I was prepared for low-grade sci-fi action. From the outset it was clear how low a budget this claimed. While I maybe should have known better based on Bruce Campbell's involvement, what I was not prepared for was abject tongue-in-cheek schlock. Exposition is startlingly direct, the finished film includes flubbed lines and what would in any other production be dubbed "bloopers," and the acting ranges from suitable but unremarkable to questionable. One can only wonder if much of the acting is a result of deliberate ham-handedness, bad first takes, bad direction, or simple inability. Please don't miss the outrageous first death scene, and note the clear inspiration that this picture takes from the first 'Die hard,' or scenes and story beats that it outright borrows. Suffice to say that 'Assault on Dome 4' is not major studio fare, and is a bit of An Experience.
This isn't to say that it's not enjoyable. While obviously steps down from a genre essential, it's modestly well made such as it is. This only the second credit for writer Hersh Rephun, or director Gilbert Po, and that inexperience surely does shine through at times, but their contributions are baseline competent, with some genuine cleverness every now and again. Special effects are less than seamless and a little garish at points, but practical effects are decent enough, and any stunts or moments of action are done reasonably well, if suffering from the stated low budget and level of experience. The filming locations, sets, and props are swell. And while the cast mostly struggles owing to one factor or another, the least that can be said is that Campbell is absolutely having a great time portraying antagonist Alex with all the playful, self-confident smarm that he can. Relegated to a smaller supporting part, Jocelyn Seagrave demonstrates more polish in her acting than arguably anyone else involved.
With all this said, even at its best the level of entertainment that 'Assault on Dome 4' can provide is probably restricted to the most open-minded of viewers. Between Po's direction, the limited resources, and general meager pacing and low production values, there are times when this absolutely struggles to inculcate a sense of authenticity that would best sustain suspension of disbelief. I commend the earnest effort everyone put in to make this a fun sci-fi romp, and it does succeed in some measure - this is, ultimately, all that it wanted to be, and doesn't carry illusions of being anything more. Yet there's no mistaking that this exists on at best the middle portion of the spectrum of quality and value, and is best reserved for those who already appreciate B-movies. For such viewers, this isn't a must-see in any way, but it's passably satisfying for what it is, and sometimes this is all we want in a film. Save 'Assault on Dome 4' for a lazy day, then just shut off your brain and enjoy a recognizable and reliable bit of silliness.
