For me there are three types of films. The class ‘A’ executive film, class ‘B’ managerial film and the class ‘C’ administrative film. Each is categorized according to their intent. That intent could be to generate blockbuster income, putting a high cheek-boned-twenty-something with a known veteran or see if an up & coming cast can hold their own as the main stars. Well director Chris Gorak’s new film, THE DARKEST HOUR, definitely falls in the class ‘C’ category while getting a solid ‘A’ for effort.

Emile Hirsh plays Sean, a young software executive who is traveling to Moscow to present a new Smartphone application. However, after being undermined by a trusted partner, he and his co-creator/best friend, played by Max Minghella, decide to indulge in some liquid consultation and blow off steam. The night progressed with pep talks, confrontations, and girl hunting. And who better to aim your sights than the Hepburn-like poise of Olivia Thirlby or the hypnotic grace of Rachael Taylor. But no time was wasted on boyish charms and girly flattery because the aliens came raining down…literally!

THE DARKEST HOUR was a totally unique concept on alien invasion. An absolutely original screenplay by John Spaihts, co-writer of the new film PROMETHEUS. Finally someone did their homework and portrayed an angle of superb creativity with half-way decent computer graphics. Unlike aliens of past films these made an entrance via a beautiful shower of flowered proportions but ravaged the city with an invisible heat wave that burned at the cellular level. In truth, a surprisingly entertaining film. Why? Because we never know what an alien will look like or what capabilities it will possess. What we do know is that our imagination gives us the liberty to create and that liberty was conceived and nurtured in this sci-fi feature.

I consider this film a ‘C’ class motion picture because the main casts were young actors who haven’t had many leading roles. Despite that fact, the acting was most secure in its delivery. This film won’t break blockbuster records but it did prove that the cast can be counted on for great suspense, tearful encounters, and heartfelt loss. I enjoyed what I saw and I know that the unique spin will be parodied and copied in due time because it was undoubtedly an inceptive thought. One interesting aspect is the segue for the sequel. I’m in no way opposed to seeing a second or even a trilogy of this story. I believe it has all the ingredients to be a three way powerhouse if done correctly. Having said that, we all know how fickle Hollywood can be.

I personally don’t want to see this film fall through the cracks. So many times films aren’t given a second chance when extenuating circumstances come into play, i.e. competition with other films, weather, season placement by MPAA. I believe that any margin of profit makes a film worthy for consideration of a sequel. Hopefully, THE DARKEST HOUR won’t be great for only a bright minute.

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