Post by penno on Apr 24, 2008 3:00:25 GMT -5
Review of All For One
The opening scene of the film dives straight into some action with the execution of the Rebel leader. This is a good "in your face" beginning that drags the audience straight into the action. This is such an effective beginning as it is though the audience is dragged in half way through this dramatic scene, posing many questions as to what is occurring.
The following scene introduces the other rebel leaders planning the rescue attempt of Michael, which is disrupted by the attack of the elite forces. From here, scene after scene, action of various forms occur without letting the audience sit back and take everything in. The scenes following opening scene let it down, through its sheer pace and action. At no point is explanation given, or backstory provided. Not only does this leave the audience confused, but the film becomes hard to follow and at times boring, as its just a bunch of guys running around with guns. As the film is very Star Wars like, the audience is stepping into another world, a world full of rebel forces, and "The Elite". At the beginning of the film at no point addresses who the leaders are, why Micheal was captured, the situation, or why there is even a rebel force against the elite. After such an intriguing beginning, this information must be provided for full understanding and enjoyment of the first half of the film.
This leads onto my major concern of the film- it's way to short. This film is of epic proportions, very Star Wars like, however is very very short. The lack of backstory is alarming, as the audience is supposed to assume everything, especially in regard to why their is even an elite and rebel forces. At no point in the film were both sides existence explained or justified, besides the elite being "evil". Through lengthening the film these areas could be addressed, which would enhance the film and make it more interesting. This type of story allows so many different avenues to be explored, much like the Star Wars saga. Although the beginning scene was good, nothing was explained about it, which I put down to a length issue. Not only does it allow for various story lines and plots, but it allows sequels. This story has much potential which I didn't think was taken advantage of.
Some other issues with the film surrounded reality and logic. Things often didn't really sit right in regards to reality and logic, such as the hospital scene. Evan has been grazed from a bullet and suffered concussion and taken to hospital. But once the elite forces arrive, he jumps up out of bed, and finds his gun and starts shooting. Followed by jumping around and pushing hospital beds around. Being concussed is no walk in the park, and when this occurred it seemed a touch ridiculous. Despite this, it flowed well with the story and added to the action.
My other issue regarding logic and reality was dialogue. Much of the dialogue seemed forced and to formal for the various situations. An example of this being;
Matthew: Oh, no, this is horrible.
The scene involves the elite forces finding the rebel leaders in their hideout. If the enemy had found out where I was hiding, and came up me with guns, I would no be saying Oh no this is horrible. No one would speak like that.
The final scene is well setup despite the short nature of the film. This is then complemented with the major twist of Michael being the informant, and the plan the kill Steven, Matthew and Evan. The final battle scenes are classic, showing the downfall of evil, through what I think, was to much mercy shown by the Elite, as they should have shot Steven when they had the chance. This was a great ending to this short but entertaining film, leaving it open for further sequels and story lines (such as Steven being the hooded character at the end)
Overall the film contains solid ideas and story lines, and is generally well written. It is action packed with something exciting always occurring. It has much potential, and was entertaining especially near the end to read. The twist involving Michael was a great touch and ended the film well.
Cheers
The opening scene of the film dives straight into some action with the execution of the Rebel leader. This is a good "in your face" beginning that drags the audience straight into the action. This is such an effective beginning as it is though the audience is dragged in half way through this dramatic scene, posing many questions as to what is occurring.
The following scene introduces the other rebel leaders planning the rescue attempt of Michael, which is disrupted by the attack of the elite forces. From here, scene after scene, action of various forms occur without letting the audience sit back and take everything in. The scenes following opening scene let it down, through its sheer pace and action. At no point is explanation given, or backstory provided. Not only does this leave the audience confused, but the film becomes hard to follow and at times boring, as its just a bunch of guys running around with guns. As the film is very Star Wars like, the audience is stepping into another world, a world full of rebel forces, and "The Elite". At the beginning of the film at no point addresses who the leaders are, why Micheal was captured, the situation, or why there is even a rebel force against the elite. After such an intriguing beginning, this information must be provided for full understanding and enjoyment of the first half of the film.
This leads onto my major concern of the film- it's way to short. This film is of epic proportions, very Star Wars like, however is very very short. The lack of backstory is alarming, as the audience is supposed to assume everything, especially in regard to why their is even an elite and rebel forces. At no point in the film were both sides existence explained or justified, besides the elite being "evil". Through lengthening the film these areas could be addressed, which would enhance the film and make it more interesting. This type of story allows so many different avenues to be explored, much like the Star Wars saga. Although the beginning scene was good, nothing was explained about it, which I put down to a length issue. Not only does it allow for various story lines and plots, but it allows sequels. This story has much potential which I didn't think was taken advantage of.
Some other issues with the film surrounded reality and logic. Things often didn't really sit right in regards to reality and logic, such as the hospital scene. Evan has been grazed from a bullet and suffered concussion and taken to hospital. But once the elite forces arrive, he jumps up out of bed, and finds his gun and starts shooting. Followed by jumping around and pushing hospital beds around. Being concussed is no walk in the park, and when this occurred it seemed a touch ridiculous. Despite this, it flowed well with the story and added to the action.
My other issue regarding logic and reality was dialogue. Much of the dialogue seemed forced and to formal for the various situations. An example of this being;
Matthew: Oh, no, this is horrible.
The scene involves the elite forces finding the rebel leaders in their hideout. If the enemy had found out where I was hiding, and came up me with guns, I would no be saying Oh no this is horrible. No one would speak like that.
The final scene is well setup despite the short nature of the film. This is then complemented with the major twist of Michael being the informant, and the plan the kill Steven, Matthew and Evan. The final battle scenes are classic, showing the downfall of evil, through what I think, was to much mercy shown by the Elite, as they should have shot Steven when they had the chance. This was a great ending to this short but entertaining film, leaving it open for further sequels and story lines (such as Steven being the hooded character at the end)
Overall the film contains solid ideas and story lines, and is generally well written. It is action packed with something exciting always occurring. It has much potential, and was entertaining especially near the end to read. The twist involving Michael was a great touch and ended the film well.
Cheers
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