The Interceptor

As much as I hate to say it this seems to be Russia's response to "The Matrix", an awe-inspiring orgiastic extravaganza with revelatory fight scenes and a twist on what is reality. This version of Neo is a special operative Ivakin (Andrey Chubchenko), who in the opening scene tumbles from a plane through forest coverage and miraculously survives. From then on we get to meet Georgiy Kurylo (Aleksandr Baluev), a political figure with dark unclear plans (left unclear even after the end credits). Enter guns, hot chicks, fast cars, big blasts and a lot of meaningless filler.

A movie with such visual pizazz, but lacking any constructive build to punch home a semblance of coherency. Instead viewers are overladen with imagery, that is supposed to somehow supplant a story. The other extreme of American blockbusters, which feel the need to disclose every single detail, this pic goes to lengths to avoid explaining anything. The characters remain empty shells, which lack any emotional pull. It is essentially nothing more than a random sequence of extremely well-conceived, inpenetrable and imaginative set pieces and/or VFX, barely guled together by a convoluted and unfocused story, which does it's best to create an alienating experience.

By the end you don't really care about the story, what happens to our heroes or where this will take us in future outings. What's worse you stop even admiring the view.

Writer-director Konstantin Maksimov had a unique story to tell with a unique vision. Unfortunately he wasn't capable of conveying the message very clearly. The visuals are striking, but not much of the film or characters are explained, leaving the viewer dangling wondering what to make of it all. There are some nice action sequences, but they're few and far between and the accompanying music is very bland. Although the actors are trying their best, the plot is just too confusing for it to make sense.

Originally known as Smersh XXI but retitled Zapreshchennaya Realnost (Forbidden Reality) and then released internationally as THE INTERCEPTOR (2009), Konstantin Maximov's film has drawn comparisons with the likes of THE MATRIX trilogy (1999, 2003, 2003) and the BOURNE trilogy (2002, 2004, 2007) and it's entirely fair. It also reminded me a little of DISPLACED (2006). A simple action movie with a convoluted plot involving layers of reality and supernatural fighting skills, it's another example of Russia's attempts to emulate Hollywood blockbusters in their own unique way. Less unique than either NIGHT WATCH (2004) or DAYWATCH (2006), INTERCEPTOR is almost incomprehensible, it's only because elements are so familiar that you're able to follow it. While it has its flaws, it's under 90 minutes (is there a longer cut?) and there's plenty of action (although I feel the intensity of these sequences would have been improved with some better sound design) and I feel inclined to watch it again to try and figure out what the hell is going on.

This is a truly awful film, that has to be said, but somehow they've put so much energy into the special effects that it becomes sort of compelling, in the sense you want to see how bad it can get. The plot is a very basic, juvenile fantasy of good and evil. In this case evil in corrupt politicians who are run by evil forces from another dimension opposed by the good guys, a joint effort of a rebellious vigilante group, a lone wolf special ops agent and som white magic types that look like they may have escaped from a Canadian spin-off of Lord of the Rings together with the cheesy green screen backgrounds. The overall effect is rather as if you would start off with a Turkish soap opera, add some Transporter, a dash of The Matrix, some snatches from Counterstrike. It has a certain entertainment value if you don't have to pay for it.

This is a good action packed science fiction movie. Great action sequences, good story and fun to watch. The main character is also of the movie Zvezda (a action war movie, which is also very good).

Some of the story i didn't understand(so maybe it gets an 8 after all) because i got no good English subtitles.

The acting is good, and the visuals are fantastic. Just see the trailer and you know what i mean. This visual artist did also worked on movies like Night Watch and Day Watch.

Overall a good movie to see, and for the sci-fi fans a must see!

I look forward to see the sequel!

The Dutchman has spoken ;)