IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT KIM GENTES MOVIE REVIEWS
The appearance of a movie in this review journal does not mean that the movie is endorsed by Kim. He writes reviews of movies that he saw that he recommends people avoid as well as movies that he considers worth seeing. Aside from just critical approval regarding the film, some movies may not be suitable for you or your family. You must make that kind of determination on your own, and stay true to your own convictions on what is appropriate to see. Some movies are well made, but have offensive or difficult subject matter that is questionable to many viewers. Again, the reviews listed here should not be your only filter for whether or not a film is appropriate for you and and your family.
Additionally, Kim has his own view on what movies are and why he thinks they are a worthwhile aspect of current culture to be investigated. You certainly don't have to agree with Kim on his viewpoints of movies, and he would be surprised if you did.
Kim's thoughts on movies -
Movies are the modern art "experience" of our culture. They are transmitted in many forms, on screens in theatres, DVDs, television and even computers. They are the merge of classical theatrical acting and modern day technical set and experience creation (effects). The reason I enjoy and watch lots of movies is that they not only entertain, they communicate the nuances of our society. Of course, some have nothing to do with culture, its just greedy corporations trying to produce profits. I am a guy, and as such am not the ideal audience for romantic comedies or 'chick fliks'. However I am also a husband, and domestic bliss (as well as common sense) compels me to at least review them...occasionally. For the most part, you will find I like (and therefor review a lot of ) action, drama, science fiction, suspense and similarly themed movies.
Friday, December 31, 2010 at 12:07PM 
Aliens, borders and human smuggling - a new kind of monster.
| Overall Grade: | A- |
| Story: | A |
| Acting: | A |
| Direction: | B |
| Visuals: | B |
Summary: Are the monsters we create sci-fi movies about really Freudian projections from our minds? This movie about that and much more. Follow a couple finding themselves while trying to sneak past aliens and get into America!
Full Review: Imagine earth has been infected by alien life forms. For the time being it seems we have quarantined the aliens to a containment area in northern Mexico that we call the infected zone. The United States builds a massive wall along its border, hoping to keep the aliens out. Both Mexico and the US regularly deploy military operations against the infected zone, trying to eradicate the aliens. Against this backdrop, two people become stranded and are forced to try to make their way through the zone any way possible, trying to get back home to America.
Scoot McNairy stars as Andrew Calder, an American photographer who works for a popular magazine/publisher (we are never told the name of the publication). Whatever the name, the CEO of that company has a daughter who has been trapped in central Mexico by an attack caused by the aliens. She, Samantha Wynden (played by Whitney Able) is not badly hurt but is now in need of help to get her back to the US. Her father instructs Calder to escort her in the journey back to the US. What begins as a simple transportation task turns into an odyssey as the characters encounter constant detours (literally and metaphorically). The last reasonable option they have devolves into the most dangerous situation.
I won't tell you how they fair in reaching their destination. The movie is too good to give it away in a review. But the plot of this movie is, perhaps, the lesser of all its strong points. First, this is a low budget sci-fi. Because of that, the effects and visuals of the alien creatures seem almost 70s nostalgic in application. They keep the audience just on the edge of going "that kinda looks corny". But it is the avoidance of high-end effects that makes the viewing of aliens and visual displays return to a minimalist approach. And this actually works.
The subplot surrounds the relationship of the two characters, that grows throughout the film. As the viewer grows in knowledge of the world in which the film is set, parallels are constantly being alluded to regarding relationship (traveling/migration patterns of the aliens, mating rituals etc). Again, all this is just happening as the film unfolds and you don't catch it the first time through, but the subplot turns slowly towards the real intent of the film, not as a sci-fi, but as an emotional drama without the sappy discourse. I later learned that the co-stars of this film married due to their relationship that developed while filming this movie. It truly feels like you are catching that kind of chemistry as the film unfolds.
There are other obvious narratives that the writer/producers are trying to communicate with this film. Not the least of which is the building of a massive border wall, the military actions to secure the border, the labeling of the aliens as an "infection", the banter of the characters about what it feels like trying to get into America from the outside, and even the bribery and hiring of a crew of smugglers to try to get the main characters into America. This none-to-subtle allusion to US immigration policy seems obvious to me, but perhaps I am over thinking it. Maybe aliens are just aliens. I leave that to you.
The best part of this film is the pacing and the uncompromising acting by these two co-stars. You feel like the movie is too real, perhaps too plodding at times. But this is just how it should feel, I would guess. The mundane breakdown of equipment, the conniving deciept of the smuggler/dealers, the in-your-bones frightening scenes that turn out to just be nervousness, the terrible reality of a single dead human being- all of these things are in stark contrast to overwrought, flying, super 3D, city-destroying alien movies we've become used to. Here, the film makes you feel like you have to take it personally. And that is it's power.
It's been out for 3 years now, but for the thoughtful movie-goer, it is an excellent movie for your Netflix, Amazon Instant or rental queue. The director is already working on a sequel, and this is a film that could become one of those indie legends as the story unfolds. See it now, before the second film makes it a main stream Hollywood hit and you can say you found it before the crowd. I found this film on the recommendation of a friend. You should too. I'm your friend. Go rent or see it. Now.
Amazon DVD (or Instant) Link: http://amzn.to/14X81uz
Review by Kim Gentes