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51 (2011) Review

“51” is a found footage film about a group of conspiracy theorists who investigate Area 51, the U.S. government’s most top secret location. The film is shot in a mockumentary style, and while it does have some humorous moments, it is mostly a suspenseful and creepy film.

The found footage style works well for this film, as it creates a sense of paranoia and unease. The mockumentary style also helps to heighten the suspense, as it makes the events seem more real.

The acting in the film is good, and the characters are likable. The film does a good job of creating suspense and keeping the viewer engaged.

This is another After Dark Movie which has been made in unison with Syfy, it sure feels like a Syfy movie in almost every way. Reportedly made on a budget of $1million, it won’t blow your mind with awesome special effects, they are assuredly in the average/low budget camp thought that’s not necessarily a bad thing so long as we have a solid story to back it up.

Well… We don’t. The storyline is very predictable and the aliens/characters are pretty unbelievable, not to mention uninteresting. The general acting standard is a bit on the ropey side, not bad enough to ruin the movie but not good enough to elevate it either. They’ve got Bruce Boxleitner doing the main military part here (Col. Martin) and he’s OK, though i’ve sure seen him turn in better performances than this.

There is gore in 51 but really not a heck of a lot and most that we do see is just naff and quite frankly crap. The movie has awkward pacing as well, it seems to take ages to get the ball rolling and by the time it does you’ll likely have lost interest.

Being a co After Dark-Syfy movie it doesn’t surprise me that this movie seems to have some kind of personality issue. It’s like it can’t make up it’s mind if it wants to be a sci-fi movie or a horror movie. It’s too dumbed down and moronic to be a quality sci-fi, yet its too bright and ‘goody’ to be a serious horror, it seems to straddle the middle ground where nobody gets their satisfaction.

51 is a movie that’s tough to recommend. It’s currently showing on Syfy so if you think it may be something that’d tickle your fancy that’s probably the best place to catch it. Others best avoid.

Overall, “51” is a well-made and suspenseful film. It is not a perfect film, but it is an enjoyable watch.

Synopsis

51 is a 2011 American independent science fiction horror film written, produced and directed by Jason Connell, starring Bruce Willis and Courtney B. Vance. The film was released on October 7, 2011.

The film is set in Area 51, a highly classified government facility in the Nevada desert. When a group of tourists on a bus tour stumble upon the secret base, they are quickly captured and brought inside. There, they are subjected to a series of experiments by the base’s resident scientist, Dr. Judith Wright (Willis).

As the tourists begin to disappear one by one, it becomes clear that Wright is not only interested in their bodies, but also their minds. She wants to know what makes them tick, and how she can use their knowledge to create the perfect human being.

51 is a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Movie Details

Director: Jason Connery
Writers: Kenny Yakel, Lucy Muckerjee
Actors: Bruce Boxleitner, Rachel Miner, Jason London, Andrew Sensenig
Release Year: 2011