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Infection: The Invasion Begins; Good Old Fashion Cheese at it's Finest!

xty years ago, on September 9 of 2009 a meteor (or something of that nature) crashed to earth, animating a small rural town. Not long after the discovery of the meteor, people start. . .morphing into savage animalistic beings, intent on wreaking havoc on this unsuspecting community, and ultimately: the world as a whole. But what the government would eventually label a modern plague, is perhaps even worse, as this enemy is clearly otherworldly, and the degn behind this trip to earth is built upon an apparent invaon. The only gnificant question is, who the hell lives to tell about it?



Receiving mediocrity in search of potive review seems to have become “the norm” for me lately. Therefore I was genuinely surprised, and extremely pleased with Howard Wexler for taking the time to ship me something worthy of some level of potive feedback. Infection: The Invaon Begins (or "9.9.09" as the film was previously titled) is one of the more entertaiing independent flicks I’ve received as of late, inferior only to MODUS OPERANDI, PUNCH, PANIC BUTTON and LIVE EVIL - four of the better low budget indie‘s I’ve caught over the last few years - regardless of genre. So, while the budget and cast of a Michael Bay film may be absent in this specific case, it hasn’t hindered the overall quality of the film. Sayonara mediocrity!

The prolific Lochlyn Munro (Sherriff Bowen) anchors a young but proming cast which features admirable performances from Bryan Brewer (as Deke Evans), Kelly Pendygraft (as Sarah Prescott), and David Jean Thomas (as the wise father figure Jerry). There’s not a ngle effort deserving a perfect label, but there’s a whole lot of spirit and plenty of energy to counter any less-than-refined moments (which really are fairly few and far between) throughout the picture. Bryan Brewer (who also penned the script) brings a solid offering to the table, and given the depth of the man's involvement (ade from starring in, and writing the screenplay, Brewer also produced the picture) with the project, really merits gnificant recognition. Keep an eye out for that name - Bryan Brewer.

http://youtu.be/UsRwRaTBLeQ

Longtime cinematographer Howard Wexler draws clean, precise direction, utilizing 100% of the limited tools accesble. While Wexler never attempts to break new ground technically, he does shoot a direct, ealy followable film with loads of intentional cheese to chew on. There’s enough creativity to keep viewers interested despite a standard approach - and given the films financial limitations I personally think it was an intelligent maneuver; It’s better to air on the de of caution, than to overextend yourself and shoot a flaw infested film. Based on the tactically cautious approach of Infection, Wexler apparently knows this well. Confinements ade, Wexler and Brewer make a damn fine team.

While I’m uncertain as to precisely when Infection hit streets (I actually received the advance screener quite some time ago), I am certain it’s worth a viewing. Fans of goofy monster movies should dig it, zombie fans should dig it, trash-hounds will drool, and for those who still tend to gravitate towards the old invaon films of the 50’s should definitely, definitely get a kick out of it. Don’t expect the pretty polish of Dimenon's newest teen-friendly fan favorite, or the star power to draw millions upon millions of viewers - rather, expect a fun, lly, not-too-serious flick with a sound story, fair dialogue and a few memorable scenes. Infection: The Invaon Begins in short, is a worthwhile investment in respect to both time and money. Check it out if you love intentionally preposterous monster flicks.

Grade: C+/B- (fine border there)