Jenesis This mega-low-budget science fiction thriller delivers on many levels, but causes yawns on a few others. But let's not start this blurb with bitchiness - first, a plot recap. A space shuttle thing crashes in the desert stranding the two man crew, who are both convicts. Quite why criminals are being trusted as test pilots is never explained, I assume because they are expected to crash and burn. Literally. After a bit of running and gunning with post-apocalyptic desert scavenger types (and some truly impressive visual background effects), they enter a labyrinthine series of tunnels to complete a secret mission which will earn them a reduction of their sentences. The film is basically a two hander for the first three quarters of hour, with Ike Aaron Stielstra and Brendan Guy Murphy carrying the show on their own. Great work by both, though it was strange to see Stielstra playing a "normal guy" rather than his usual gurning, gibbering retard. Took me a while to acclimatise. Unfortunately, once the two enter the underground tunnel system after a promising first ten minutes, things bog down with a buttload of talk, complaining and interpersonal waffle. Like Thomas Magnum lost at sea, the film treads water for far too long and this viewer started getting a bit fidgety. The welcome arrival of the babelicious Kimberly Parmon and a truly horrifying villain kickstarts things again, and things get scary and messy leading to a rousing but slightly predictable ending. Though the film, upon geeky analysis, is a mishmash of bits and pieces from a few other sci-fi and horror classics, there is enough originality and effort involved to make this a commendable feature. Special credit to the costume department for a fine line in utilitarian futurism. Well worth watching, and not just for fans of dissonant film scores created on a melted Korg keyboard.

znowhite01 After two space prisoners crash their aircraft in the desert, they enter an underground hallucinatory bunker under orders from a company willing to knock time off their sentences upon completion of a mysterious mission. Ultra indie sci-fi effort squeezes every last penny from its wallet, AE and available warehouse sets to convincingly portray a beautiful/ugly fantasy world. The film relies heavily upon its two leads (Wild Dogs alumni Aaron Stielstra and Brendan Murphy) who endlessly bicker and whine much more than your average space detention criminals, but add a level of professional that clashes with some of the sillier plot elements that later enter the picture. Which is part of the problem. The film's first act is so good and gritty it's like a Don Siegel program with nomads and Mad Max action, including a documentary-lite space shootout complete with bo staff needles and other crap I can't even explain. The story soon takes a more whimsical sci-fi turn with the heroes walking around and talking in set after CG set, which admittingly look good, but bring the pacing to a grinding halt. Some other mumbo jumbo, inner and physical demons appear but can't do much to elevate the already sloggy second act, further compromised by a weak Slayer character and it's decision to drop the second male lead from the plot (only to later appear in a dynamite return). But even if the monsters and demon children threaten the established dark tone, they are appropriately gooey, atrocious, and most importantly, scary. Visuals are as good as they can get from a DVX100 with lots of balanced lighting, pleasing widescreen compositions and stark contrast, all accompanied with a decent score. Perhaps some more cutting all around would help things, but as it stands, a highly recommended and enjoyable effort. 7/10

HughBennie-777 Extremely promising sci-fi thriller boasts some spectacular production design and moments of satisfying action only to become diluted of much of its suspense and believability. This the result of a weak third act, and, worse, a tragic choice to inject fantasy into the movie's gritty atmosphere. Acting is strangely fragmented in places--likely the result of a long period of production--but the two leads have plenty of charisma and chemistry, even if, for playing hardened convicts, it's hard to accept them as anything but average, clean-cut joes in space-suits. Script doesn't allow its lead characters much variety of emotion, and one wishes for more surprises, even violence, to erupt between them. Considering their predicament, the convicts' bickering relationship grows wearisome, as well. The movie's subterranean hell-hole is magnificent to look at, yet doesn't detract from the amount of pedestrian travel in the movie. Thus, the on-screen time devoted to showing the characters' entries, exits, and steps in-between is enough to justify a retitling: "The Men Who Walked An Entire 90 Minute Running Time". Decent score is reminiscent of "Blade Runner" era Vangelis, and a John Carpenter style dirge near the end provides some welcome nostalgia for decent sci-fi/horror music. Vivid cinematography is a plus, as well. As for an earlier blurber making the ignorant (and curiously anonymous) comment about the unprofessional nature of some of the actors, it's not only inaccurate, but if there's anything "groan-inducing" about the performances, it's the movie's unfortunate grafting on of fantasy characters burdened by flowery language ("sun spiders"?). The contrast in style is jarring and the resulting scenes become an intrusion. Great diabolical effects and a rousing finale make this well worth a watch. Undoubtedly, a better than average straight-to-video genre film and deserving of more attention.

Naaszaz This is actually a great example of what a little ingenuity and perseverance can get you. The budget for this film was in the $25,000 dollar range. It's not Iron Man, but it is amazing what they were able to do with such a small budget.The miniature work is excellent. It is a sign of the times, when a few guys and girls from Tucson can produce a good little film without the stress of Hollywood. As a long jump into the cold world of film making "The Men Who Fell." holds it's own.Keep an eye on the technical elements and pay attention when this group of film makers gets their next one done.