Captain Valedor (2006) User Reviews

A different take

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 8/10 · 27 June 2008]

This is a much more ambitious production than the other of the same title. Where the first was a (marvelous, I might add)parody of old serials, this uses some of that in a concept rather unlike it. This is pretty dramatic, at times. It isn't always funny, but it almost never tries too hard to be, and the gags and jokes do mostly work. The plot is well-thought out and well-told, and develops nicely throughout. The pacing is just about spot-on. I wasn't bored for any of it. The effects are excellent. And I don't mean that in the way where you add "for a student film" to excuse it, no, they're plainly put invariably amazing. From what little I know of what they were going for, I'd say they hit it(and did so without the overall short losing its seriousness). The acting varies, but none is distractingly poor. The script is great, and I was surprised more than once by what happened. The dialog couldn't really be better, every line fits. The music is perfect, a magnificent score. The tone of this entire thing is achieved impeccably well. If broken down to its basic elements, the story is relatively simple... but the execution elevates it, and it's all told well. I recommend this to fans of Sanderson and Bertocci, their styles, and of course those who enjoy 50's sci-fi pieces, be it straight or spoofed. 8/10

Very creative and very enjoyable

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 5 February 2009]

This is a short film that at first looks like a single concept film. However, the more you watch it, the more you realize that there actually is some depth to the film and it does remarkably well for a film made by some film makers with only limited experience and funds.

The film begins in a setting that looks from the 1950s. A little boy is having a grand time playing alone--imagining he is the space hero, Captain Valedor. Then, when the boy's mother tries to talk to him, he ignores her--lost in his own little fantasy world that is very much like Buck Rogers. Soon, the mother brings a fireman who also tries to bring the boy to his senses--as at this point he's climbed up a tree and refuses to come down. Only when the father comes home and gets involved do you understand perhaps why the boy chooses this fantasy world.

During the fantasy sequences (which were in black and white), the special effects are CGI and the costumes are a bit cheesy (with trim made from cellophane). However, you really can't blame the film makers--it would have cost too much to do these scenes any other way.

I applaud the film for being a bit deeper than it first appears and for having a neat idea. I would really love to see more--perhaps a longer film with the kid and his alter-ego. Let's hope so!