Official Denial

"Official Denial" easily overcomes it's budget constrained special effects with a fast moving, highly intelligent script. The film covers a lot of scientific speculation regarding U.F.O.s, alien cover ups, and alien abductions. Because interest is generated by what's being said, rather than what's being seen, the low grade visuals are not a problem at all. The entire production is very positive, and acted with enthusiasm not seen in many "blockbuster" movies. Overall a very entertaining and thought provoking film, that will reward multiple viewings. I highly recommend "Official Denial". The VHS is not easy to find, but well worth seeking out. - MERK

Chad Everet and Dirk Benedict as military officers denying the existence of UFO's. Parker Stevenson as the abductee whose life has been turned up side down. I know..I know..I know. But hold on this one is different.Parker Stevenson gives a sensitive, endearing performance when he first encounters the alien that the military have captured. It's reminiscent of "ET" but without the happy ending. It is not geared for small children.

I didn't expect very much from this, and I wasn't disappointed. First let me say the plot is generally strong - with good ideas and a strong (ish) finish. It's basically an X-files type story with a military cover-up going on relating to alien abductions....you know- quite a popular (unoriginal) story line that would usually mean a good film.

However here, a good story is hampered by actors that are ok for TV movies but serve to take away from the story by not being totally convincing, although in fairness Parker Stevenson does have several good sensitive moments. Also the production values are not that high, although there are plenty of on-location shoots, and the internals all look convincing.

The big fall down is the special effects which are of TV standard - it's hard to go along with the action when the aliens are so clearly children in suits and optical special effects are cheap editing tricks. For example when Stevenson meets one of his alien abductors, his performance means you believe he was abducted and his emotions are real - but you can't get over the fact that the alien is a small person in a rubber Halloween costume!

Overall what could have been a better film with a clever (if unoriginal) story is let down by TV acting and pretty poor special effects.

Having seen this movie on t.v one late night, i still look back fondly. This movie should be seen as fun, not serious (it had me in stiches). Underneath the poorly designed alien DOS and the incredible hairless man, is a well thought out plot line with serious undertones. But it cannot be taken literally, without wishing to give away any of the plotline, watchout for the shoulder carrying moment. Full of cliches, laughs, fantasticly corny and for those who need more, a good plotline i recommend Official Denial.

Movie was enduring as a depressed man claiming to be a victim of an alien abduction is used by an organization to gain info from a captured creature. Stevenson does well in this film as he shows his sensitivity and a sense of humor we rarely saw in the Hardy Boys. I loved the scenes with the alien and going up against Benedicts character. The story was well told as a tale of hope for the future. I recommend this as a feel good film but keep your hankies handy. Erin Gray was wonderful as Annie Corliss the supportive wife of Paul. The writers did well to inject humor into what could be a heavy subject. I thought some of the lines were priceless.