Flashburn (2017) User Reviews

Slow, plodding, illogical-- and bogus reviews

[Snootz · 3/10 · 13 December 2017]

If one looks at the "sparkling" reviews here it will be noticed they were all left within 2 days of one another. Far from being a 9 & 10-star film, this is a plodding, boring, illogical piece of nonsense that makes "straight to DVD" look like an Oscar winner.

Being already aware from the summary that the main character is looking for a cure to the virus... early in the film he is prevented from going outside a building because he "may be exposed". Yet almost immediately he finds himself in the company of an infected victim, with apparently no concern that she's exposing him every second he's with her. It goes downhill from there.

When a film relies on fake reviews to catch attention, that tells us a lot about its quality from the beginning. Be warned: this is a SyFy-quality film that will have you yawning within the first 20 minutes. If you take anything away from it at all... it will be a nice nap.

Terrible

[gpantalone · 1/10 · 18 July 2019]

The acting was terrible, the writing was weak and cliche, and the characters were shallow and empty. This was a complete waste of time and money. "Open the bay doors, HAL". "I can't do that, Dave." "Daisy, Daisy, tell me your answer, please." Just nonsense.

It's like someone filmed a video game. And not a good one.

[fad-38798 · 2/10 · 14 December 2017]

This is not a sci-fi thriller. It is a tedious, mawkish 2-dimensional linear script mess.

I'm not sure which film garnered the high scoring reviews under the title 'Flashburn' but I'm pretty sure it was not the one I watched.

Not sure where to start? The story might have been intriguing for a 15 minute short, woefully inadequate for the 90 minute snoozefest. As it stands, it is repetitive and requires far too much 'tell' and not enough 'show' to make things move. The plot reversals are amateur at best, and again, repetitive.

Dialogue is strained, and the 'computer voice over' both annoying and yes, repetitive. The script itself is basic, not a lot of acting skills required, and most of it is delivered in either excited (and repetitive bursts) or wondering monotone.

Production values are as low as one can get, but they did make good use of what they had, most scenes had plastic sheets and diffuse lighting as the backdrop and the empty run down warehouse did create an atmosphere, just not a very good one.

The acting was good, unfortunately limited by both script and dialogue. The two main actors had good range and delivery, their performances giving a weak film some structure.

On a positive note, for those involved in this film, they can only move onto better things.

Would I recommend this film? Hell no.

Good acting and good ending.

[ropipgi-581-487166 · 2/10 · 13 October 2022]

There is no doubt that this could have been a really good movie. With the current situation of several pandemic strains in the world, what seemed like an unlikely situation for humanity, the background of this movie seems quite possible today.

Sean Patrik Flanery is acting above everyone else in the movie, and he have clearly become an AAA actor and even better since the days as Indiana Jones.

The music is awesome, and it was a good idea to spend some extra money of the budget to get a known composer that could capture the mood of the story.

I loved the couple of twists and turns and they capture the slight panic, doubts and handicap of someone with memory loss.

Now , why the low score ?

Everything else in the movie screams " low budget ". I looks like a weekend project by a film student. They clearly had to cut scenes and places to film, by budget reasons, but that means that some dialogue in the beginning of the movie, doesn´t really add up as there probably were some actions scenes that had to be cut. The CGI is also really bad by 1995 standard, even worse today.

Good acting and great storytelling!

[alexthesundancekid · 8/10 · 5 December 2017]

Post-apocalyptic stories add an extra level of difficulty in storytelling and to deliver a world that has ended. This movie avoids the cliché of focusing on the circumstances of surviving in this world and rather focuses intrinsically on a kidnapped scientist and his efforts to discover a cure for the monster he created which destroyed most life on the planet. A story of this caliber requires competent direction so the audience can enjoy the story as it is told. Another strong point of this project is the realistic acting of the main character, portrayed by Sean Patrick Flanery; his contribution to the film is essential. His acting is exceptional and speaks a lot for his experience as an actor as well as director Giorgio Serafini's mastery in guiding his actors to achieve what he has envisioned. Overall the film is very entertaining, the story line is both enjoyable and well-delivered, and it is a fantastic source of inspiration to all independent filmmakers.

