Movie review: Occupation

 

 After watching Earth for centuries, aliens have arrived with a fleet of ships to seize control of our planet as their own. As alien soldiers launch a war against humanity, a group of people from a small town band together to battle the invaders.

Dan Ewing (Matt), Temuera Morrison (Peter), Stephany Jacobsen (Amelia), Rhiannon Fish (Vanessa), Zac Garred (Dennis), Izzy Stevens (Bella), Charles Terrier (Jackson), Charles Mesure (Arnold), Felix Williamson (Seth).

Occupation begins well enough with character introductions and some background around the small town in Australia where the story takes place. Their local factory closed, a highway bypass being built around the town, it seems things could not get worse yet they do when aliens invade.
As the townsfolk band together to battle the aliens Occupation starts to look a lot like Red Dawn. Another 30 minutes into the film and Amelia could be a twin for a hero in Fallen Skies. Realizing how little originality is included here the ending became immediately obvious and expected.

Acting was mediocre. Ewing was okay but didn't seem able to hold the lead. Jacobsen obviously wanted the lead but didn't know what to do with it. Fish was decent, as was Garred and Stevens. The remainder of the supporting cast was okay.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are low-budget but okay. CGI and action were both lacking somewhat with a rudimentary feel. Dialogue was dry and could have used more depth. Sound and soundtrack are mild but fitting.

Unless you are a die-hard sci-fi fan, skip this one. The film brings nothing new to the genre, recycles scenes from previous films, and lacks serious depth. Those who enjoy Australian films or B-movie sci-fi may enjoy this one.

With a bit of violence, foul language, and aliens, this should be fine for mature teens and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 1.7.19
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Australian Films, Indie Action, Action Sci-Fi, Drama

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel

Movie review: 2036 Origin Unknown

 

 Following a failed mission to Mars the decision is made to use an Artificial Intelligence for critical operations. Teaming with ARTi, an AI, mission controller Mack returns to Mars to investigate the original mission failure where they find a mysterious object under the surface of the planet.

Katee Sackhoff (Mack), Ray Fearon (Sterling), Julie Cox (Lena), Steven Cree (ARTi voice), David Tse (Jian Lin voice).

2036 Origin Unknown begins with a bit of setup before moving to the main plot. After a fatal failed mission to Mars, the decision is made to use Artificial Intelligence for critical operations and AI ARTi is paired with mission controller Mack. Tasked with investigating the accident, this leads to the discovery of something under the planet surface that could change the future as we know it. Along the way there are plenty of hints that Mack and ARTi do not trust one another, and even hints that ARTi is being deceptive for unknown reasons.

While the description sounds great, the movie is not. I tried three times to watch this one and lost interest every time. The plot is slow, largely dialogue focused, and leaves plenty unexplained through to the end.

Acting was pretty much bland and lifeless throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are decent enough to support the film. CGI and effects are mixed with some being well done and others looking immature to say the least. Dialogue left quite a bit to be desired, both around energy and content. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall 2036 Origin Unknown is a rather slow moving sci-fi with a storyline that feels recycled while at the same time lacking detail. Those who enjoy slower, less intense sci-fi, or the kind that leaves unanswered questions should enjoy this one.

With some mild violence this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 1.7.19
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, British Films

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Bird Box

 

 Five years ago a strange presence drove most of humanity to suicide. Today, a mother with two children engage upon a perilous journey to find safety. But they must do so blindfolded.

Sandra Bullock (Malorie), Trevante Rhodes (Tom), John Malkovich (Douglas), Sarah Paulson (Jessica), Jacki Weaver (Cheryl), Rosa Salazar (Lucy), Vivien Blair (Girl), Julian Edwards (Boy), Danielle Macdonald (Olympia).

Bird Box is conceptually quite interesting. A strange presence appears that when seen by humans drives them to suicide. The human solution is to live life blindfolded. When it becomes obvious Malorie and her two kids must find a safer place to live, they set out blindfolded through a forest and eventually down river in a boat. The emotional intensity of managing two children in an unknown setting while blind and being stalked by an ominous presence is very good. At the same time, the film never explained the strange presence in any way, nor is it ever presented well visually, leaving us somewhat wanting for closure at the end.

Acting was pretty good with Bullock delivering better than usual. Rhodes was an enjoyable choice and did nicely. Malkovich and Paulson were good choices and both contributed nicely. Blair, Edwards, and the remainder of the supporting cast were enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with good use of natural scenery. CGI and action scenes are good but again, a bit more detail around the strange presence would have been nice. Dialogue is solid. Sound and soundtrack are fitting.

Overall Bird Box was good, but not great. We were expecting more due to the hype around this film but it just didn't deliver the horror or sci-fi aspect well. Without the added hype, Bird Box ends up being a mild sci-fi drama at best.

With some nudity, sexuality, violence, gore, foul language, and disturbing scenes, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 1.6.19
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Horror, Psychological Thrillers

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Sorry to Bother You

 

Down and out Cassius takes the only job he can find as a telemarketer but finds himself flailing. Taking advice from a co-worker, his career takes off, propelling him to the executive level where he learns the truth about his bosses.

Lakeith Stanfield (Cassius), Tessa Thompson (Detroit), Jermaine Fowler (Salvador), Omari Hardwick (Mr.), Terry Crews (Sergio), Michael Sommers (Johnny), Danny Glover (Langston), Steven Yeun (Squeeze), David Cross (Cassius's Voice), Patton Oswalt (Mr.'s Voice), Forest Whitaker (Equisapien/Demarius).

Sorry to Bother You begins with Cassius trying to find a job at which point we realize there is something different about this film. As the story evolves, things only get stranger and behavior more unusual. While the story is propelled by comedy and satire, a strong racial undercurrent is evident as well when Cassius is coached to use his 'White Voice' while telemarketing. The film eventually falls off the reality map entirely, wrapping with a finish that looks like a morality lesson attempt.

Acting was surprisingly enjoyable. Stanfield fit his role well, as did Thompson. Crews and Glover were fun as always. Yeun was a nice surprise and delivered well. Cross, Oswalt, Whitaker and others who contributed voice work did nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were fitting if mild. Action scenes and CGI were interesting and amusing if not entertaining. Dialogue was corny, campy, and sometimes funny. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

While some will enjoy Sorry to Bother You, others will feel the title is an insufficient apology. The film had potential as commentary on corporate greed, racism, and more but wanders far off the beaten path which will alienate many. Those who enjoy unusual Indie films or comedy may enjoy this one.

With some full nudity, sexuality, violence, gore, and foul language, save this one for adults and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 1.6.19
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Indie Comedy, Spoofs and Satire

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel