Monday, December 05, 2011

Looking at the Last Days in Apocalypse, CA: A Movie Review

*A screener of this film was provided by Chad Peter of NP2k Films.

Director/writer: Chad Peter.

Cast: Nick Mathis, Erin Bodine, and Anne McDaniels.

*Available on DVD, iTunes and Netflix Dec 13, 2011

REM could not be any more prophetic: It`s the end of the world as we know it. And for a small group of young adults, their last days are being told in a quirky weird fiction movie simply titled Apocalypse, CA. An asteroid will soon doom the entire world, and after the initial few months of panic by the world populace, and most of California vacated since that’s going to go first, the remaining handful are trying to understand their lives.

In this film, John Parson`s (Nick Mathis) world is the one that is examined. He is something of a beach bum with a few regrets in life, and he has plans to make amends with those he had close to his heart. Jacklyn`s (Erin Bodine) life, which is tied to Parson`s younger days, happens to be a childhood crush. When the two initially met, the results didn't quite go to Parson's plan. Even in adulthood, to see each other again also fell flat. But after Parson’s meeting with a mysterious radio personality, Sassy Boots (Elizabeth Sandy), what happens next is a product of science fiction—or should that be magic?

Parson gets his wishes fulfilled. In what results is a very didactic look at life, love, and turmoil of his past. That also includes a giantess wandering around California. How she ties in to Parson’s life is just as important, and the effects work to bring her to life, is the stuff of legend. This movie is one seamless product when it comes to practical effects and integrating an asteroid onto the digital landscape: it looks very realistic than over done—great job!

Director and writer Chad Peter has a very unique product that deserves re-watching in order to understand the emotions that are attached to this tale. He has an interesting cast of actors to deliver a very earthy performance in what would otherwise be an alien film.

This movie does not fit into an easy category. Surreal sometimes hits this product's presentation but there is more to this character study on celluloid than a look at subconscious desires. The feel of the script is very "Twilight Zone." While the setting is about the pre-apocalypse, the impending destruction of the planet is not at the heart here. There is some quaint poetry going on with the characters, especially from Boots who comes through as very Byronesque.

This product, like REM's song, is very much about the reactions to an external world that's interpreted through poetry. With this film, the environment is literally being seen through a filtered lens. When it's taken off, the world is better understood. And that's the beginning of one new life for John. There is hope at the end of the rainbow.

Overall: 8.5 out of 10.

The film's fan page is here:

Apocalypse CA at Facebook

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