Innocence Saga I: The Innocent Killers

I believe i'm hooked! Brett Mauser did a great job kicking off the Innocence Saga. His ability to draw some of the finest talent from all over the central Texas area while working on a shoe string budget is a true testament to the respect he commands as a proved filmmaker. The story was intriguing enough to keep my interest throughout and had me eagerly awaiting the next installment. I can't even imagine trying to complete ten quality feature length films in the span of twelve months! Ponderous productions has accomplished this feat and delivered not only a truly entertaining series of films but has given the independent film community the template for indie filmmaking. Brett Mauser shows how thinking "Out of the Box" can turn dreams into reality!

This one as the beginning, sets the stage for a roller coaster ride, you'll wish never ends. The introduction of the characters is only the beginning as these same characters continue throughout. With these beginnings a story in itself as an introduction to many more to come. Brett, you weave a story line that allows for sitting and watching just one or at the same time, setting in a wonder of what will come next. I encourage everyone to watch each and every episode, but it all begins with this one. Even though this series is written to enter at any point, with each episode the knowledge gained only enhances the over all experience. It all begins here.

"The Innocent Killers" is the first of ten movies in "The Innocence Saga" serial. The entire saga was shot over the course of just about 2 years with an extremely low budget (the entire saga's budget probably wouldn't come close to equaling just the coffee budget for a Hollywood 'A-list' film!), yet Brett Mauser and his Ponderous Productions team put together an engaging 'science-fantasy' storyline with characters the audience can care about. As Sam Raimi and Renaissance Pictures did when they made their first movie, "Evil Dead", Mr. Mauser and Ponderous found unique and creative ways to overcome their budget shortfall to make the production happen and get "The Innocence Saga" distributed to the public.

A big round of applause to the team at Ponderous and a special "Huzzah!" to Mr. Mauser for assuring the movie-viewing public that creativity is still alive and well in the movie industry!

This series, and this movie in particular is a must for any aspiring Indie filmmaker to watch. Ponderous Productions does an excellent job of weaving together an intricate story with believable characters in an impossible situation. Now, while the lighting and sound may not be the best, most movie goers do not go to see a movie because of the use of light.

Innocence Killers starts out with a bang and does not let go. One can see the passion and energy that went into this series. This movie introduces us to all the major characters and begins us on a journey that ends in a way that no one quite imagines. If you are looking for a movie with clues to the secret and plenty of red herrings, then here it is. The brilliance of this movie is that it takes several watchings to learn how the clues all tie together in a neat little box.

I have to admit...I hated the beginning. I think Loveland would have become one of my favourite characters! The story quickly spins into a bizarre conglomeration of mystery, ideas and theories that can be debated and argued upon for days. That is, of course, one of the reasons that I find this film so fascinating. Imagine if Hollywood could stop retreading ideas that ran out of life 20 years ago!! If NOTHING else, this film has such a fresh and unspoiled perspective on it's own mix of genres that I can't help but watch it again and again just to better understand the concepts and appreciate the thought that went into the writing. Add the sincerity of the production members, and I believe that this film will keep you thinking about it...and discussing it...long after the credits roll.