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Tubes of Fire (1998)
Poignant thinkpiece.
If you're into movies about river tubers taking on Nazi kayakers, you're in for a treat. Director Pablo Kjolseth's subtle, different approach to the tuber-Nazi kayaker genre is refreshing as he lays down a convoluted tapestry of action, suspense and, above all, heart. Tom Oling ("Scott Throbb") takes on the role of 'uber-tuber' action hero with eye-popping intensity and yet, surprising grace. The only thing that eclipses his acting is his physical attributes, such as his ability to run and scowl. David Starr (Evil kayaker, "Jorg") is controversial to say the least, but all agree that the often-quoted, beer-fueled line, "shtay off my ree-vah" sends chills down the spines of even the most hardened and emotionally distant souls.
And for you experimental & avant-garde film buffs, yes, that is indeed the late Stan Brakhage narrating. Despite the serious debate about what the voice-over actually means, it's widely accepted that his involvement with the project was due to his full house getting topped by Kjolseth's four nines in one smoky back room in the early 90s.
It should also be noted that the rumors that seven people died while filming the fireball action climax (jet fuel explosion) are patently false. All were treated for superficial lacerations, light burns and were released the same day.