The Stratum

The low 3 stars score the movie currently has is undeserving. First, Cyberpunk movies are a rarity and as fans we'll take what we can get.

Hacking sequences were done well enough. They were not as realistic as Mr. Robot, and Matrix' power plant hack, but not nearly as horrible as Hollywood's usual flying 3D cubes nonsense.

If this had Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt starring in it then the score would be 7 which is incidentally what Passengers has right now even though it's a horrible movie. So that's what I'm rating this.

While unrealistic that the science macguffin would be developed in the location it was, at least the premise was grounded in reality. No alien wormholes or ambiguous "ghosts in the machine" here.

This reminds me of a movie that might make it on SYFY at 2am on a Tuesday because they couldnt get anything else to fit the budget. Acting seemed forced. Writing was basic at best. The only reason it has a rating if 5 (for now) is because one of the stars of the film rated it a 10. (We see you Johnathan Medina) That's like saying you have the most beautiful baby when it looks like a goblin.

Avoid this flick, unless you: 1. Have the time to utterly waste.

2. You need to put something in the the hospital room of a coma patient (and they'll probably wake up to change it) 3. Run a CIA black site that needs to torture someone and you can't waterboard them.

Not sure what the deal is with the low ratings.

The movie has obviously been produced with a low budget. I saw a CPU cooler strapped on a plastic gun and the futuristic walls are done with package material. The scene with the landing of the rescue pod was highly unrealistic. The pod landed so roughly no one could have ever survived that.

Nevertheless the CGI was done very well and the acting was very reasonable too. The main female character is a hottie. In all, I would support initiatives like these because they reflect a honest body of work with real enthusiastic participants. I'll bet they go one to do greater stuff.

I was hesitant to watch this movie based on the low review score on IMBD. However, I'm very glad I ended up watching it, even though it's nowhere near a Hollywood blockbuster financed affair. The story isn't unique and it borrows ideas and concepts from many other sci-fi movies but that isn't important or detrimental as you'll probably (if you're anything like me) find yourself rooting for the protagonists and willing them to succeed against the odds. The movie keeps up a good pace throughout and there's never a dull moment. The CGI isn't great but is certainly acceptable for this level of movie, and your fantastical mind forgives any shortcomings fills in any gaps. You not only get heroes versus villains in this storyline but you may be surprised to find out who is which if you stick with it until the final credits start to roll.

Incidentally, I was intrigued to watch the entire movie through to the end after reading some of the reviews on IMDB. So, not only do i disagree with those who cast doubt on the acting and special effects but I would go as far to say they are misleading and exaggerated negatively. I gave The Stratum 8/10 because I enjoyed it so much. Very well done to the director, cast and crew, for this little gem of a movie.

When you get scrape up enough money as an actor and want more exposure this is the usual method. Write, direct and star in your own film, then have another actor help you out, and call in a few more favors and buddies in the industry.

I'm not sure what I was expecting but I didn't last long. I think this is one of those movies where I had to quit and decided to watch the preview instead in hope for a summary. Too many cheesy amateur acting and that's not my thing.

When you get scrape up enough money as an actor and want more exposure this is the usual method. Write, direct and star in your own film, then have another actor help you out, and call in a few more favors and buddies in the industry.

I'm not sure what I was expecting but I didn't last long. I think this is one of those movies where I had to quit and decided to watch the preview instead in hope for a summary. Too many cheesy amateur acting and that's not my thing.