 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
Y2K: SHUTDOWN DETECTED
Written by John Gonzales
Produced and Directed by John Gonzales, Trent Shumway, & Slava SidermanNeil – Jason Fenton
Megan – Ellen Horn
Richie – Leonard CliftonDo you remember Cliff’s Notes? Those abridged versions of literary classics gave you just enough information to pass your 2 o’clock final but never gave you any interest in checking out the source material. Once you know that the ocean is just a metaphor for life do you really care if Captain Ahab ever gets the whale?
Essentially Y2K: SHUTDOWN DETECTED is the 20-minute Cliff’s Notes version of an un-produced feature length screenplay. The trouble is that it’s absolutely engrossing. So much for Cliff…
What you get is a rather impressive looking extended trailer that showcases the talents of the three filmmakers involved: John Gonzales, Trent Shumway, and Slave Siderman. If Y2K is any indication, these gentlemen will be around for some time.
As the title indicates, the plot revolves around the much-hyped computer virus. In this instance the systems in a genetics lab fail releasing a blob of living, black ooze. The computer effects for the blob would have made even old Steve McQueen proud. And if the blob doesn’t kill you, it just makes you stonger…as a neck-munching zombie.
Everything about this film is impressive. The acting is top notch, Jason Fenton, Ellen Horn, and Leonard Clifton are able to creator characters who are individual and distintive, not just the two-dimensional zombie fodder. The make-up effects are superb, the zombie sequences are nice and gorey. For once torn flesh doesn’t look like a fresh batch of jello jiglers. The computer effects are comparable to anything currently on television.
What really makes the film standout is the camera work, some of which is just beautiful. Siderman acted as Director of Photography on the project and was able to create some truly creepy images. He’s not afraid to slow things down or speed them up. Picture a much more moody and atmospheric Sam Raimi flick.
I can’t believe there hasn’t been a backer willing to fund the full feature. If the end result is anywhere near as polished and fun as the short, the feature will be a blast. There won’t be any need for Cliff or his damn notes…
Order from Black Russian Films