Reviews

It has been 9 years since William Shatner wrote, directed and starred in "Tek War" and even 14 years since he presented "Star Trek V" to the audience. Now Shatner is finally back with "Groom Lake", which he wrote, directed and stars in. The story centers around a young couple, Kate (Amy Acker) and Andy (Dan Gauthier), who go to Groom Lake in order to spend their last days together, because Kate is dying. Soon they become witnesses of alien activity around the area and have to cope with strangely obsessed people who have been influenced by the aliens. Meanwhile, John Gossner (William Shatner), the captain of a military base involved with the aliens has to cope with the administration, which wants to cancel his work. "Groom Lake" is a low - budget independent movie, which is unfortunately quite obvious in a couple of scenes. Especially the special effects (created by C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures, a Canadian firm of which Shatner is the chief executive officer)are quite unrealistic and cheap. But still "Groom Lake" is much better than an average B - movie, it is clearly visible that Shatner has put all his energy and love into this project. A strong story, an unpredictable puzzle that keeps the audience excited from the beginning to the end and a wonderful performance by Amy Acker raise this movie high above average. The main message of the movie is also very touching and probably the most important aspect for William Shatner, who dedicated the film to his late wife Nerine and to Mike, his new wife's ex - husband who died of cancer. It is the message that there is a life after death, because the human essence is immortal. 8 out of 10 stars !

First of all: the story with the „microwave - weapon' and the super - plane „Falcon' isn't very realistic in my opinion. But that doesn't really matter, because the rest of the story is mostly complex and logical. In fact I was afraid of seeing once again a film like „Land of the free' which was highly unrealistic, but that didn't happen. „Falcon Down' is exciting, there are many action scenes, but they are realistic. Furthermore the important thing about the movie is not boring fight scenes, but solid excitement and entertainment. The special effects , the shots of the plane and the explosions are well done and give a dark and mystique touch to the movie. Unfortunately all characters are full of cliches and they lack depth. The center of the film is Dale Midkiff and the excellent special effects, all the other actors have more or less minor roles. Midkiff plays the fired pilot very well and the cast is positively supported by the wonderful Jennifer Rubin. And William Shatner is just excellent as the strict and egoistic Major Carson. The „over - acting' Shatner is often blamed for will not be found in this movie. And another positive aspect: The music beautifully supports the excitement and is a joy for the ears. So: „Falcon Down' is an exciting and entertaining Thriller and is besides of „Miss Congeniality' and „Free Enterprise' one of the best movies Shatner has acted in since „Star Trek Generations'. It is a pity that the movie hasn't been published in the USA yet but I'm sure here in Germany it will be a success.