words -- "kick ass!" Scott is nothing short of awesome as she evolves from victim to ass kicker. Fans will recall her as the Huntress and short-lived super series "Birds of Prey." Well, she is back in action in "Fatal Defense" and packs quite a punch during her fight scenes. Cade is an awesome foil for her, stalking her and plotting new ways to test her self-defense skills.

Kudos to director John Murlowski, who also helmed the equally excellent "Bad Twin," for keeping things exciting. Fenn also is a welcome presence as the helpful cop.

Admittedly, there were moments in the movie where I was reminded of the Peter Sellers "Pink Panther" movies, particularly the scenes where Inspector Clouseau is repeatedly attacked by his butler Cato.

Still, this is definitely an original premise and slightly reminiscent of "The Trainer." Highly recommended.

"Fatal Defense": Directed by John Murlowski; Starring Ashley Scott as Arden, David Cade as Logan, Laurie Fortier as Gwen, Shon David Lange as Rory, Sherilyn Fenn as Detective