Official Denial

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.

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.

"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

Official Denial has much to recommend it and also much that I did not like. The negative points were the risible aliens/spaceship/cardboard soldiers/"spirit world" native American, all of which appeared to be out of a comic strip. Also Dirk Benedict who was totally unbelievable as a bad guy. The special effects also gave the film a feeling of a childrens TV programme.

The positive side was the fine and sympathetic performance of Chad Everett as the General and also the ending which was quite ingenious. It was great to see the power shift from the Everett character to the Parker Stevenson character, who knew the secret at the end. The secret itself was a nice touch as well and ended the movie on a high note.

Erin Gray looked pretty throughout but was not entirely convincing as the long suffering wife with the "fruit loop" husband. Although she appeared worried she did seem to take it in her stride a little too easily. "My husband is a nut", "Ho hum", "Just another daily happening". That was not quite believable although she gave a good performance, as did Stevenson.

There were some good one-liners and a healthy cynicism about governments and the military. The plot was strong also and it did all come together at the end. All in all this is a film to watch a second time but certainly not a classic, for me.