Fire City: End of Days

I just turned it on for background noise to fall asleep then ended up staying up to finish it. Pretty neat film and I recommend it

Right from the start Fire City: End of Days got a big A+ rating in my book simply for the extensive and impressive use of practical effects. For a fantasy thriller and a low budget indie feature this film is remarkably deep and equally dark. For those of you familiar with Angel, the Buffy spin off, Fire City treads kindred ground steeped in the shadows and dust of an urban underworld. For all that this film bears in promise, it ultimately falls short somehow with its bewildering climax that feels both rushed and drawn out somehow. We are set up to expect more installments in the series that continue the story of Atum Vine (installments I await with more anticipation than I had for Desolation of Smaug (!).

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of Fire City is not a part of the story, but rather that the film strains its scant budget to the max, popping seams along the way.

I really enjoyed this little film. Little bit different from all the other horrors around. Worth a watch.

Vine, a disillusioned demon, is forced into a choice to save his brethren or an innocent human girl when the misery his kind feeds on is diminished.

Director Tom Woodruff Jr. (special effects maestro, know for Aliens) offers a surreal neon monster demon film packed with makeup and special effects. Ryan Leach score enhances the vibe in this overlooked tight budgeted film with few locations. Although big on concept but small in scope and budget it has a comic book feel, and visuals echoing likes of Nightbreed, with touch of Hellboy.

The cast do a great job, nonchalant Tobias Jelinek is notable giving a standout performance as Jack Nicholson-like Atum Vine. Danielle C. Ryan Is memorable as Cornelia. Both Kimberly Leemans as succubus demon Amber and young Sara played by Keely Aloña deserve a mention.

Overall, it may not have the budget of the aforementioned, but with its premise and makeup effects Woodruff delivers enough horror ingredients to make it worthwhile.

The story had some issues and at times reminded me of a late night HBO flick. There were certain aspects I really wish they had cut out and perhaps elaborated a bit more on others. Even though we spend most of our time with the demons, I never really felt close to any of them with the exception of the main character. I'd have liked to have seen more WHY.

What really made the film were the costumes. Nightbreed kept popping into my head as I watched. That's something I give a lot of weight to in a film and for the most part, they were done well. Especially when it came to Vine.

Another pro of the film for me was the acting. I just kept hoping for a better, more cohesive story.