Engrossing post-alien invasion documentary-style affair.
by Nav Qateel
In the year 2021 the Earth is invaded by aliens that are dubbed “Heavies.” It takes a year for the world’s armies to repel these invaders. It’s now 2033 and there are still small pockets of resistance from Heavies that were left behind, with the main concentration of these huge aliens to be found on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. What’s left to defend Earth are small units of elite soldiers, who are manning the most hostile DMZ’s right on the frontline. Our destination is Outpost 37, and two journalists have shipped in with the last three replacement recruits the outpost will ever have. This is the documentary made of their time in the most dangerous place on Earth.
Co-writer-director Jabbar Raisani has crafted an engrossing faux-documentary filled with realistic action and some wonderful special effects. The writing was a little shaky in places as certain facts just wouldn’t stand up to close scrutiny, however, because Alien Outpost was so enjoyable, I found myself forgiving most of the things that didn’t make sense.
- Alien Outpost
- Directed by
Jabbar Raisani - Cast
Adrian Paul, Reiley McClendon, Rick Ravanello - Release Date
30 January 2015 - Nav’s Grade: B
*****
Apparently, and inexplicably, (or allegorically if you’re into making comparisons with today’s state of affairs with the war), the world has forgotten about these soldiers that are bravely manning the outposts and risking their lives. No one wants to know anymore and that’s the reason the journalists are making a documentary. I find it hard to believe the world would turn their back on the fact that 8 foot tall aliens with massive laser guns are running around slaughtering people at will. But that’s one of those things I was talking about forgiving.
This is less District 9 and more Restrepo, as Raisani goes for realism in Alien Outpost, and as far as this reviewer is concerned, he pulls it off nicely. The acting is absolutely solid, as even the growling commanding officer doesn’t ham it up with over-the-top lantern-jawed machismo as is normally witnessed in this type of effort.
I found the pacing just right as we move through the three acts perfectly. Once identities are established, the action starts to come faster and harder, and we find ourselves following the men of Outpost 37 as they start to investigate why the Heavies are starting to act differently. This part I found a little frustrating as I thought it was rather obvious. But I’ll let you find out for yourselves.
This is one genre fans should really enjoy.
