This Film is an absolute gem. There are some elements of the Movie, "Ombis:Alien Invasion" that we haven't seen done in films of this genre in quite a while, as I find many such films mean-spirited, unoriginal, dull and visceral. 'Ombis' brings back a feel-good element, gives its characters some old-fashioned chivalry and heart, or courtesy and grace, while smartly balancing laughs with shocks, and there wasn't a single second during our viewing where we caught ourselves drifting into daydreams
another thing I have not experienced in quite some time. 'Ombis' is at once campy and intelligent, scares are quickly replaced with laughs, in it there are ups and downs, silliness and sorrow, happiness and hardship, action and quiet, kindness and betrayal, goofiness and grace
often in the same scenes. The result is fun, delightful, and never dull, and a treasure to behold for those who see Movies for an escape, or to have a good time. This is indeed fun, and the whole family can enjoy 'Ombis: Alien Invasion", and, hopefully, embrace a premise where mutants, aliens, action heroes, government interventions and small-town charm all fit smartly into a delightful homage to the cult classic. This film is absolutely destined to be a cult classic, yet as it stands is already classic indeed.
"Ombis: Alien Invasion" takes place in the small, any-town USA of Metzburgh. The town is carefully and lovingly watched over by its Sheriff, delightfully portrayed by Richard Satterwhite. The peace of this community is quickly jeopardized when a meteor crashes in its midst, carrying a biological agent detrimental to humans, and its harmful effects begin quickly to spread, with potentially dreadful results. Into the fray walks unlikely hero Mark (Jason John Beebe), and this young Man soon finds himself smack-dab in the middle of all the chaos, while chivalrous and heroically engaging infected townsfolk, an alien other than the infectious agent mysteriously added to the mix, federal agents attempting to trump local law enforcement, town drunks, plumbers, inept deputies and his sweetheart. Many things are going on at the same time, both with hero Mark, and with the films emotional and action elements. Rather than ending up confusing us, it adds to the overall enjoyment of the film, and also gives the film ideal appeal for repeated viewing. Credit Director Adam R. Steigert for giving 'Ombis' such wonderful heart and great fun, and giving us a Movie that stands out for bringing classic elements of campy fun, moral character, unexpected thrills and multi-layered plot and emotion. I do believe Steigert is a Director to watch, as if this is an example of his ability, the future has to be as enticing and interesting as his tongue- in-cheek homage to science fiction/horror films that aren't in it for taking themselves seriously. It reminds me of the Bruce Campbell-laden 'Evil Dead' films, in the sense that those films wink at themselves while giving great entertainment value
though it's somewhat unfair to compare this film to anything. It stands as original on its own, and it's about time we see anything original lately.
It should be noted that this film is an example of a very dear thing, the community of the Deftone Pictures Studios. This film used talent local to Deftone, and honored everything in its regard. A community effort indeed. With that, there are the occasional novice performances, and you can see some of that if you look carefully, and because of that I have to abstain from giving 'Ombis' a perfect rating. It's ironic, though, as considering the level of performance Steigert gets out of his first-timers, as well as his weathered professionals, and the gallant character to take risks in honoring the use of local talent, rather than staying safe and using only professionals, makes this film more deserving of a perfect rating than most top-budget projects from big Hollywood that stand only to exemplify mediocrity. It has to be said how marvelous it is to see Deftone throw caution to the wind, to honor the heart of a community vital to their process, so I say it here. Deftone, and "Ombis: Alien Invasion" deserve major nods, for bringing us all something we should see much more often, but, at least see 'Ombis'. It's worth giving oneself a good time, if not a delightful one. 9 of 10 stars.
