Despiser

This is a neat little independent film, produced with barely a budget and lots of initially cheesy digital effects, but the creativity of the filmmakers and cast shines through, and I found this to be quite enjoyable once I accepted the appearance of the effects. The film is almost entirely filmed with digital effects providing all the backgrounds and sets, with the exception of scenes in the protagonist's home, which were filmed at writer/director Philip Cooke's own home. The CGI effects are video-game quality, lacking the kind of realism we are used to in big budget films like LOTR and the lot, but they actually add to the film's fun and sense of unreality, as the protagonist joins a band of freedom fighters struggling to survive in purgatory. Nicely scored with at atmospheric electronic ambience, good action, enjoyable film. Put aside your notions of ILM-grade CGI effects, and enjoy the film for what it is, a visual comic book story made with love and creativity. Yes, it's made on a home computer with off-the-shelf digital effects software, but it works. Giving the film's style the same suspension of disbelief you give to its fantastic storyline will result in an enjoyable experience. The DVD extras are good, and Cooke provides a running director's commentary enhanced in a few places by a couple of the actors. The commentary is great; Cooke describes candidly how the film was put together, the challenges and solutions, and gives credit to his handful of compatriots.

If this film were mediocre, it would be boring. Thank god it's really, really bad! It's the kind of bad movie where every detail invites you to wonder how the decisions that resulted in what you're watching got made. Who thought it was a good idea to set most of the movie in virtual sets that look like PS1 cutscenes? Who thought we were going to root for a protagonist who doesn't do his job, doesn't provide for his wife, and doesn't see anything wrong with driving drunk? Who thought we wouldn't notice or care about the glaring inconsistencies between where he dies and where he resurrects? This movie fails spectacularly to meet its own ambitions, but those ambitions are just so bizarre that they're mesmerizing. You won't walk away thinking you just watched a great movie, but you'll be glued to the screen while it's on!

Yes, there are more CGI scenes than life action scenes. Yes, the CGI isn't up to the "Final Fantasy The Movie" level. Still, the plot and acting here are VERY good, and I for one didn't find the CGI all that distracting. I guess that since I see a LOT of truly bad movies, with godawful effects, this one being a CGI vehicle didn't ruin it for me. Its a low budget flick, what do you expect, Jurassic Park? Its better than "Conversation with An Alien".

I saw this thing and thought, ";Hmmm. People trapped in Purgatory. Have to fight demons to get out. COOL!"; Well, I took it home and watched it. It was a genuinely decent film. Now, I know there are some draw backs that will effect people in a negative way. In fact, this is why I rated it lower on the stars ratio. The story itself: Good. The acting: Good if not Great. If this had been a Stephen King film or Clive Barker even, it might have gotten a budget it deserved. As I watched it, I kept waiting for a commercial as it looked like something I'd watch on FOX some evening. If you're a horror/action fan, it's a decent flick worthy of seeing at least once on a night you have nothing better to do.

OK, right up front, obviously extremely low budget. However, accepting, and forgiving that, this is an extremely well made and entertaining film. A good example of what artistic and creative filmakers can do, even without a big hollywood studio behind them.

I mean, what a unique and fresh premise!!! What would happen to aliens who died on Earth? That's what got me interested. I especially enjoyed the fantastic pergatory and the collection of heroes from various times. Great, original idea, with alot of potential!

The overall look reminded me of Babylon 5, with all the CGI, but it also conveyed this weird Wizard of OZ surreal, dreamlike feeling. I found it very intriguing. The pace moved quickly, the dialogue was witty and often funny and the plot was pretty simple to follow.

Although some may be turned off by low budget indie productions, I highly recommend DESPISER. It's just fun to watch, and that's what it's all about.