Almost Human DVD Review

    Actors: Graham Skipper, Josh Ethier

Director: Joe Begos

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 79 minutes

 

        There were times that the aggressive violence of Joe Begos film, including some graphic gore effects, reminded me of early Peter Jackson films. Jackson also learned how to utilize his budget by creatively creating the gore effects in his New Zealand horror films, and this is one aspect of filmmaking which Begos has proved himself capable in. It is in every other capacity of storytelling where his amateur abilities are more apparent. While the action and visual effects looked better than the budget, the dialogue and acting suffer from neglect and lack of talent.

 

        Taking the classic body-snatcher alien invasion narrative to rural Maine, Almost Human begins with a classic alien abduction prologue. When Mark Fisher (Josh Ethier) is taken in front of his girlfriend, Jen (Vanessa Leigh) and his best friend, Seth (Graham Skipper), they are left with a blurry memory of the incident. After two years have passed Jen is able to move on with her life, while Seth is plagued by premonitions of Mark’s return. When Mark does come back, he isn’t himself any more and the alien inside of him begins a violent reproduction procedure.

 

        I would like to go into greater detail about the film, but that’s pretty much it. The credits were dragged out to 8-minutes long just so this film would qualify as a feature-length film for certain festivals. No amount of technical prowess can make up for shortcomings in the screenplay. You can’t build a solid structure without a good base, and that is what a screenplay is for a film. Begos may be better suited directing a screenplay from someone with a clearer and more original vision next time. Or perhaps this film will be a good calling card to get him a career in visual effects.

 

        There are plenty of special features available in the DVD release of Almost Human, including two commentary tracks and a feature-length making-of documentary. Also included is an additional short film from Begos, behind-the-scenes footage, a photo gallery, and a plethora of TV spots and trailers.

 

 

Entertainment Value: 5.5/10

Quality of Filmmaking: 4/10

Historical Significance:  1/10

Special Features: 8/10



Follow Real Movie News on Facebook and Twitter