movieeffects Reviews

The Eastern Front (2020)

Good WW2 film. Don't expect Saving Private Ryan

[10 July 2020]

I really enjoyed this film. Interesting character arcs. Attention to detail regarding uniforms, vehicles and equipment. Amazing to see the wilds of the UK pass for Ukraine. Nice to see a Geman officer carrying a Papasha Russion Submachine gun. German soldiers often carried these weapons when they could find them on the battlefield due to there reliability. Great job on movie with a low budget.

Nydenion (2010)

Cool Science Fiction film

[8/10 · 23 May 2017]

First, I have to say I waited about eight years to see this film. I discovered this film's website around 2004. I watched its progress and finally found the film on the German Amazon site. I was not disappointed. "Nydenion" is a great slice of independent Science Fiction film making. Too often, reviewers compare these films to their big budget brethren. Yes, I am certain many "indie" or low budget film makers have grandiose ideas of making the next "Star Wars" or "Bladerunner". Its true, it would be awesome to have that kind of meteoric success out of the gate. But most low budget sci-fi film makers have limitations, generally it is budget. Budget limits everything, including visual effects, locations, quality of acting as well as production design, costumes, props even the story can be truncated by the budget. In big budget films you buy your way out of this. I know, I have worked on my share of big budget stinkers. Anyone remember "Super Nova"? Anyway, all that said, having received the film in the mail I wasn't expecting Star Wars. What I got was a cool story of a washed up ace fighter pilot sent on a secret mission with a shadowy taciturn passenger that he may or may not be able to trust. A taste of futuristic, corporate warfare and intrigue, topped off by betrayal. If it had a real budget and name actors most sci-fi fans would be ponying up 12 bucks in their local cinema on any given summer weekend to watch this film. Yes, the main characters are a bit stoic but I get the impression most people are, in this bleak future. I give these film makers kudos for the visual effects, production design, props and costumes. All that coupled with a pretty good score and story. "Nydenian" beats 90% of the made for Sci Fi Channel movies, out of the gate. I have worked on a few of those as well. You won't be wasting your time to give it a look.

Battle Force (2012)

Needs a military adviser

[1/10 · 23 July 2012]

We'll where to begin. These guys could have used a military adviser. Historical and specifically military historical accuracy were obviously not the "objectives" of this exercise. From the mish- mash of infantry weapons used to the Vietnam era M35 Deuce and a half's. The M35's are those two and one half ton cargo trucks that were used in the background of the garrison sequence. Also some one neglected to tell the film makers that troops were generally clean shaven when in garrison, especially officers. Wardrobe was all over the place. Female resistance fighter wearing contemporary clothing. US Army uniforms are a "hodgepodge" the German uniforms are none better. The Nazis are all on foot. Which is ironic since they kinda of perfected mechanized warfare can we say "Blitzkrieg" anyone? Oh yeah these guys are all members of the illustrious 1st Special Service Force. According to the synopsis on the back of the sleeve this takes place in 1942 unfortunately 1st Special Service Force didn't actually see action until May of 1943 and it was in the Aleutian islands in the North Pacific against the Japanese not the Mediterranean theater. They finally made it to Italy in November 1943.

One more tidbit regarding the box art. On the back is this nifty( Possible spoiler) artwork of an aerial dogfight between two P-51D's and a BF 109G (these are fighter aircraft). Doesn't happen in the movie. Please avoid this film. Believe the tag line. "The worst is yet to come" especially if you watch this movie.