Decent story, and good use of mid to low budget
doppelganger | Chicago | 08/31/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"It is in the tradition of mad max as the cover says (not Road Warrior), and I can see how it won awards at the festivals because it really is a decent flick for what it is. It does of course, lack the sheen of a hollywood production. If you like sci-fi though, and even sometimes like what others may consider bad sci-fi, then give it spin (I suggest rent).There are some holes in the story, though it is original. The acting is pretty good, and there is an intensity feeling throughout most of the movie that you may or may not like. The ending could have been better, it feels like the producers were glad to get it over with (probably from shooting in the desert)."
Welcome to the future!
Raegan Butcher | Rain City, USA | 11/19/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is not an easy film to classify. It hovers in a strange realm between traditional sci fi action film and slower, more cerebral and arty science fiction fare such as SOLARIS.
Peter Phelps is a hugely likable actor. His central performance dominates the film and he shows he is fully up to the task of carrying a major motion picture; he has a lot of scenes where he is alone and they never drag on into dullness. Why he isn't as big of a star as Russell Crowe is a mystery.
The "future world" scenario that ZONE 39 presents is rendered well within the confines of the tight budget; this movie really shows what a dedicated production team can do in conjunction with a tightly written script. Nothing is attempted that cannot be pulled off convincingly.The ending is bit rushed, though.
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