'Five days of fire' seems to represent the first feature of filmmaker Mason Stoddard, who would go on to make the surprisingly excellent movies 'No precedence' in 2011, and 'Chasing shadows' in 2017. Both these reflect the utmost indie, low-budget, homespun production, and that is far more so for this - accordingly the creation of high school students. Make no mistake, these truths are plainly evident throughout this film, with indelicacies, rough edges, and inexperience shining through in every aspect. There's no sense in discussing each at length, because the amateur nature of the picture is just that prevalent, and all but universal.
I'm not writing this to hammer on every insufficiency, however. Because the fact remains that despite the obvious limitations, 'Five days of fire' is an earnest endeavor, and I'd argue better than one could possibly expect. With co-director and fellow writer Max Daines, Stoddard has crafted a screenplay with a surprisingly solid narrative that ably kept my attention. Yes, the dialogue and character writing are marked with difficulties by any comparison, and the absolutely green acting from all players is a heavy cross to bear as a viewer. But the story is built on admirable scene writing, and one can't not take into account that this a collaboration among teenagers - with impressive access to weapons, uniforms, and film-making equipment.
Though the audio mix leaves a bit to be desired at points, the sound effects are actually quite adequate; what meager special effects are employed are suitable, and honestly look better than what we sometimes get in marginally more "advanced" features. And the score composed by Aaron Pike isn't terribly remarkable, but is adept enough to defy our assumptions. And so it is with the movie as a whole - no one will ever confuse this with 'Saving Private Ryan,' but given the level everyone involved was operating on, there's no reason for 'Five days of fire' to be as good as it is.
Entertainment here requires that one can overlook the shortcomings of a nonprofessional cast, and budding skills of direction that were only just developing. Yet the story is complete and sturdy, every passing moment as it is written is sound, and the overall result is, against all odds, enjoyable on its own merits. I think 'Five days of fire' is a swell reminder that just because a cast and crew is making a movie on the most basic stratum doesn't mean they can't work a success. Passion and determination can go a long way, and this is the proof.