Assimilate

There is absolutely nothing new or memorable about this movie whatsoever. That's not saying that it's horrible or unwatchable, just completely forgettable. The story has obviously been done before and in much better fashion. The overall production of the film is average at best and doesn't necessarily drag the film down, but is not going to win any awards either. Overall it's just lackluster and kinda boring. 4/10

Decent storyline but not executed very well. Well acted and shot but ultimately kinda boring. Not terrible but forgettable effort.

It seems to me that when I am set up to believe a movie is probably going to be a not-so-great experience, I wind up liking it. Conversely, when reviewers rave about a movie, a lot of times I am disappointed. This is one of those movies where I wound up liking it in spite of the bad reviews. I was on the edge of my chair for much of the movie.

Yes, it was a remake of the pod people movies, but with some different twists. Just like with the endless iterations of zombie and vampire movies, it's a formula that works over and over again. ...Another guilty pleasure!

Complete rip off of Body Snatchers, and that was a better film. Only the two main boys were decent actors, the rest of the cast were awful. I actually really did like the very end scene, but mainly it was a snooze fest.

Missouri town's folk are being duplicated, assimilated and replaced by otherworldly inhabitants. Two switched on streamers go about trying to expose the horror with the help of their friend and a cop before their small town is overrun.

From the outset strangely there is no credit to the source material despite clearly being an adaptation of the or remake of The Body Snatchers (1956), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), Body Snatchers (1993) and/or Invasion (2007). While the similar film The Faculty (1998) was a homage of a number of sci-fi films director writer John Murlowski and fellow writer Steven Palmer Peterson, on the nose, assimilate the aforementioned adaptations.

Murlowski's direction has plenty of visually dark and interesting elements, the special effects, especially the creatures are notable. Along with Damian Horan's cinematography the on screen shenanigans offer dread and tension, which Sven Faulconer's music complements. To Peterson and Murlowski's credit the story with the POV, internet streaming aspect is sparingly put to good use and works within the story. The downbeat closing pulls no punches, and has a double little twist, a satisfying end on an end.

All the cast do a fine job, unlike most adult cast adaptations this has teen mostly leads. Joel Courtney as Zach and Andi Matichak as Kayla are particularly impressive. Notable with limited screen time is Cam Gigandet as Deputy Josh Haywood. Courtney and especially Matichak keep the proceedings, kinetic and grounded with solid performances.

It may be on the same level of some of its predecessors (or credit them); but thanks to a few fresh tweaks and the two young leads efforts, this 'adaptation' is certainly worth a watch.