DVD Review: D4 (2010)

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D4

Written and Directed by: Darrin Dickerson

Production Company: GHOSTWATER FILMS

Distributed by: SEVEN-7-TEN

Release Date: 2010

While described as a film in the Science Fiction/Action genres, I would have to argue that you can definitely throw this into the Horror sub-genre as well. This film is a modern day "creature feature", reminiscent of the 50's Horror films where the army battles an enlarged creature (Ant, Spider, etc.). This is the same premise, except instead of an enlarged insect, we are now dealing with an enlarged human being. Before I go any further, here is the plot from the Ghostwater Films website:

D4 FOLLOWS A TEAM OF SPECIAL OPS MERCENARIES ON A MISSION TO RESCUE A KIDNAPPED KID BELIEVED TO BE HELD IN AN ABANDONED GOVERNMENT FACILITY. HIRED BY THE BOY’S MOTHER, A WEALTHY DOCTOR WITH HIGH REACHING INFLUENCE, ALL SEEMS TO BE AN EASY JOB. BUT AS THINGS UNFOLD, WHAT WAS MEANT TO BE A SIMPLE SEARCH AND RESCUE TURNS INTO A FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL.

I have to say that this is one of the better Sci-Fi/Horror hybrids I have seen in a long time! This is a true independent, low budget film that packs as much action into it as those made by much bigger studios on a much larger budget. I wish this film would have gotten a theatrical run, because I truly believe it is good enough to hang with the "big dogs", so they say. The film starts of at the end of the movie, and then we flashback to see what has led us up to these events. This is a very effective way of starting a film, as you get instant action as soon as the film starts up.

The acting in this film is spectacular, especially for a low budget film such as this one. There are also some great kill scenes with some good blood and gore for those of you that like that sort of thing (who doesn't, right?). Also, the "creature" effects were very well done as well. I'm not sure how they got actor Mike Ulm (who plays "the Beast") to look as huge as he did in this film....I doubt he is really that big in real life, or maybe he is?! The cinematography in this film is fantastic as well. Also, while some movies try for the 'twist' ending at the end, 9 out of 10 times I can see them coming. This is the rare 1 time that I did not see it coming. This movie pulled of the 'twist' ending to near perfection.

Like I said before, everything about this film looks bigger and better than the budget would have you think. This is a testament to the great cast and crew involved with this film, especially that of Director Darrin Dickerson. Speaking of Mr. Dickerson, one interesting note that you can learn more about in the special features section of the DVD, is that he got the inspiration to make this film from the process of learning to cope with his son's diagnosis of epilepsy. Apparently some of the medications kids are put on can change their personalities and cause heightened states of agitation or aggressiveness. After watching this film, you will see how that ties into the plot here perfectly. Also worth noting, is that a percentage of the profits from this film will be put toward epilepsy awareness.

I can't say enough good thing about this film. D4 far surpassed my expectations and was a very pleasant surprise. This is one I will be watching again in the near future for sure! I highly suggest this film to all my readers!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to view the D4 Facebook Page

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Ghostwater Films