Star Wreck (DVD)

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What we´re left with are some antics that unfold when it´s convenient for the filmmakers, but not necessarily the viewers. It almost felt like these devoted fans were so strapped for resources they couldn´t place the film´s elements where they´d prefer, but instead had to settle for where they hoped they´d flow and function. To no one´s surprise, this just didn´t cut it. It´s unfortunate because you have to be a passionate fan to make something like this go down, but you don´t have much control as to how it sinks or swims.

Nothing really works in "Star Wreck." The acting is below average (remember, these individuals are fans, not actors), the script is more congested than a San Francisco Bay Area freeway, the effects look way too unauthentic and the movie just doesn´t establish itself so its viewers can take in the experience. I recall a few "whoops, my mistake" jokes, like when Pirk puts down an adult magazine instead of his sci-fi magazine for his friends to check out, and there are one or two good lines to be found in the film´s 105 minute run time. But these pluses simply can´t overcome the many minuses throughout "Star Wreck."

Normally, reviews go into greater detail and analysis. There isn´t much to work with in "Star Wreck," and since I think you´re able to tell I wasn´t really a big fan, I´ll cut it some slack. I applaud these Finnish student fans for their dedication and hard work, but wish they´d put out a more successful final product. I suppose you don´t know what you can (or can´t) do until you try, and now at least they´ve nowhere to go but up. Maybe if they´re lucky, Scotty will beam them up.

Video:
"Star Wreck" looks decent enough, but there´s no doubt it´s fabricated. The 1.33:1 transfer is clear, but the characters look blurry compared to the surroundings. Colors are decent, but no one moves through the spaceships or other settings with any natural appearance. It feels fake.

Audio:
The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound track holds its own. Background music and sound effects come through loud and clear, but the vocal components have their highs and lows. The film is in Finnish, but comes with English subtitles you´ll probably check out quite often. There´s plenty here worth not hearing, so this isn´t really an issue. Still, worth noting.

Extras:
Some bloopers, an audio commentary from director Vuorensola, a feature building up the next film these folks claim is worth watching, and something called "Definitive Inside Out," which I didn´t really understand. It´s an offering worth watching if you enjoyed the film, and since I didn´t, well…

A Final Word:
If you´re able to, please avoid "Star Wreck." It´s just not funny or entertaining. As devoted as these fans were, they couldn´t put something worth watching together. The comedy is too sporadic, the film feels too forced, and the characters have as much personality as a cardboard box. It´s a small budget fan based spoof, and a miserable one at that.