Thought this was slow, but a good ending

[dpraptor · 6/10 · 7 June 2018]

This is my 1st review, and I have no associations with anyone related to this film. I thought this movie was OK, the acting was average, although I really like Cameron Richardson. She made staying with this worthwhile. While the story was very slow, and sometimes quite awkward, it was a decent sci fi idea that could have used a lot more action or twists to liven it up. But I really liked the ending, it made the movie worth staying for. I guess people who are not hard core sci fi fans would not like this film as much, but from a story point of view, I do recommend it.

no hesitation in recommending this

[andreat-54280 · 7 December 2017]

I would have no hesitation in recommending this sci-fi thriller to any moviegoer looking to bite their nails completely off their fingers! Flashburn is a clever, heart-pounding thriller that keeps you questioning what's real. The anticipation kicks off from the first scene and then spins you around with a plot twist that leaves you with your mouth open. The characters have great chemistry but you can feel the secrecy that hides behind the tension. The main actress (Cameron Richardson) did an amazing job selling a compelling character with sinister moments that makes the audience question if we can trust her. She complements the main character and runs the plot into an unexpected twist.

action packed, will leave you gripping with suspense!

[khanditalopes · 9/10 · 7 December 2017]

Director Giorgio Serafini's Flashburn is an action packed sci-fi thriller that will have you gripping with suspense. Dr. Wes Conan's ( Sean Flannery) world is turned upside-down after an accident leaves him suffering from severe memory loss. He soon learns that the fate of the nation is depending on him to find the cure for a viral epidemic that only he knows. This film is an intense race against time that sucks you in from start to finish. The labyrinth nature of the plot keeps you begging for answers and if you're anything like me you'll start to yell at your TV. If you don't mind suffering temporarily from high blood pressure than Flashburn is a film you need to see!

A virus is released and Wes Nolan has to try and snap out of his Amnesia and figure out where he left the antidote

[vsteiner-19036 · 7/10 · 7 December 2017]

Giorgio Serafini did an outstanding job with the film Flashburn. He captured the perfect world while also featuring experienced actors. Sean Patrick Flanery's acting in the film Flashburn made the virtual reality he was in so believable. I could really connect with his character, Wes Nolan. His character was in the same position as myself. This was a very clever plot device to use, so that everything would have to be explained to the viewers. As details were revealed in the story, we had to decide whether we believed it or not, just like Wes. Sean Patrick Flanery truly exemplified his character, adding to the plot and helping with his character development.

Original and Thought Provoking

[goffproductions · 10/10 · 4 January 2018]

I just watched this movie and wasn't sure what to expect, but loved it. It was a ride worth taking! Very good storytelling. The acting was great, especially the lead actor. I would highly recommend this movie.

Flashburn is Far From a Flash in the Pan

[averymccain · 8/10 · 5 December 2017]

Flashburn is an endlessly twisting post-apocalyptic Sci-Fi movie that I can't get enough of. It combines the severity of man-made diseases and the real world impact in movies like Epidemic with some very sharp twists that could rival Shutter Island. The movie keeps you constantly guessing what is real and what is the illusions of our brain trauma addled protagonist Wes Nolan (Sean Patrick Flanerly), who suffers from severe amnesia. His quest for a successful vaccine is endlessly intense with the fate of the entire world resting on his shoulders. The confusion is turned up several notches when Wes is also infected with the pseudo- zombifying disease, Flashburn, and his race against time before he loses his sanity.

Fun to watch...Sean is Awesome!

[chris-21480 · 8/10 · 15 October 2019]

This is a cool flick. Some of the gun flashes look hokey, but the overall feel of the the film was interesting and worth the watch.