Despiser

This is a neat little independent film, produced with barely a budget and lots of initially cheesy digital effects, but the creativity of the filmmakers and cast shines through, and I found this to be quite enjoyable once I accepted the appearance of the effects. The film is almost entirely filmed with digital effects providing all the backgrounds and sets, with the exception of scenes in the protagonist's home, which were filmed at writer/director Philip Cooke's own home. The CGI effects are video-game quality, lacking the kind of realism we are used to in big budget films like LOTR and the lot, but they actually add to the film's fun and sense of unreality, as the protagonist joins a band of freedom fighters struggling to survive in purgatory. Nicely scored with at atmospheric electronic ambience, good action, enjoyable film. Put aside your notions of ILM-grade CGI effects, and enjoy the film for what it is, a visual comic book story made with love and creativity. Yes, it's made on a home computer with off-the-shelf digital effects software, but it works. Giving the film's style the same suspension of disbelief you give to its fantastic storyline will result in an enjoyable experience. The DVD extras are good, and Cooke provides a running director's commentary enhanced in a few places by a couple of the actors. The commentary is great; Cooke describes candidly how the film was put together, the challenges and solutions, and gives credit to his handful of compatriots.

Yes, there are more CGI scenes than life action scenes. Yes, the CGI isn't up to the "Final Fantasy The Movie" level. Still, the plot and acting here are VERY good, and I for one didn't find the CGI all that distracting. I guess that since I see a LOT of truly bad movies, with godawful effects, this one being a CGI vehicle didn't ruin it for me. Its a low budget flick, what do you expect, Jurassic Park? Its better than "Conversation with An Alien".

OK, right up front, obviously extremely low budget. However, accepting, and forgiving that, this is an extremely well made and entertaining film. A good example of what artistic and creative filmakers can do, even without a big hollywood studio behind them.

I mean, what a unique and fresh premise!!! What would happen to aliens who died on Earth? That's what got me interested. I especially enjoyed the fantastic pergatory and the collection of heroes from various times. Great, original idea, with alot of potential!

The overall look reminded me of Babylon 5, with all the CGI, but it also conveyed this weird Wizard of OZ surreal, dreamlike feeling. I found it very intriguing. The pace moved quickly, the dialogue was witty and often funny and the plot was pretty simple to follow.

Although some may be turned off by low budget indie productions, I highly recommend DESPISER. It's just fun to watch, and that's what it's all about.

Are you people INSANE?????

This movie is the worst movie ever made. Of course I love terrible movies and so I laughed my butt off through about 99% of this movie. The crappy CGI effects and the "enigma-esque" soundtrack were clinchers for this one. I can't wait to own this and show it to all my friends so they can see how awful movies can get.

Despiser gets a bad rap on this board for being so low budget, but if you watch the 'making of 'stuff on the DVD you realize that this is made by a guy who isn't connected to Hollywood geographically or otherwise ( Phillip Cook). The actors are mostly friends and obviously aren't Hollywood types- I find that refreshing. While people complain about the extensive use of low-end CGI effects, I find the effects to be one of the elements that makes Despiser such a charming experience. The effects don't try to fool you, they serve the overall look and ingenuity of the production. Hollywood effects often cost millions of dollars and are created on extremely expensive workstations but usually don't fool you either so this makes the effects in Despiser feel more honest and artistic. .This film is a very large and ambitious vision pulled off for very VERY little money, with a decent video camera, home computers, and sets built from stuff purchased at the home depot. In spite of it's home-made feel I don't consider this to be amateur or naiive cinema because it actually consists of a well thought out story and production. I totally admire this films gusto and ingenuity. 9 out of 10 stars.