Retrograde (2004)

Two time travelers with opposing views are sent back to the present aboard a research ship in the Antarctic to prevent a global biological disaster from occuring.

Director:

Christopher Kulikowski

Writers:

Christopher Kulikowski (story), Tom Reeve (screenplay),

Stars:

Dolph Lundgren, Silvia De Santis, Joe Montana

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dolph Lundgren	...	John Foster
Silvia De Santis	...	Renee Diaz (as Silvia de Santis)
Joe Montana	...	Dalton
Gary Daniels	...	Markus
Joey Sagal	...	Andrew Schrader (as Joe Sagal)
Ken Samuels	...	Robert Davies
David Jean Thomas	...	Jefferson
Jamie Treacher	...	Mackenzie
Marco Lorenzini	...	Bruce
Scott Joseph	...	Greg
Adrian Sellars	...	Keith
James Chalke	...	Vacerri
Nicolas de Pruyssenaere	...	Ichek
Dean Gregory	...	Central Command Leader
Derek Kueter	...	Charley

Storyline

In the not too distant future, a team of genetically unique men and women, lead by John Foster, make a daring, first attempt trip back in time in order to prevent the discovery of meteors containing a deadly, off-world bacteria... a bacteria that brings humanity to the brink of extinction. Unbeknowst to John, a mutinous officer named Dalton has personal greed driven plans of his own for a new life in the past. Set aboard a ship trapped in the Antarctic, fate and chance forever alter the lives of a group of scientists and polar researchers who encounter John and Dalton. The opposing time travelers soon discover that their return to the present day, sets into motion the terrible things to come.

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Plot Keywords:

future | action hero | standoff | suspense | violence | 

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Taglines:

It could be the end of the world as we know it.

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Genres:

Action | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, language and some drug use

Details

Official Sites:

First Look Studios [us]

Country:

Luxembourg Italy UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 January 2005 (South Korea)

Also Known As:

Commander

Filming Locations:

Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carousel Picture Company, The, Time Studio, Gruppo Minerva International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed in only eighteen days, edited in two and a half weeks, and mixed in one day.

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Goofs

The x-rays keep changing position when Jefferson and Renee are looking at the them. By the end of the scene the middle x-ray is upside down and backwards from the way it was in the beginning.

User Reviews

Not Bad For A Dolph Movie

Although "Retrograde" may be a tough find and I'm not sure of its shelf life, the film, on the whole, was not a bad piece of sci-fi entertainment for avid Dolph Lundgren and Gary Daniels fans. First and this is unfortunate, the film clearly didn't have the budget to really make it sparkle. However, for a Dolph movie, it's ambitious and different from the usual cop / secret service characters he's

played in the past. Also, Dolph looks pretty damn good for a guy in his mid- forties! The same holds true for Gary Daniels, who shines nicely in a fourth billing role, but who stays clear from his usual kick-boxing action.

From the start, Retrograde opens with some uneven and disjointed editing. In fact, this problematic issue presents itself later in the third act. There seems to be a scene missing between our lead villain, played with controlled intensity by Joe Montana and the film's spunky lead girl, Silvia De Santis. Also, the ending, feels like its missing something. Again, this may be due to money, time

constraints and or bad choices. In catching Kulikowski's first effort, the ultra low budget sci-fi drama, "Aurora", I doubt it had anything to do with him. His credits in post production are strong, but one never knows.

For a film of this type and budget, the effects weren't bad and the setting

interesting; an ice cutter and crew trapped in the Antarctic, battling a deadly off- world bacteria and a group of commandos sent from the future to kill them.

Other positives include the music score and action, once it gets going and the story, which holds up well, despite the occasional weak choice in editing and cinematography. There's also some very good performances by Gary Daniels,

Silvia De Santis, Joe Montana and the ice cutter's doctor, David Jean Thomas.

On a scale of one to ten, I give Retrograde a 7 1/2.