New Villain Casts Shadow Over City

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Surge of Power: Where There's Smoke
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 9m
Director(s): Mario DeAngelis, Jeff Rector, Vincent J. Roth
Writer(s): Blake Casselman, Mario DeAngelis, Vincent J. Roth, Enoch Scott, James A. Ward
Cast: Nichelle Nichols, Robert Picardo, Joseph Culp, Shannon Farnon, Michael Gray, Bruce Vilanch, Tim Russ, Sam J. Jones, John Davey
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 Tarzana International Film Festival, with additional screenings to follow; find the showing nearest you here: www.surgeofpower.org

RAVING REVIEW: Get ready for a dazzling foray into the fantastical with SURGE OF POWER: WHERE THERE'S SMOKE! This isn't just any indie superhero flick; it's a veritable parade of capes, camp, and cosmic conundrums that catapult the genre to dazzling new heights. With a cast dripping in sci-fi royalty and a storyline that serves heroics with a twist, this film is all set to supercharge your senses.

Our hero Surge (Vincent J. Roth) is back. This time, he's teaming up with the enigmatic The Smoke (Eric Moran,) a partnership that promises to fan the flames of adventure. Together, they dive into a whirlwind of danger as they face off against the tempestuous Falling Apple (Stephanie Ahn.) This villainess has morphed from the sweet Chicchai Appuru to a disruption of terror, threatening to turn Chicago into chaos central.

But fear not! The visual spectacle is nothing short of spectacular. With CGI so crisp you could slice it and practical effects that pop off the screen, every moment is crafted to keep you on the edge of your seat. Chicago transforms into a battlefield where every skyscraper and street corner is a stage for Surge and company to strut their stuff.

And what a company it is! Icons like Nichelle Nichols and Robert Picardo bring gravitas as Omen, navigating our heroes through stormy seas with sage advice. The delightful ensemble, including Bruce Vilanch, Shannon Farnon, Michael Gray, and Joseph Culp, ensures the universe remains as colorful and captivating as ever.

As we dive deeper into the heartwarming humor that permeates SURGE OF POWER: WHERE THERE'S SMOKE. The film is peppered with witty one-liners and comedic scenarios that lighten the mood and highlight its characters' self-awareness. This playful banter is a nod to the classic superhero and sci-fi genres, offering fans nostalgia and a fresh, humorous perspective on heroics. The clever integration of humor makes the characters more relatable and the high-stakes storyline more approachable, ensuring that the laughs are as potent as the punches.

As the plot thickens, loyalties are tested, and alliances are forged in the most unexpected places. Falling Apple's intricate dance between hero and villain keeps the audience guessing, her motivations as murky as a foggy Chicago morning. Her character development is a masterclass in moral ambiguity, enriching the narrative with layers of complexity.

The crescendo of the saga introduces a newly assembled squadron of superheroes, each brimming with unique abilities. As they unveil their might in the climactic showdown, the film delivers jaw-dropping action and sets the chessboard for future escapades.

SURGE OF POWER: WHERE THERE'S SMOKE is a welcome addition to the indie superhero world, brilliantly blending beloved elements with fresh innovations. It's a riot of color, a burst of energy, and a testament to heroism draped in dazzling diversity. Prepare to be enthralled, entertained, and utterly electrified! This reviewer needs to go back and watch the other entries into this franchise from the last 20 years!

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[photo courtesy of SURGE OF POWER ENTERPRISES]

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