Greetings
valued Dan's Movie Report readers. Across my desk from across the
seas in Australia comes a brand new Sci-Fi/action/drama/romance film
called 'Occupation'. Wait, Danny, how in the hell can one 2 hour film
be all of those things? Ha, well leave it to the Aussie ingenuity and
gumption to try to wedge a multitude of story subplots into the main
story. Essentially 'Occupation' is a combination of 'Independence
Day' and 'District 9'. Of course in 'Independence Day' aliens came
and tried to destroy us and then take planet, 'District 9', was more
of an enslavement thingy. Occupation has elements of both films, but
actually does something different. As awesome as the other two films
were, 'Occupation' does try to tell a human story, bringing a harsh
reality over the top of the invasion. The story unfolds, and the
major characters are developed, the audience is given a chance to get
to know them, so when something happens it has gravitas and impact.
In
order to review this film I watched it a three times as there is a
lot going on, you have the gung-ho upstart kid, who wants to be
involved, a couple with a baby on the way, that plays a major part in
story development. As the title says Aliens do come and occupy, but
the real drama is how the humans react to it, This is not the
"RahRahRah" of killing it is a human story of struggle of
survival. Perhaps mirroring the modern day world of Australia with
the very wealthy and very poor, the farmers and the wealthy land
owners. I know what my audience is thinking, did you really get that
much out of the film, I will be honest, not at first, but after the
third viewing 'Occupation' settles in and the hard work the cast and
crew put in this film is evident.
Bombastic
destruction, threats of poisoning our water supply, pushing limits of
humanity, 'Occupation' breathes a new wind into the old alien
invasion story. Director/Writer Luke Sparke manages to corral a great
cast of passionate people to push hard and release a film to be proud
of on a limited budget. Luke recognized the balance of character, and
the ladies in Occupation are not just wallflowers and love interest
they get in on the action, and drama. One of the highlights for me,
as an action lover, was Stephany Jacobson's portrayal of a fierce but
loyal woman who can fight, but also has a strong sense of family and
community. Stephanie worked hard on this film and it is on brilliant
display, exuding confidence and her heartfelt emotional outlook on
the dire situation. She brings in that Sarah Conner Terminator 2
mentality, she is tough when she needs to be loyal, yet can be
tender. Ms Jacobson is one to watch in the future. Of course the
entire cast is amazing, they were well rehearsed and all of the
emotional lines were delivered with passion and purpose.
I
guess it is a pacing thing, very minor gripe about the urgency of the
people when they reach an encampment. Chalking it up to trying to
live their regular lives, yet, would have been interesting to see the
entire film play out with the urgency of an alien invasion. Of course
with that urgency, the audience has no time to slow down and smell
the drama hah, so to speak, so it is a well worthy trade off.
Here
is to hoping a copious amount of Worldwide Sci-fi and action fans
will enjoy 'Occupation', as I did. Dan's Movie Report recommends this
film as a must own at 8 out of 10, it does get better after multiple
viewings. Kudos to the cast and crew on this one. Film had it's world
unleashing at the Ritz Cinema in Sydney! Tuesday, July 10!
Watch
for more exclusives, interviews, and more from cast and creators on
Dan's Movie Report!
Get Occupied! OCCUPATION will be in U.S. theaters, on VOD and Digital HD on July 20th. !!!
New Zealand July 26th!! For more information, please go to their official website below.
Get Occupied! OCCUPATION will be in U.S. theaters, on VOD and Digital HD on July 20th. !!!
New Zealand July 26th!! For more information, please go to their official website below.
The
battle for Earth begins in cinemas across Australia JULY 12
#UniteFightSurvive
Want to get in on the action before the nation-wide release?
Special Gold Coast Advanced screening Tickets >> http://bit.ly/GCOcM31
Melbourne Advanced Screening Tickets>> http://bit.ly/mlbocjn7
Want to get in on the action before the nation-wide release?
Special Gold Coast Advanced screening Tickets >> http://bit.ly/GCOcM31
Melbourne Advanced Screening Tickets>> http://bit.ly/mlbocjn7
