After an an outbreak of a virulent bacteria a secret military laboratory is sealed, causing conlicts within and with the miltary and townsfolk outside.
Reminiscent of The Crazies (1973) director Hal Barwood offers an interesting procedural safety protocol film. Barwood and Matthew Robbins' screenplay's delivers a somewhat accurate portrayal of biological safety protocols, specifically in response to an outbreak of a virulent bacteria. The first act is a little plodding rather than simmering, however, things heat up in the second act, with a rescue team setup (that Aliens (1986) would later borrow). The third act returns to clunky smidgins of staged violence, conflicts and viral tropes.
The on location feel gives weight to the proceedings, Dean Cundey's cinematogphery offers moodiness especially in the night time segments in contrast to the daytime scenes and clinical laboratory complex settings. With a suppoting cast of familar faces, including The Termintor's (1984) Rick Rossovich, the leads; reliable Sam Waterston, notable Kathleen Quinlan, with limited screen time Yaphet Kotto, and memorable Jeffrey DeMunn to name a few are more than adequate.
Warning Sign does for biohazards what Close Encounters of the Third Kind did for aliens, make of that what you will.
