Ok, the GOOD:
There's a lot to like here. First off, they shot it on the Alexa - which is no small feat on a tight budget. Camera work? Solid. The '80s actors and references? A delightful touch. The sound design starts off real rough, but by the third act it actually finds its groove. Acting-wise... it's a mixed bag. There are standouts, though. Anthony Michael Hall - legend - absolutely flawless in the few scenes he's in (probably three, maybe four days on set, tops, so don't blink). Lisa Whelchel and Dee Wallace? Great '80s additions, even in their brief moments. And who doesn't love America's dad, Reginald VelJohnson? Sam Jones? That guy makes everything better.
The leads grow on you - seriously. They get noticeably better as the film progresses, which makes me think they might've shot it mostly in order (just a theory). So yeah, lots of good stuff here.
Now, the Criticism:
This movie changes tone more than any film I think I've ever seen. It starts off quirky - almost a comedy - with a few cringe moments, sure, but it's kind of charming. And then, boom, by the end it veers hard into drama and darkness. I was sitting there like, "Wait... what is happening?" It's just kind of bizarre.
Also: it's not sci-fi. That's a bait and switch. It's a drama. Straight up.
There's way too much exposition. Like, way too much. Classic "tell me, don't show me" problem - and that's the quickest way to lose an audience. At one point I literally thought, "Tolkien couldn't follow this plot." Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh - but still.
That said, I've got a soft spot for low-budget films. I've made a few. They're tough. No one sets out to make a bad movie - it's a craft, and you learn by doing. So I hope the filmmakers see this as encouragement to keep going.
Because here's the thing: it has heart. Especially in the final scenes with the mom and daughter - that hit.
So yeah, not perfect - but a bold, heartfelt swing. And sometimes that's enough to make it worth watching.
