The Stratum

This reminds me of a movie that might make it on SYFY at 2am on a Tuesday because they couldnt get anything else to fit the budget. Acting seemed forced. Writing was basic at best. The only reason it has a rating if 5 (for now) is because one of the stars of the film rated it a 10. (We see you Johnathan Medina) That's like saying you have the most beautiful baby when it looks like a goblin.

Avoid this flick, unless you: 1. Have the time to utterly waste.

2. You need to put something in the the hospital room of a coma patient (and they'll probably wake up to change it) 3. Run a CIA black site that needs to torture someone and you can't waterboard them.

I was hesitant to watch this movie based on the low review score on IMBD. However, I'm very glad I ended up watching it, even though it's nowhere near a Hollywood blockbuster financed affair. The story isn't unique and it borrows ideas and concepts from many other sci-fi movies but that isn't important or detrimental as you'll probably (if you're anything like me) find yourself rooting for the protagonists and willing them to succeed against the odds. The movie keeps up a good pace throughout and there's never a dull moment. The CGI isn't great but is certainly acceptable for this level of movie, and your fantastical mind forgives any shortcomings fills in any gaps. You not only get heroes versus villains in this storyline but you may be surprised to find out who is which if you stick with it until the final credits start to roll.

Incidentally, I was intrigued to watch the entire movie through to the end after reading some of the reviews on IMDB. So, not only do i disagree with those who cast doubt on the acting and special effects but I would go as far to say they are misleading and exaggerated negatively. I gave The Stratum 8/10 because I enjoyed it so much. Very well done to the director, cast and crew, for this little gem of a movie.

If you like Sci-Fi or Genre Movies in any capacity you, will like this movie! With Sci-Fi, does budget make a difference in how it's received? Absolutely, if you like Sci-Fi you probably like pretty space things and aliens that don't exist so a high budget movie with poor story can still be entertaining which obviously puts low budget Sci-FI movies at a big disadvantage. Luckily, "The Stratum" manages to have pretty good VFX for its low budget, to the point where you can stop thinking about the effect and just follow the story. Is it as pretty as the 50 million dollar version? Of course not, but the story here makes sense and progresses in an entertaining way with likable leads and villains. When you think of the fact that the crew was so minimal here with the two leads wearing many hats, it's even more fulfilling to have enjoyed. This feature is worth the watch and support, keep an eye out for their future projects, I definitely will be!

I finally got around to seeing this after the new york times reviewed and said it was worth watching and they were right it was a fun time. I appreciate an indie film that has an original idea and runs with it! Usually I don't like scifi stuff but this was good and the lead actress did a good job. I don't really understand the negative reviews, like, the sets weren't star wars but like I'm not really sure what you were expecting? This is an indie film that has personality.

Also I love Ramin Karimloo so that probably influenced my enjoyment of the movie but still it's a good time and doesn't take itself too seriously.

Not sure what the deal is with the low ratings.

The movie has obviously been produced with a low budget. I saw a CPU cooler strapped on a plastic gun and the futuristic walls are done with package material. The scene with the landing of the rescue pod was highly unrealistic. The pod landed so roughly no one could have ever survived that.

Nevertheless the CGI was done very well and the acting was very reasonable too. The main female character is a hottie. In all, I would support initiatives like these because they reflect a honest body of work with real enthusiastic participants. I'll bet they go one to do greater stuff.