Skywatch

I can't wait.....this may take off the the Terminator series....This feels more relatable to what were living in these days

It's always exciting to spot a big-name actor in a short film-this time, it's Jude Law making a cameo in Skywatch, a 10-minute sci-fi proof-of-concept film. What sets Skywatch apart from other short films is that it feels like the opening scene of a full-length movie. I couldn't help but wonder what happens next.

The story is intriguing. Skywatch imagines a near-future where automated drones deliver online orders straight into people's homes, no matter where they live. The plot follows two teenage boys who hack the delivery system to prank their neighbors by changing what gets delivered. But their harmless fun takes a dark turn when they stumble upon a dangerous secret about the drones' real purpose. Worse, the drone company discovers their identities and sends the drones after them.

The production quality was impressive and exceeded my expectations. The setting felt realistic-like something that could actually happen soon-which made the suspense even stronger. While the idea of a tech giant hunting down hackers isn't new, the ending hints at a bigger, more complex story in Skywatch's world. I'd love to see Skywatch expanded into a full movie.

If I watched fewer short films then maybe I would like proof of concepts more than I do. Such films though tend to be basic, and quite often they are not showing that the story is worth spending longer on, or that there is a massive world to explore, but rather than they can do some cool effects with limited budgets so why not give them more. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but Skywatch is not it, as it has cool shots of drones, a big celeb cameo, a topical element, and some cool threatening scale. What it doesn't offer though is anything in the way of development or depth.

The film is slick enough for what it is, but it is never nothing more than an effects reel. The use of teenagers speaks to a Spielbergian approach, but this too is superficial in its nature and doesn't really deliver anything beyond that and it certainly doesn't deliver anything other than this link to that director. Effects are good, but it is too direct in their use, and there isn't any genuine tension, risk, or thrills. It isn't 'bad' but only because it is so produced, safe, and bland that there is little to elicit a strong feeling either way.

A well crafted film, in each aspect, from the teenager joke to the gift of the final scenes. A refreshing Sci. Fi,. about consumism and about the consequences of naive teenagers mistakes. And fine technology about a world of deliveries and about politic behind that. So, just beautiful. Sure, especially for the end.

Very enjoyable with a nice touch having Jude Law in it. Code 8 was another nice surprise that started out as a pilot.