Nicely written and directed, the film Endangered Species tells the tale of a family who travels together on an adventure that takes them into the vast Safari Park of Kenya, Africa. While the film is an action thriller, it also brings to light the dangers that await with poor decision making, the importance of the worlds’ animals and how illegal pouching has been a concern for the animal population in Africa.
The Halsey’s, Lauren (Rebecca Romijn), Jack (Philip Winchester), their daughter Zoe (Isabel Bassett) and their son Noah (Michael Johnston) have landed in Kenya for their vacation. Along for Zoe is her boyfriend Billy Mason (Chris Fisher) who is liked by Lauren, but Jack has misgivings on having the extra person along for the ride. At the terminal the police pull up with several poachers and the Halsey’s learn about poachers killing animals for their tusks and horns.
Due to a problem with his job, Jack has pared down the trip getting lower end lodging and lesser amenities. It has soured Lauren somewhat, but Jack’s big mistake comes when he sneaks into Kenya’s National Park without paying or registering as required. When they have a mishap with their land rover van involving a standoff with a Rhino, things start to get out of control.
Off course, Jack wounded in the mishap, vehicle not working, and supplies limited, the family finds themselves stranded in a dangerous area of the National Park. Director MJ Bassett (Rogue) introduces his main characters early on pointing out their weaknesses and strong points. Trapped and off road in the unprotected area, the family starts to break-down emotionally. It’s a good maneuver to make his film compelling, but film buffs may get some déjà vu due to the similar storylines in most every jungle adventure. He adds dangerous poachers and other animal attacks leading to an exciting finale. What saves this one is the camerawork, the acting and the animals who treat the family as prey.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“Director’s Commentary” MJ Bassett
“Commentary” With Co-writer, director and producer MJ Bassett and Actors Phillip Winchester and Jerry O’Connell”
“Cast and Crew Interviews” includes Rebecca Romijn, Chris Fisher and Michel Johnston
Endangered Species has been rated R by the MPAA for language, some violence and bloody images.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Rebecca Romijn, Philip Winchester, Isabel Bassett, Michael Johnston, Chris Fisher and Jerry O’Connell
Director and co-writer by: MJ Bassett
Genre: Action, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for language, some violence and bloody images. Some drug use.
Running Time: 1 hr. 41 min
Video Release Date: June 1, 2021
Original Theatrical Release Date: May 28, 2021
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Audio 5.1
Video: 16×9, Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, Brazilians Portuguese
Filmed in Kenya: Amboseli National Park, Tawi Conservancy Amboseli, Tawi Lodge, Shaba National Reserve and Nairobi National Park.
Distributed by: Grindstone Entertainment Group
Released on: Blu-ray, DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
