I’m always interested what new filmmakers are up to, what stories they have, how they present them, even if it’s an independent, limited budget production. Agent The Movie is one of those films that seems to have a nice mix of the good, bad and ugly in the world of limited budget movies. I must say I was quite surprised what this film accomplished, even with some hiccups along the way. Action and aliens collide in a movie that is, at times, breathtaking and amazing to look at due to some superb camera work!
In the beginning, we meet Jim Yung who is definitely not having a good day. Not only does he get let go from his job, he’s turned down via mail in regards to his application to the CIA. Also, his buddy is in town to visit, who also happens to be dating his ex-girlfriend. Wow! You really can’t get much worse than that, can you? Anyways, Jim ( Derek Ting, who is also the writer and director ) his buddy, Seth ( Eric Keitel ), Jim’s ex, Angela (Marikah Cunningham ), and her friend Kara (Olivia Hultgren ) hire a guide, who is a gun expert, to take them into the desert and to shoot off some guns. While they are in the middle of their practice session, one of the bullets hits a rock, causing a strange explosion. A mysterious red gas is released. What follows is a strange combination of possession, aliens and testing the boundaries of friendship, as they attempt to discover if the government/military is with or against them.
Director Derek Ting, who is also the writer and star, makes great use of his time and budget to craft a well-organized film that takes just enough time to build the plot before the action begins. Interesting point of views are everywhere, from actors to overhead shots. It allows the viewer a different perspective of what is going on. This is a great idea, especially when some of the action begins to bog down and get repetitive. Further, Ting uses the desert environment to his advantage, creating some great tension.
However, there is no question in my mind the star of this film is Cinematographer Marvin Tam. The film looks outstanding – crisp colors and lighting with wonderful camera angles. This is one of those things that independent filmmakers sometimes forget. Great cinematography is needed to carry the film. Someone considered its importance, when making this film. It made the film look good. The ‘look and feel’ of a film can sometimes help cover up mistakes, bad dialogue, whatever the case may be, and Agent The Movie is a prime example of that.
For me, one of the real inconsistent parts of the movie was the acting. There are some great moments, like in the beginning when we can really feel Jim’s frustration and pain, and in the desert when friendships are put to the test; however, there are far too many times, where the actors are just not convincing enough during certain situations. There are delays in responses that seem more like forgotten lines, rather than a deliberate hesitation. Some lacked emotion, when some is desperately needed. With that being said, the characters did their jobs and the story moved forward; although the military men were far too cliché and that part badly needed a re-write, or just removed altogether.
While the story didn’t appear complicated, and seemed overly simple in parts, it actually helped the movie in the sense that there wasn’t a lot of moving parts to keep track of in the limited time they had. I also liked that they didn’t make it all about aliens all the time. The story takes a good look at how bizarre and horrific circumstances can effect friends at many different levels, the aliens are just Ting’s way of trying to push them over the edge. Sure, aliens are fun and the unknown here is not even aliens, it was the humans in the story that moved the film forward.
I have a lot of respect for what they managed to accomplish in this movie, especially in terms of the way it looks. While it wasn’t perfect and some of the acting needed work, it is definitely worth viewing. I hope Derek Ting uses Agent The Movie as a stepping stone to bigger and better things because I believe he has some solid talent.
I give it 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
Movie Ratings Guide
1 Star = Unwatchable
2 Stars = Cannot Recommend
3 Stars = Would Watch Again
4 Stars = A Solid Movie
5 Stars = Must Own (DVD/Stream Download)
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I am actually interested to watch this movie. I think its a great idea to read about its review.
It was nice that your sharing this with all of us.