My quick rating - 3.7/10. This was a mixed bag of sci-fi horror that managed to entertain despite its noticeable flaws. The film centers around an outbreak in the notorious Area 51, forcing a group of survivors to seek refuge in an underground bunker. However, they soon discover that they are not alone, setting the stage for a tense, albeit somewhat predictable, survival story. One of the flix more glaring issues is its overuse of CGI effects. The quality of the CGI varies significantly, oscillating between decent and distractingly poor. Given the movie’s budget, it’s not entirely surprising, but the reliance on these effects becomes excessive, detracting from the overall experience. The practical effects are sparse, and unfortunately, the film's near-total lack of on-screen gore undermines the horror elements. Much of the violence happens off-screen, which may disappoint you if seeking a more visceral experience. The characters are a weak point to say the least. Their frequent lapses in judgment and lack of personal safety make it challenging to empathize with them. They repeatedly make foolish decisions, venturing into danger without adequate caution, which strains credibility and makes it hard to care about their fates. This stupidity undercuts the tension and suspense that the film attempts to build. I'd mention who they were but I didn't recognize a single one. The cinematography relies heavily on long shots, often keeping the chaos at a distance. While this approach can create a sense of scale, it also means that much of the action is glimpsed rather than fully experienced. This technique can be frustrating, as it keeps us at arm's length from the horror and limits the emotional impact. Despite these shortcomings, it is not without its merits. The film has a fun, brisk pace, packing in a fair amount of action that keeps things lively. The second half particularly, as it delves deeper into the nature of the creatures and the parasitic infection they spread. The scenes where the creatures break out of infected bodies and possess new hosts are among the film's more memorable moments. In summary, it is an uneven but ultimately enjoyable b-budget sci-fi horror flick. It struggles with overused and inconsistent CGI, a lack of on-screen gore, and characters who make bafflingly poor decisions. However, it redeems itself with a fast pace, a decent amount of action, and interesting creature lore. It’s not as bad as it could have been, and for fans of the genre, it offers just enough to make it worth a watch if you know what you are getting yourself into for the 81 minutes.
top of page
bottom of page
Comments