Greetings
valued Dan's Movie Report readers. The folks at Vision Films have
unleashed a thriller/drama called Eternal Code. The 'eternal code'
referred in this film is transferring mind to a new body. Two
corporations caught up in a merger, with ruthless thugs forcing the
merger to happen. Kidnappings, murder, betrayal, and general mayhem
all ensue!
Eternal
Code requires the viewer to be completely engaged, due to the fact
there are so many plot twists. The eerie relaxed pace adds some
tension, and allows the viewer to catch up, yet at a 106 minutes, I
felt that the run time is a bit too long, and there is a bit of
transitional time wasted. Unexpected turns in a film are amazing,
but if there are so many it can bog down the film, as good as the
Eternal Code story and idea is, the impact and message is at times,
muddled.
On the
plus side, the acting is natural and not forced. Richard Tyson as
Oliver brings a command performance to Eternal Code playing a vet who
is down on his luck, but has a conscious for others. Scout
Taylor-Compton is great as well, showing emotion, and concern. The
younger actors in the film do a solid job. Actually, this is one of
the strengths in Eternal Code, and for an indie film is refreshing.Executive Producer/Director/Writer Harley Wallen worked very hard on this film, and it is obvious from the quality of the acting.
I do
not want to spoil any of the plot of Eternal Code, but I will say, be
patient watching it. There is a moral character study occurring here,
and it unfolds as the movie progresses. The end of life technology is
never completely explained, nor explored that much, but implied. In
addition, there are so many characters introduced, there is just not
enough background material on them to initiate empathy when they
either expire, or someone close to them does. A second watch, which I
did, yields better results, and due to the plot complexity of Eternal
Code, it is nearly mandatory.
The
quality of the film, sound, editing, and ADR, is very professional.
All of the dialogue can be heard, even when a character is speaking
under their breath. Lighting, location and accouterments in Eternal
Code allow for an clear viewing experience. I am thinking with a few
less characters and perhaps 10 minutes of running time trim Eternal
Code could have been pretty epic. Even with the gripes I have,
Eternal Code is clever and engaging, definitely not a check your
brain at the door, film. With a variety of u-turns and worth a watch
for fans of dramatic thrillers. Admittedly, I struggled with a rating
score, as stated prior, a second viewing yields an evaluation 6.5
out of 10.
Eternal code is available for rent or purchase now on various outlets.
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