Posted: 10/02/2009

Pandemic (2009)

by Michael J. Nicholas

Jason Connery (The Devil’s Tomb) offers up his directorial debut in this slow-paced, action thriller about a virus that strikes a New Mexico county and the local veterinarian who gets caught in the middle. With a very quick response time to the infected county after a call was made to the Center Of Disease Control, the presence of the U.S. military has the locals thinking conspiracy theory. The vet must pair up with an eccentric rancher who has ideas of his own of what the government is up to, so they can expose the threat and save humanity.

Sounds like a familiar plot, dosen’t it? Maybe you’ve heard it somewhere’s before? I know I’ve have and I can tell you if you’re looking for something fresh or original, this isn’t for you. Now, the movie isn’t exactly bad or poorly made- it’s just a low-budget affair with an unimaginative script. Directing and cinematography are done well, but not quite at the Hollywood level. The acting is fine and includes a couple familiar faces: Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, Good Night and Good Luck), Graham McTavish(Rambo), Peter Asle Holden (The Beneficiary), Andrew Reville (In My Pocket), Kristi Culbert (In My Pocket), and Alesha Clarke (Garden Party).

Like I said, this film isn’t bad, it just isn’t that exciting. It’s slow-paced and filled with a bunch of cliches that you’ve seen played out dozens of times in these types of virus and human disaster movies. It also has a couple small twists and turns that will keep your interest level up and prevent you from falling asleep. I’m sorry I couldn’t be more jubilant in my summary, but the movie isn’t original enough to get excited about.

Directed by Jason Connery and written by Aaron Pope (Dark Reel, Air Marshal). Produced by Jason Connery (Wired) and Ricki Maslar (The Year the Trembled, Penance).

DVD extras include: 16:9 widescreen format, 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound, filmmakers’ commentary, interviews, interactive menus, scene selection, trailers, and optional Spanish subtitles. Rated R, 90 minutes.

Michael J. Nicholas - a.k.a. Nicky The Note - reviews, opinions & life lessons.

Got a problem? E-mail us at filmmonthly@gmail.com