The Stakes Are at an All Time High

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MOVIE REVIEW
Occupation / Occupation: Rainfall
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Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2018/2020
Runtime: 1h 59m/2h 8m
Director: Luke Sparke
Writer(s): Luke Sparke, Felix Williamson/Luke Sparke, Dale Dye, Felix Williamson
Cast: Dan Ewing, Temuera Morrison, Stephany Jacobsen/Daniel Gillies
Where To Watch: Tribeca Shortlist/Netflix

As you’ve probably read, I’ve been receiving a lot of screeners, films from independent, documentaries, and more. This is probably what I would consider my first real blockbuster. While not a household name here in the US, the films are both from Australia and define everything a blockbuster needs to be in terms of what we’ve come to expect today. Stars, Explosions, and CGI.

I don’t think either of these was a game-changer for the genre, but they were solid action films. They were both unique in terms of the scale; many “invasion” films tend to undersell the struggle that the cast is going through. They tend to be told on a more personal scale instead of showing what happened and the results of the fallout.

These two films both star Temuera Morrison (THE MANDALORIAN) and just prove how much he can stretch when allowed to act outside of his limited roles in the STAR WARS universe. Even though he’s been in many films and shows, he’s been shackled by the limitations of what Boba Fett can do.

A lot of the first film reminded me of the 2010 film MONSTERS; it was able to get you invested in the characters but still concerned about their constant danger. RAINFALL (the sequel) reminded me more of a DISTRICT 9 type film where you were constantly aware of the risks and were in larger-than-life situations.

I may be most impressed that director Luke Sparke was given the keys to this kingdom which had to both have rather substantial budgets. Hollywood should note this playbook and give lesser-known talent the options to create their worlds. I love the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and they are doing this a little more, but instead of a tightly scripted handcuffed creation, I would like to see a creative mind allowed to do what they want. Sure, that’s easy for me to say when it’s not my millions at stake, but creativity is how we’ve gotten some of the most amazing stories in film history.

If you’re looking for an INDEPENDENCE DAY style film series, then I can’t recommend this enough. You get a little bit of everything all rolled into one here.

Thank you to Justin Cook Public Relations for the screener of Occupation: Rainfall.

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