I was visiting a friend in Columbus last week, and happened to catch a mention of this picture. We went not really knowing much about it, but have since found the web site. Bloody great stuff there.
As for the film, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As a fan of independent cinema, and of all types of genre films, this was refreshing. It was clear in watching the film that the filmmakers were working as true independents with a love of film and film-making.
Obviously done with a with a less-than "Hollywood" budget, this picture is nonetheless ambitious and delivers. The performances were solid, with a balance of internal human performances along side scenes that call for old-school Hollywood stalwart heroism. Nicely done.
The trappings of the film, the uniforms, weapons, vehicles, etc., along with the special effects and CGI work... all very nice - real production value here. Surprising to see on this level in that they really went for realism. I've seen a LOT of indie genre films, and when they use CGI, digital effects, makeup effect, and all of that, they usually go way over the top....or it just plain looks bad. Not so with Horrors of War. These guys made the effects work for their film and stayed within the realm of realism not accounting for werewolves and super soldiers, that is. :) What I also found interesting about this film was that it plays as much as a war drama as it does a scifi/horror picture. The main characters of, Schmidt and Russo I think) are very well drawn, and are given dimension and depth which feels reel (kudos to the actors). I also liked the range of supporting characters, a staple of any good war movie. The young sergeant and the sniper were strong as was the "bad" captain, and the rest of the team brings a lot of personality to the picture.
Overall, this was a well-made little indie genre gem. These guys really have it together. Hats off.
As for the film, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As a fan of independent cinema, and of all types of genre films, this was refreshing. It was clear in watching the film that the filmmakers were working as true independents with a love of film and film-making.
Obviously done with a with a less-than "Hollywood" budget, this picture is nonetheless ambitious and delivers. The performances were solid, with a balance of internal human performances along side scenes that call for old-school Hollywood stalwart heroism. Nicely done.
The trappings of the film, the uniforms, weapons, vehicles, etc., along with the special effects and CGI work... all very nice - real production value here. Surprising to see on this level in that they really went for realism. I've seen a LOT of indie genre films, and when they use CGI, digital effects, makeup effect, and all of that, they usually go way over the top....or it just plain looks bad. Not so with Horrors of War. These guys made the effects work for their film and stayed within the realm of realism not accounting for werewolves and super soldiers, that is. :) What I also found interesting about this film was that it plays as much as a war drama as it does a scifi/horror picture. The main characters of, Schmidt and Russo I think) are very well drawn, and are given dimension and depth which feels reel (kudos to the actors). I also liked the range of supporting characters, a staple of any good war movie. The young sergeant and the sniper were strong as was the "bad" captain, and the rest of the team brings a lot of personality to the picture.
Overall, this was a well-made little indie genre gem. These guys really have it together. Hats off.