Evolution Creek

Evolution Creek is a tremendous creation from start to finish by Lee and Greg Bivens. To see such a huge undertaking by these two brothers culminate into a SOLD-OUT premiere night at the historical Strand Theatre, was truly something special.

Evo-Creek has it all; great acting, tremendous cinematography, beautiful girls, rockin f/x, and much more. The Bivens brothers finished a project that would be considered unfathomable to most.

Watching this movie with an amazing cast and killer special effects does not reflect it's shoe-string budget one bit. A truly original screenplay, I can't wait to see these guys with a budget!

This movie was clearly made on a very small budget. But, it has some great effects, a gorgeous setting, good green screening and quality actors. It's a classic indy movie that could become a cult film. It's got a lot to offer and appeals to a wide audience. There are elements of mythology, magic, nature, tribes, horror, comedy and a very unique setting. If the setting of this movie is a real place, I want to go there. The movie has a slow start and slow character build. But, shortly after, there are a lot of quick twists and turns. It is not predictable at all. The movie really allows your imagination to explore multiple possibilities. It's a great movie to watch on a rainy Friday night by yourself with the lights off. It can be a bit chilling at times, but not too overwhelming. I look forward to reading other reviews of this film.

A week ago, a good friend of mine showed a review given about this movie that was filled with lies. After a while, I could not let it sit anymore. Here is the truth:

There were less than 530 people at the premier of this movie, and there were plenty of seats open. Everything in this movie had amateur all over it. It makes Tommy Wiseau's "The Room" (ranked one of the worst movies ever made) look Oscar worthy. The only credit I will give is the VFX shots were good. I wish the VFX scenery shots lasted a little longer because I did not have time to observe where the story is being taken place – plus, they were impressive shots for a low budget movie. With that said, to let you know I was only able to watch about 20 minutes of the movie at the premier before I walked out. The acting was poor – did not connect with any of them because they were saying the dialogue instead of meaning it with emotion. The writing was very poor because there was not a protagonist(s) established within the first 10 minutes to let us know who it is we are going on a journey with. It was filled with cliché moments. For example, when a girl said she was going for a swim or to wash herself in a nearby lagoon and leaves… a random guy came up with an excuse (we knew he was lying) to leave too once the girl was gone. Do not do that. Also, I could not buy the "intelligence" behind the dialogue in a scene where scientists were analyzing some bones. They used simple scientific words that an elementary school kid would use once they learned the names of the main bones in the human body. To sound more intelligent in the science aspect, get more specific in the terminology. If the time was spent to do the research during writing process of the film, it would have came off better.

After those moments and a few more, I could not take it anymore and left, but I did not leave alone. A fellow viewer left with me as we went to a bar down the street from the premier for the rest of the viewing. We had a very good conversation about what I stated earlier. Plus, for $15 a ticket, that was extortion. I remember paying $18 to see the third Batman movie in IMAX and got my money's worth then. I did not get that satisfaction with "Evolution Creek".

The other thing that bothers me is there's a creature in the movie that LOOKS VERY SIMILAR TO THE PREDATOR – MOVEMENTS, SOUND, AND LOOK. This creature jumps from tree-to- tree… Predator. If you have not seen the movie, watch its trailer and you will see what I am talking about. I will not be surprised if someone from Stan Winston's Studio has filed a copyright infringement against these filmmakers.

I am well aware that this review is harsh, but it is the ugly truth. I give my utmost respect to Mr. Bivens for going outside his norm to do this film. He is a phenomenal artist who has painted many amazing portraits, but filmmaking is not the desired niche. In the end, please do not say anymore lies about the premier.

This film is really good considering it was created by two brothers with no staff and was shot outdoors on an island with absolutely no budget! I saw it at the world premiere which was standing room only (they said there were over 530 people there) and it was very fun! I was impressed by the quality of the cinematography and the realism of the VFX. Impressive considering it was made by two guys in a micro studio. The plot is very original but is a classic good verses evil. The actors look great and did a good job. The villains are intense and complement the beast that appears to mix things up. I thought the message in the film was kinda neat since it has a subtle spiritual message. I did not see to many mistakes in the film and I would watch it again.

Evolution Creek was amazing. It is a perfect mix of action, sci-fi, human interaction, spirituality... The acting is great; you would never know they barely had a budget. It's top-notch! The cinematography is just beautiful. Pretty amazing. And the special effects were downright awesome. The plot is great, and is a unique twist on a classic. They really make it their own. I knew the brothers were talented, but I was still blown away ~ and so happy to see the theater packed for its premiere. This is a Must-See for anyone interested in film. Very professional. Very sleek. I hope to see much more of the Bivens brothers in months to come. Keep up the good work!