Review of Captive State (2019) by Shpostal — 16 Mar 2019

Usually when a movie is released without much fanfare and a lack of critic reviews, it's a sign of a stinker. However, despite some negative reviews, "Captive State" is anything but a stinker.

We get tired sure of dystopian futuristic societies, and alien movies any more are almost as abundant as super hero movies. It's admittedly a tempting subject to portray an alien civilization however the studio wants, either ugly and benevolent, cutesy, or pure malevolent evil.

This movie doesn't show too much of the aliens who have made humans on earth their subjects, but it's much more a believable pitch on the order of "District 9" as opposed to the insultingly stupid "Independence Day" films.

We are made to draw conclusions, only to have them proven wrong. The pace is riveting and the film centers around two types of the captive world population: thoroughly ass kissing and pandering, including corrupt law enforcement in Chicago where this story takes place who take their orders from the "legislators", aka the hideous aliens, and brave people who are determined to fight back against both the aliens and the humans who choose a fate as captives, involving turncoats and spies everywhere, making the main thrust of the movie, an attack against their captors and people unwilling to rise up to regain their planet back.

John Goodman is a great actor - totally believable and an ultimately sympathetic character. If there is one minor gripe, it's the short role by Vera Farmiga, one of the best actresses out there.

Her talent is not utilized to its potential, but even the small role she plays is a critical one. Most of any possible plot loopholes are closed up in the final part of the movie, and the dramatic feel is top notch for a movie of this genre.

Those panning "Captive State" are frankly, unfair. The pace doesn't allow for the massive "character development" they ask for. Then again, none is really needed that doesn't already present itself.

The film is articulate, dynamic and nothing of the confusing or disappointing descriptions some reviewers have determined it to be. Just pay close attention.