Specter (2012)

Now that I have secured some stuff to create a makeshift Ebola protection suit, it is definitely time to kick back and relax for the evening. I am actually working two different costumes tomorrow, first with some Ebola moments followed by some Nightmare of Elm Street/Freddy Kruger time. Now, to the blog; next up the 2013 indie flick Specter.

Plot/ The town of Midground is threatened by a tsunami caused by a massive earthquake in the North Pacific Ocean. After other unexplainable events transpire, Chase Lombardi and friends are forced to discover whether they are experiencing a natural phenomenon or something else all together.

Specter is an intriguing flick that definitely takes on multiple genres inside its condensed storyline. While it is an interesting mix of found-footage drama, Sci-Fi and thriller, it possibly bit off more than it could handle. Unfortunately, the found-footage aspects of the film may of led to some of the unrefined and uneven moments inside (although, that format does lead to a few of the highlights of the film). Yes, there are some positives with the interesting story and decent nature effects, but those cannot overcome the unevenness built from some of the camera decisions and visualizations. In the end, this is definitely more of a supernatural themed thriller than straight horror flick and will not be for everyone. Sure, it has some good moments, but for the most part, it does not match its overall potential.

 

Orca (1977)

If you have read the blog, you already know Jillian’s fascination with shark movies. Every once in a while, I have to change it up a bit, and give her a variety of man versun nature, animal creature features. My selection for her this time was the 1977 creature feature Orca.

Plot/ After witnessing his mate and child's death from Nolan's hands, Orca, the killer whale, goes on a rampage in the fishermen's harbor. Under the villagers' pressure, Nolan, Rachel and an Indian sail after the great beast, who will bring them on his own turf?

Yes, this is one of those man versus nature (or nature versus man) flicks that were all the rage in the 1970s, but this is a bit more than that. This has a heavy and dark feel woven into its fabric, it is full of atmosphere, the acting was solid, and the role reversal was a nice twist. More important, there was an intelligence factor in this one that is subtly at the heart of the story. Yes, there are some dated moments and some of the cinematography and storyline do not gel, but this is a decent flick that is often overlooked. If you get a chance, check it out.