Once Upon a Time in the Apocalypse

This is an independent film, written and directed by a first time writer/Director using mostly inexperienced film actors. Knowing that, here is my breakdown to help set your expectations accordingly.

Good: -The setting is stunning -Decent videography -Evie's character. Don't come for me, people. She kind of reminds me of how my neurodivergent daughter would be in a post-apocalyptic world with debilitating PTSD. That's how I explained her bizarre decision making skills to myself. And she was the only character that grew in the story. The first time film actress does a decent job with the character, given the script.

The bad: -The plot and script. Also, the trailer does not match the film in any way. I was perpetually confused. Are we in Mexico? Oregon? What war? This seems like standard Walking Dead fare until 25 minutes before it ended. The movie just goes off the rails. It felt like the writer was writing it as they were filming it. At no point did I know what direction the movie was going.

-The editing didn't help. They cut from one truck driving down the road to a driver but they weren't driving that vehicle. The overlaid music/sounds are so much louder than the dialogue at some points.

-The length of the film is off compared to other films of the genre. But I assume they had to cut more than expected. It seemed a lot longer than it was due to my constant state of confusion. I could never relax and just enjoy the film.

-The movie poster art is pretty good. But I think it gives the impression that this is a blockbuster film by a major production company. There creates a mismatch that helps fuel unrealistic expectations.

From the terrible cuts, scenes that add nothing to the actual story or plot and the worlds worst rap song I give the trailer the "lower than the fiery pits of hell rating. Like seriously.... This trailer is so bad, I already hate the movie.

I kept thinking this movie would get interesting, but it never did. The acting was really sub-par, the plot line was thin, and I am guessing that the budget was well under 6 figures. In other words, this is an hour and change I will never get back.

This is a pretty enjoyable apocalyptic indie film. Although it's really not set in the wild west although where it is set, the American mountains is an amazing setting and one of the highlights of the film. The characters are also kind of interesting, with the three main characters the man, the daughter and the sheriff all getting some decent screen time and being well acted.

It's really not bad - even if the story gets a bit weird near the end. The only thing is the music - really could've done without it. It's all in the ears of the listener but too me it didn't suit the film at all to say the least. The music and singing scenes dragged on and are the reason why I've taken off a couple of points here.

When I was in college, I dreamed of getting to this point. Having created a world by my own writing and filming. I give this film a ten not for the technical aspect or the performances. I give it because throughout the film, it reminded me of wanting to be a filmmaker.

The cinematography was pretty on point and the story was serviceable for a film of this budget. I hope these creators keep making films, because they have a passion I lost years ago.

I enjoyed the film plenty. It reminded me of a time on YouTube where I'd spend hours watching low budget producers just have fun and create these interesting worlds.