By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)
Release Date:
October 13, 2020
Wild Eye Releasing
Video on Demand
Nathan Letteer‘s love letter to the comic book convention scene, Monster Force Zero, is more of a fan film than a SyFy movie of the week. It’s evident with the level of experience seen by the performances. This filmmaker got his start in Vancouver by working on the Stargate SG-1 set, and I can’t fault him for where he was earning his wings.
This film was finished because the talents involved saw their product as a labour of love. The Indiegogo campaign was launched so that the production can be finalized, and despite not hitting their goal, new investors must have come forth afterwards to insure this film get delivered.
The tale focuses on Calvin “A.I.” Cashill (Adam Singer) whose book (which is also the title of this work) is not winning accolades. He’s constantly bullied and needs the help of his friends in a cosplay battle against the Destroyers of Destruction. However, there’s more to these villains than meets the eye, and an innocent fight blasts off ala The Last Starfighter where they become involved in a larger struggle!
This movie doesn’t get as grandiose as Galaxyquest due to the production budget, but it’s nice to see the team do their best. This movie has an air of authenticity because part of it was filmed during a convention. Though, with an intelligent albino ape stomping around, there’s something about this creature which makes this film appealing. That is, it has a campy factor in the style of The Banana Splits which I like.
I wished there was more of Garrett Wang. His seal of approval shows that he’s there for the fans!
3 Stars out of 5
