C-Squared

Tag: 2020s

  • Movie Review: “Battle in Space: The Armada Attacks” (2020)

    Movie Review: “Battle in Space: The Armada Attacks” (2020)

    Episode 14

    When you hear a title like Battle in Space: The Armada Attacks! certain expectations are set up. You expect, oh, I don’t know, perhaps a battle in space? Maybe an armada attacking? Perchance some cardboard characters delivering over-blown dialog and enacting some insane plot?

    You certainly wouldn’t expect what you get in Battle in Space: The Armada Attacks!.

    "Battle in Space" (2020) Review | C-Squared
    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    [three_fourth] Though promoted and sold as a fun, cheesy sci-fi action flick, Battle in Space is actually a low-budget “indie” anthology of dark, serious science-fiction short features.

    The first concerns a cynical, down-at-his-heels ex-cop turned private eye, who searches for a kidnapped child and redeems himself in battle with alien invaders; the second, “The Hermes,” involves two psychic warriors infiltrating an enemy base and stealing a powerful crystal; “The Agamemnon” details a manned mission to Mars, and one man’s descent into madness; “The Persis” is a battle of wills between a cyborg soldier and his fully-organic co-pilot, one of whom has been brainwashed – but which?; and “The Caronte” is a young woman’s race against time and enemy aliens as she seeks to justify her kid brother’s faith in her.

    While each vignette is well-written and fairly well-acted, audiences are strongly cautioned: this film is NOT the fun action-packed space opera its publicity and trailers imply. Caveat emptor.

    Released on January 12, 2021, this film was written and directed by Andrew Jaksch, Lukas Kendall, Sanjay F. Sharma, and Luis Tinoco, with additional writing by Josh Guttman and additional direction by Toby Rawal and Scott Robson. It stars Doug Jones (Hellboy, The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth), Eric Palladino (Watchmen mini-series, Arrow, 666 Park Avenue), and Douglas Tait (Annabelle Comes Home, Hellboy [2019], Star Trek: Picard).

    Battle in Space: The Armada Attacks is available for purchase or download on YouTube.

    Be the first to know when new episodes are posted. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

    Watch previous episodes. [/three_fourth]

    [one_fourth_last] Battle in Space poster [/one_fourth_last]

    Rating for Battle in Spence: The Armada Attacks!:

    For the Actual Film: 2 out of 4 (Average)

    2 planets rating

    For the Film as Advertised: 0 out of 4 (Bomb!)

    bomb rating

    Audio Version for Episode 14: Battle in Space: The Armada Attacks!

    Length: 43 mins, 43 seconds

    Podcast: Play in new window | Download

  • Movie Review: “Synchronic” (2020)

    Movie Review: “Synchronic” (2020)

    Episode 11

    Anthony Mackie and Justin Benson play paramedics responding to bizarre deaths and injuries and all are related to a new designer drug Synchronic. But this drug doesn’t give you an ordinary high, as Mackie’s character soon finds out.

    Synchronic (2019) Review | C-Squared
    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    [three_fourth] In theaters and drive-ins October 23, this film was directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, written by Benson, and stars Anthony Mackie and Benson, with Jamie Dornan, Katie Aselton, and Ally Ioannides.

    In addition to this movie, clips in this video include:

    • Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Marvel Studies

    Be the first to know when new episodes are posted. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

    Watch previous episodes. [/three_fourth]

    [one_fourth_last] Synchronic Movie Poster [/one_fourth_last]

    Show Notes for Synchronic:

    Carma received a pre-release screener for this upcoming film.

    If you haven’t seen the film yet, be aware that there are major spoilers in this episode. Carma and Christopher share the plot outlines and some of the plot points that may spoil the suspense of the film. That said, much of that is also spoiled in the trailer.

    Synchronic builds slowly, showing you the results of the new designer drug, but leaving you not quite sure what you’re actually seeing. Time within the film is not chronological with several flashbacks. It opens with a couple taking Synchronic together. The boyfriend leaves to get ice, as he enters the elevator, the drug takes effect and he finds himself falling in a vast desert. His girlfriend, who remains in the bed, is transported to a bayou where a strange woman looks upon her and a snake winds its way toward her leg. It just gets weirder from there.

    Carma was fascinated by the time-travel aspects of the film and Christopher enjoyed the suspense. Both were impressed with Anthony Mackie’s action chops as displayed in this film.

    Parental Advisory: The film includes foul language and there are a few graphic scenes of injuries. That said, this film does a good job of not showing actual gory violence. Much of the violence is implied, which is enough.

    Be sure to watch for the blooper!

    Rating for Synchronic:

    3 planet rating

    3 Planets out of 4 — Good

    Audio Version

    Podcast: Play in new window | Download