This month we are featuring some February films that opened and are still available on outlets like VOD, DVD and may be running still at local theaters. Atomic Apocalypse, Alien Outbreak, Emerald Run and Greenlight with short reviews. The films are independent and some with low budgets, but the storyline and other factors will be our main emphasis. This may be an ongoing column in the coming months so check in with us for updates and new openings.
Atomic Apocalypse, also called “Black Flowers” was released on DVD on February 4. The film has some good acting from newcomers who dive right into their roles under the direction of Martin Gooch who also wrote the script for the movie. It’s a gutsy film that deals with an atomic bomb blast that triggers a war. Those caught up in it have been roaming looking for safe havens and food. The film centers on survivalists Kate (Krista De Mille), her husband Sam (Ron Rogge) and their daughter Suzi (Andrea Sweeney Blanco) as they move from place to place running into others. One such guy is Joe (Jesus Lloveras) who tells them of a safe haven. The film has a lot of action, becomes compelling and has a few twists. The acting by De Mille as the tough “leader” really saves the show. (3.5 out of 5 stars)
Alien Outbreak came out on DVD on February 11 and can be acquired through Amazon. Although what looks like a low budget film, Alien Outbreak overshadows it with a good storyline and some awesome special visual effects. Where it falls down however, is the production value which fails somewhat in sound quality and lighting that affects it’s realism a bit. In this film we find officer Matthews getting a little worried about her citizens coming down with weird signs of hysteria. When a freak electrical storm breaks out there’s reports of suicides taking place for no reason. Following a visit to a woman who has shot herself she heads back to town. On the way she is confronted by a strange robotic alien. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Emerald Run was just released on February 21 in theaters and may be headed for VOD or another outlet soon. The film has some good acting and familiar faces that help to overlook the recognizable plot. In this little thriller, John Thomas (David Chokachi), a worried father, takes a smuggling job to get the money to save his dying daughter. Along the way he runs into killers who what the contraband. The chase scenes are exciting and acting a bit above average. (2.5 out of 5 Stars)
Greenlight has been released on VOD and it’s a story of a harrowing experience that’s quite original at least within the past 20 years. I like the acting here although the low budget production value was only small deterrent for my liking. That said, if you are a fan of crime thrillers, than this one should peak your interest. Master of playing the antagonist, Chris Browning plays Moseby a crass type of guy who produces movies. He’s pushy in his business and very meticulous. He’s also a manipulator and a schemer. In this twist laden film we find him hiring Jack (Chase Williamson) an eager guy who wants to make his first film. Given the script he feels he can put the film on the big screen. When Moseby wants to add a new twist to the production that will involve an actual killing, things start to get out of hand for Sam and the crew. (3 out of 5 Stars)
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
