Prey Alone Short Film Review

I should let you all know something... I'm not a big believer of hype. Sure, I'll hype something up, and you should listen because, let's face it, my opinion is gold. But when other people start hyping things up, I tend to get a little wary. (This will become evident around "Oscar Season," and you will not be spared my bitching and moaning). But I was told that a certain short kicks an insane amount of ass, and I was told by someone I generally trust the opinion of (except with regard to Iggy Pop).

Prey Alone is the film. It's about fifteen minutes long. It was produced in Ireland and the backgrounds and props are entirely digital. Sure, there's been a few high profile films lately that have done that (Sky Captain, Sin City, and Star Wars come to mind). But this is one of the first times where the digitally rendered settings and props actually look realistic. Enough so much that the line between digital and reality is frighteningly starting to blur. It scares me, to be perfectly honest. But that's not the point.

Prey Alone tells the story of an agent attempting to track down a notorious bad guy. There is only one witness who has seen the man alive, and he is in custody. But the mystery man will never be caught, as he escapes special forces teams sent to kill him, in wild and outrageous chase scenes. Again, all digital.

There are obvious homages to other films here, most notably The Professional (aka Leon), The Usual Suspects, and The Matrix. But it works for the story. This story was more engaging and exciting than all two hours of Stealth. And what they spent on this, Stealth spent on green apples. (Seriously, they're EVERYWHERE in Stealth). Seamless effects work. Well, the main car chase on the freeway is a little TOO Gran Turismo inspired, but it still manages to work very well. Exciting as all hell. And a nice little ending that ties everything you see together, and most of the comments I've made with regards to the film. it'll make sense when you watch it.

The film was written and directed by James Mather and Stephen St. Leger. I don't know what else these guys have done, but Hollywood better pay close attention and learn their names. They have the potential to go far, as well as pushing further the use of CG graphics. This movie kicks an obscene amount of ass for fifteen short minutes. I want to see what these guys can do with a bigger budget and a greater story to tell. Good job. I would love to see how you guys could use the effects for more depth of character, but for a fifteen minute shot of adrenaline, you guys take the cake.

To check out the film, you can go to this site: Click here. Make sure and download it to your computer before trying to play it!  I know I'm contributing to the hype machine, but it's cool. Trust me. Or don't. It's entirely up to you.