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Alien Planet
USA 2023
produced by Brian Asman (executive), Jessica Blue (executive), Joseph Coleman (executive), Jennifer Sotto (executive) for Monster Maxson Productions
directed by Alan Maxson
starring Alexandra Bokova, Hunter C. Smith, Naiia Lajoie, Eric Prochnau, Daniel Edward Masterson, Donald Russell, Rob Batie, Richard Dorton, Alan Maxson (voice), Jessica Blue, Jeff Howell, Jerry Mendoza, Christopher Howard, Derek Maki, Jessalyn Knappmiller, Mark Maxson
written by Alan Maxson, music by Tim Parker, alien prosthetics by Illusion Industries, special makeup effects by Ashley Aldridge, Shaina Paulson, Anna Poser, Oliver Poser, creature design by 1313 FX, plant special effects by Scotty Fields, spaceship miniature by Kyle Gerard, visual effects by Fantom Finishing, stunt coordinator: Hunter C. Smith
review by Mike Haberfelner
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Back in the day, two species shared a planet, but then one got more
powerful and exiled the other to a neighbouring, barren rock. Thing is,
now the original planet's running out of water, and the "rejuvination
vial" that could make the rivers carry water again, is on the barren
rock, which thanks to the vial has at least some vegetation now, but the
inhabitants of that planet know to only use the liquid in the vial
sparsely. Anyways, with nothing to lose but everything to gain, warrior
and pilot Brocheet (Hunter C. Smith) is sent over to fetch the vial, but
instead he runs into the enemy, more specifically Lock (Alexandra Bokova),
who carries a deep hatred for Brocheet's kind, especially since one of
them has just killed her husband Kaak (Daniel Edward Masterson). But then
they're both taken prisoner by the carnivorous Dweller (Eric Prochnau), an
almost unkillable monster, and to escape the Dweller before he devours
them as well, Brocheet and Lock have to learn to work together and trust
one another. But then during their escape, Lock thinks Brocheet is killed,
leaves the body but takes care of his pet Giree (Naiia Lajoie, voiced by
Alan Maxson) before going to fetch the vial, which is also said to have
healing powers and could thus bring her husband back to life. But when
Brocheet comes to again, he feels betrayed, and goes after Lock with
re-ignited hatred ... Now this film is nothing if not an
over-achiever: While made on a rather modest budget, it features an
entirely alien chast of characters - including a couple of nicely executed
creatures -, relies almost entirely on practical effects, and manages to
produce convincing visuals throughout. But that doesn't mean that the film
doesn't also tell an engaging story, and one with a lot of heart, too.
Sure, the influences from 1985's Enemy Mine are unmistakable, but Alien
Planet thinks things even further, brings social commentary into the
mix - and the ending is bound to come to one as a complete surprise. Very
definitely worth a watch!
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