directed by:
Cody Vibbart written by: Cody Vibbart genre: Sci-Fi, Action |
Well, hot damn reader! I've finally come across a low budget animated film I actually like. It's a shame this didn't come out ten or fifteen years ago, because it would have fared a hell of a lot better visually. Even then, it wouldn't be considered blockbuster quality animation - but still one hell of a feat. Actually, "The Exigency" is one hell of a feat because visuals aside, this was a pretty decent flick. Perfect? No-no, of course not but enjoyable? Yes and yes because Cody Vibbart has provided one thing - that is for some reason is not included in the genre billing. Comedy. Not only does "The Exigency" not take itself incredibly seriously, but it also doesn't expect you to do so either. Mixed in with the action is humor, reminding me of the old "Naked Gun" films, AKA the "Police Squad" titles. It's this joyous comedy that steps up this film. Of that, there is no question.
Quick description? Kyle is your almost typical nine to five office worker on the verge of a big promotion. As the meeting with his crazy boss continues to get better and better, and weirder - a space ship appears and begins attacking the building. More specifically, attacking Kyle himself who clearly isn't surprised at all by the appearance of alien life. After collecting his family, Kyle is then rescued by aliens from the planet Gallesha. As it turns out, he's a big alien war hero who came to Earth to start over. Now, his skills are needed again and the king has sent for him. Thus begins the near 2 hour would-be epic from Cody Vibbart. Nothing you haven't seen before, but then again - how many original action science-fiction flicks have you seen recently? Let me clear the air right away - the character models are truly not up to snuff, although I swear they look better by the end of the film - or maybe that was my eyes adjusting to them. But it's not all bad, a lot of the background scenery and robots look pretty cool, that's neither here nor there though. The voice acting ranges from pretty decent at points, to simply being alright but again, that's not the real likable thing in this film either. That honor goes to the heaping addition of comedy. Ranging from flat out to completely dry - but still funny. The jokes do die down a little somewhere in the latter half of act two, but still exists. It's the comedic chops that make this film what it is. No question about that.
The other elephant in the room aside from the character models? The movie's length - absolutely it was longer than it needed to be. Considering the content, a half-hour shave to the edit would have really helped. Leaving in only the best of the best would have improved pacing, and allowed the comedy to be more front and center. And that's just it reader, "The Exigency" is billed action but the focus should have been honed to action-comedy - I really feel this film could have nudged out an extra half star. It's the slowdowns that really hurt this film, not the severely dated character models or cliche plot. A cliche plot can be forgiven because quite frankly, most movies follow the same basic structure - the same basic plot. But two hours is a lot to ask unless a directors cut is needed - especially for a low budget animated film. My one personal complaint? The open-ended finish to the movie. 'Nuf said. So here's the deal - grab a beer or your favorite drink and leave your expectations at the door. "The Exigency" really is a fun film, if you know what you're getting into. It's one of those movies you watch with friends and only to have a good time. Obviously, not perfect - but still loads of fun. Three stars. |
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