Natural Selection

This movie was SO predictable, I had it figured out 15 minutes into the story. The acting was OK, but unfortunately, the dialog was an embarrassment, and got progressively worse until the inane conclusion, where everything was neatly wrapped up in a tidy package. So, if you know what will happen after 15 minutes, save yourself the time you will spend watching this, and move on to something worthwhile.

I think this was ultimately a Christian movie without being preachy, so have at it.

Natural Selection stars Mason Dye as the new kid in high school who has must moved to town with mother Amy Carlson. Carlson has never gotten over the breakup of her marriage and has sbstance abuse problems. Often Dye is the designated adult in the family.

Because of his home situation Dye doesn't make friends easily. One who does befriend him is Ryan Manzert who is friendly enough and acts as a protector of sorts. But is gradually revealed to be a very dark character.

Natral Selection is a well acted drama. But the pace is dreadfully slow. It's like an extended version of an after school special.

I think this does a good job of dissecting the idea of a school shooter type, but outside of building Indrid's character, everything is pretty slow, dry, and bland. This movie felt exceptionally long, and the first semi-interesting event occurs within 15 minutes of the end; left me feeling especially dissatisfied. Feels like a cheap and serious take on the Heathers.

While this movie definitely has a low-budget feel to it based on story, character depth, and music, it still manages to send an important message to the viewers.

We need more movies that bring up the end-scene topic - which is predictable - but it needs to be done with better scripts, casting, and musical score to reach people other than the Hallmark "after dark" and similar audiences.

In total, not bad for what it is. Nice to see a movie with an actual ending for once!