Disc Reviews

Sparks Review

17th Mar 2014

Chase Williamson is Ian Sparks, an orphan whose parents are tragically killed in car accident. Ian sparks survives to become a very angry young man, scrapping through the years with everyone he comes across. His path eventually crosses with Archer, played by Clancy Brown, who trains him to become a honed crime fighter. Together they track a serial killer who frames Sparks for a series of murders.

The real interest this film generates is in its creation. Fully self funded, without any major studio support the film is Christopher Folino’s creation in every sense. It is a film adaptation of his original graphic novel and here he takes the Director’s seat, in what is his directorial debut.

The finish on the film is really impressive, up to any big studio finish. The title sequence, the special effects and the 1920’s film noir aspect are second to none and it reminds me of Iron Sky in that respect; it is amazing what you can do digitally now.

Saying all that though, the film never really engaged me and I have to admit that an hour later, I was fairly sketchy on what actually happened. This is mainly down to a fairly mundane script, which had some howling verbal clichés in there. Clancy Brown is the only truly engaging screen presence, but it isn’t enough to hold the script together. What’s interesting about this point is that graphic novels are a primarily visual medium, without the need for a lot of dialogue – perhaps this was just too wordy.

It’d done well on IMDB and I want to rate it higher, but for me, as a film it just didn’t come together and I struggled to watch till the end. In fact, the exposition that was needed to tie the whole film together in the last fifteen minutes is the only part you really need to watch. Disappointing film, but a great leap for independent film-making.