Epoch (2000) (TV)

User Rating:

4.7/10   

Director:

Matt Codd

Writers:

Jonathan Raymond (screenplay)
Jonathan Raymond (story)

Release Date:

8 January 2004 (Finland)

Genre:

Sci-Fi

Tagline:

Evolution. Is this the beginning or the end?

Plot:

Disaster strikes as a specialised team of investigators struggle to find out the truth about a strange monolith which sends out an intercontinental signal. |

Plot Keywords:

Healing | Alien Technology | Jet Fighter | Military | Bible Quote

Cast

David Keith	...	Mason Rand
Ryan O'Neal	...	Allen Lysander
Stephanie Niznik	...	Dr. KC Czaban
Raul Julia-Levy	...	Jose (as Raul Julia Jr.)
Brian Thompson	...	Capt. Tower
Steve Bond	...	Col. Tell
Craig Wasson	...	Hudson
Michael Cavanaugh	...	Williams
Shannon Lee	...	Pamela
James Avery	...	Dr. Solomon Holt
James Hong	...	Ambassador Po
Joe Kelly	...	Control tech
Donald Li	...	Chinese scientist
William Zabka	...	Joe (Rover driver)
Marc McClure	...	German scientist

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some language and violence.

Runtime:

Australia:93 min | Argentina:95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M | Germany:12 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13 | Argentina:13 | Italy:T

Filming Locations:

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park - 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd., Agua Dulce, California, USA

Company:

Unified Film Organization (UFO)

Goofs:

Errors in geography: The opening scenes are supposed to be happening in Dreseden, Germany, but there are a few recognizable landmarks from Sofia, Bulgaria, the writings on the streets are in Bulgarian ('Chistota' on the thrash containers), the cars are with registration plates from Sofia, Bulgaria.

Movie Connections:

Followed by Epoch: Evolution (2003) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Real Deal

This movie is just fine, believe it or not!

For once I'm stumped by the cybercritics who contribute to IMDB. "Epoch" is not that bad Z-grade flick some cynics asserted. I was pleasantly surprised, which pleased my boyfriend, who wanted to watch another Sci-Fi film. I ate crow on this one after consulting this website. David Keith is an easy hunk who's engaging, and Stephanie Niznik does a Mary Wouronov-like turn as Kelly McGillis and Jodie Foster (the psychic lovers of "The Accused").

The movie's mystery is consistently upbeat despite the standard brutality of the military sectors. This is quite unusual, refreshing. Even the threat of nuclear war has a fey warmth in this tale, as if a blanket wrapped round you will neutralize the deadliest virus.

"Epoch" is consistently intelligence without arrogance. The cheap special effects are equally charming, evocative of the 1950s, and as effective as the inserted computer-generated screens that fill the film's landscape.

Brian Thompson actually does some character development as Captain Tower, and James Hong is spare and most amusing.

Lots of unexpected turns adorn this smoky gem. Congratulations to the cast and crew, and "Tsk-tsk" to all my fellow critics who dogged the show a little too communistically.