Director:Â Steven Gomez
Cast: Vanessa Kirby,  Thure Lindhardt,  Kelly Gough,  Tim Ahern, David Ajala,  Tom McKay,  Bentley Kalu,  Mike Noble
Rating: 15
Running Time: 95 mins
Maybe it’s the STAR WARS factor, but Sci-fi is enjoying a major revival. With the likes of MAD MAX – FURY ROAD, EX MACHINA and other films imminent, the genre is undergoing the latest incarnation, with film-makers seeing the potential of combining great special effects with great scriptwriting.
At first glance, at the heart of KILL COMMAND is a deceptively simple concept – and you’ll be forgiven for thinking this.
It’s not a new concept – in 1986 director John Badham utilised a more sombre and humorous approach in his likable sci-fi comedy SHORT CIRCUIT, in which the protagonist robot, Number 5, which was struck by lightning, finds solace and amnesty with chef Stephanie Speck (Ally Sheedy) and learns the importance of life.
Whether or not Number 5 will bond with the robots on show in KILL COMMAND remains to be seen, but the movie is a big winner for its excellent approach to a well-worn premise. Elements of SOUTHERN COMFORT, ALIENS, PREDATOR, SHORT CIRCUIT, WESTWORLD and AVATAR emerge in this film, but as with the best of the genre offerings, it is more about the approach and determination to refresh the genre for a new generation of film-goers.
The story involves a bunch of marines assigned to a training island where they discover that robots designed for warfare are the focus. One of the group is an observer, not dis-similar to Ripley in ALIENS, but the mission becomes even more of a non-starter when the robots prove to be a little more intellectual and advanced than first thought…
Nick Love, who co-produces this film, is more acquainted with Brit gangster flicks and youth desperation films like THE FOOTBALL FACTORY and THE BUSINESS for example, but there is hope that this might be a radical departure for him and that he can make his mark in the industry with more diverse projects.
Although the film is slow to start, it has a very simple set-up and cuts to the chase and essentials of what a true sci-fi offering should be.
The CGI and production design are another key strength, which evoke memories of classic 70s sci-fi like THE OMEGA MAN, THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR and DAMNATION ALLEY, not to mention the exploitation classics and low-budget successes of the likes of the Cannon Group and Empire Films legend Charles Band.
Vertigo Films are a distributor more associated with specific genres, but given the right marketing and approach, KILL COMMAND could well emerge as one of the surprise hits of 2016.
Give it time if you do choose to see this – it has much to offer and proves to be a hugely enjoyable addition to the genre.
Verdict
