The story concept may have sounded unoriginal, but there was something oddly intriguing about it. Have an appreciation for action and science fiction, good to classic films in both categories, and they have been known to gel very well together as well. Expectations were not enormous for 'Shockwave', having seen some really bad concept wastes and terrible examples recently of action and sci-fi individually and together, but part of me was hoping that it would somehow work and rise above any such limitations.
No such luck. First things off, there are definitely worse films out there than 'Shockwave', of both genres individually and together and overall. It's not even one of the worst low-budget films or worst concept wastes seen recently, and boy have there been a lot. My conflicted feelings and fears before watching proved not to be irrational for a film that mostly lives up to the words "shock" and "disaster".
Being a fair reviewer trying to see the good in bad or disappointing films, who actually hates giving out low ratings and writing negative reviews, the camera work is okay and the scenery likewise. To me the good qualities end there however.
'Shockwave' is sloppily edited and drably lit which does make it to completely appreciate the good things. The sound and scoring are intrusive, over-obvious and look cheap even.
Despite some degree of initial promise, the story is silly and predictable with no tension or suspense. Some of it takes itself too seriously too. The action is unexcitingly choreographed, contains the worst of the sloppy editing and generally just looks laboured and silly. The sci fi is confused, utter gibberish, less than thrilling and ridiculous, the lack of research is obvious and there is an improvisatory feel at times it felt.
Worst of all are the effects, direction and script. The effects are awful beyond description, even for low-budget. The direction shows someone ill at ease, or more unfamiliar, with the material and even more so someone who had no idea how to direct the film or what to do with it. It really does compromise the acting, which never rises above mediocre throughout. Not surprising with such amateurish direction and a completely witless and cheese and awkwardness laden script.
Overall, saying that 'Shockwave' is very bad is being kind. 2/10 Bethany Cox
No such luck. First things off, there are definitely worse films out there than 'Shockwave', of both genres individually and together and overall. It's not even one of the worst low-budget films or worst concept wastes seen recently, and boy have there been a lot. My conflicted feelings and fears before watching proved not to be irrational for a film that mostly lives up to the words "shock" and "disaster".
Being a fair reviewer trying to see the good in bad or disappointing films, who actually hates giving out low ratings and writing negative reviews, the camera work is okay and the scenery likewise. To me the good qualities end there however.
'Shockwave' is sloppily edited and drably lit which does make it to completely appreciate the good things. The sound and scoring are intrusive, over-obvious and look cheap even.
Despite some degree of initial promise, the story is silly and predictable with no tension or suspense. Some of it takes itself too seriously too. The action is unexcitingly choreographed, contains the worst of the sloppy editing and generally just looks laboured and silly. The sci fi is confused, utter gibberish, less than thrilling and ridiculous, the lack of research is obvious and there is an improvisatory feel at times it felt.
Worst of all are the effects, direction and script. The effects are awful beyond description, even for low-budget. The direction shows someone ill at ease, or more unfamiliar, with the material and even more so someone who had no idea how to direct the film or what to do with it. It really does compromise the acting, which never rises above mediocre throughout. Not surprising with such amateurish direction and a completely witless and cheese and awkwardness laden script.
Overall, saying that 'Shockwave' is very bad is being kind. 2/10 Bethany Cox