A fictional depiction of a future wherein a globalist terrorist organization aligned with the United Nations to disable the United States’ power grid and institutes Martial Law. It will take a dedicated family of patriots armed with strong survival skills and the remains of the Second Amendment to save America and reclaim its freedom.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoCPWssQ2NQ[/embedyt]
First of all, this is a movie I waited to see for a long time. It never made its way over to Washington state (or at least nowhere near me) when it was in theaters, but it didn’t keep me from promoting this film. I interviewed both the actor Marshall Teague and the director Mike Norris long before I was privileged to see the film. I did everything I could to promote this film, and I did my best to keep up with everything regarding the latest news concerning it. Therefore, the moment it went on sale, I bought it. And I was even sent extra movies at no cost to distribute to my friends and family (which I have). We showed this at my church Bible study. The entire family had the opportunity to watch it, and I was literally glued to the film from the opening scene through the ultimate conclusion.
Now, first of all, let me state this is not going to be a film where you see Academy Award winning performances from all of the actors. Many of the actors featured are young, and some are quite inexperienced. I am not one to comment on special effects–they looked fine to me, but one who is familiar with CGI and all that may be able to comment on it better. But the helicopter scene–can you really surpass using REAL helicopters? This is an independent film, and it is one that was a struggle to make due to the message the filmmakers wished to convey. If you read the interview with Mike Norris that I linked above, you’ll understand some of what he and those associated with this film endured to make the film. If you dig a little deeper online, you’ll even discover some other serious and potentially life-threatening difficulties Mike faced in the promotion of this film.
Furthermore, this is a Christian film. While I cannot guarantee that everyone connected with the film is a Christian, I am convinced that those involved in development as well as a few of the actors are Christians. And those that are not have made a decision for whatever reason to be associated with a film that is unabashedly faith-based. But also know that some Christians are going to struggle with the themes, the scenes, and maybe even some of the language used. While you won’t hear the name of God blasphemed in this film, nor will you see passionate bedroom scenes, you will hear a few words that may bother more sensitive viewers. You may also see some intense scenes that could prove disturbing. Notwithstanding, this film is one I would recommend to almost anyone. My teenage daughter saw it, and she was drawn into the film just as much as we adults in the household were.
As I begin the task of reviewing this film, I must begin by giving much credit to the outstanding director, Mike Norris. He was kind enough to grant me an interview when the film was out in theaters (I was such a green interviewer back then), and he makes no apologies for what he has put on the screen. He was willing to jump through whatever hoops necessary to see his vision come to fruition, but he never compromised the message of the film for anyone. He put in the work to make the film, and his direction is certainly a credit to both him and his father’s legacy. He is candid, authentic, and humble, and all of this comes across beautifully in his exceptional direction.
As the writer and producer of this film, Gary Heavin’s inclusion in such a prominent role in the film was a veritable delight. I have never seen Gary in anything else, and maybe acting is not the foremost thing for which he is known. However, I believe that in this film, he is essentially playing himself. He has invested a massive amount of time in the writing of this film. 
And after all, who can deny his incredible passion as he stands up to the powers that be right at the beginning of the film. Gary’s character, Charlie, is calm when necessary, but he is willing to fight when he must. No one can dissuade him from his purpose and his conviction. He is a Christian, and he is a patriot. While some may question his patriotism during the film, there is no doubt where his heart is. And Gary is able to bring that to his character in a sincere way. I appreciate the fact that he put so much of himself into his role, and that is why his character works, as does the story.
Next we come to the pivotal character of Brandon, as played by Spencer Neville. Now, while he does not have the experience that some of the actors in this film do, it certainly takes some gumption as an actor to have the spunk to match wits with the likes of Marshall Teague and others. And as Brandon, Spencer is called upon to do that and more. He has to question everything he has ever known and really decide for himself if what he has believed his entire life is the truth. He realizes that this may cost him his future at best and his life at worst, but Brandon does what he believes is the right thing. Due to the nature of this character, I truly believe Spencer gives a relatable performance to which many young people may be able to relate.
(L to R) Charlie (Gary Heavin), Kelly (Dina Meyer), Brandon (Spencer Neville), and Penny (India Eisley) prepare for imminent attack
As the hapless mother, we find proficient actress, Dina Meyer. As Kelly, she refuses to listen to anyone about the impending doom. In her mind, Charlie is a little crazy, and her mother (as played by Diane Ladd) is old and not seeing reality all too clearly. This “God thing” these people mention doesn’t seem to be viable in a world that is moving at such a fast pace. Little does Kelly realize the catastrophe that is headed her way. And she will have to make a decision about what she believes in or doesn’t. Thankfully, she trusts Charlie in the times of sheer terror, and she is able to run to him with her daughter for solace and aid. I found Dina’s portrayal solid and strong as one would expect from a veteran of film and television. And I believe that her character would resonate with someone my age who is questioning what he or she has been taught about God and the Bible from a very young age. That seems to be all too prevalent in this society, and we can only hope that when faced with something so horrific, others would follow the example of Kelly and run to those who can offer them the words of life and light.
As her daughter Penny, India Eisley is everything one would expect from the younger generation. India may not have a world of experience in acting under her belt, but as she inserts herself into this role of the young person who challenges everything and even sees the power outage as a reason to “party,” she is well cast. When she experiences terror, we are right with her as the audience. While I wasn’t a fan of her character until halfway through or so, that means she did an excellent job because Penny would not be well-liked by a middle-aged Christian woman like me.
Also included in this cast is skilled actress AnnaLynne McCord as Sam. You’ll witness the actions of this stalwart character over the course of the film. She is definitely no shrinking violet. amd AnnaLynne gives the kind of performance that one would expect from an actress of her caliber and experience. 
I think the helicopter picture speaks for itself. It is clear that Sam will do whatever is necessary to fight for what is right, honorable, and just.
In the role of Betty, Diane Ladd is a true tower of strength. Of course, I have seen her in plenty of things over the years, and her reputation precedes her. For me, it was a treat to see her because I had been recently enjoying her work in Chesapeake Shores on the Hallmark Channel, and seeing her in this role as the family matriarch with a rock solid belief in God was fantastic! 
This is a woman whose devotion to God is unwavering, and her daughter and granddaughter just don’t get it. I so appreciated hearing the words of life that poured forth from her character’s lips, and from what I understand about Diane, this is not a far cry from who she is in real life. I salute her performance, small though it may have been. Her portrayal touched me with its simplicity and strength.
Colonel Crane (Marshall Teague) briefs his troops on controversial action which will pit soldiers versus citizens
Now to the entire reason I even saw this film. I cannot deny that it was because of my connection with Marshall Teague that I knew of this film and was convinced that I wanted to see it, no matter what. In fact, I admit I barely knew who Marshall was before I interviewed him. I have my dear friends to thank for my introduction to his talent and acting, but more importantly, Lisa and Mary introduced me to a wonderful man who not only talks his walk but walks his talk.
In this particular movie, Marshall plays the character Colonel Crane. And as Mike Norris said from the beginning, he is Colonel Crane. There is no one else who could play the role as convincingly as he. He is uninhibited as this man who is decidedly devoted and firmly persuaded that what he believes is right. He’s been in the military service all his life, and as far as he is concerned, orders are to be obeyed, no questions asked. He takes this duty of his with the proper sobriety, and even if it is moralistically wrong, who is he to question what his superiors have told him to do? And he expects nothing less from his men.
Now, Marshall is a master at not giving away anything about his characters. When I interviewed him before I actually saw the film, he was careful not to reveal anything about Colonel Crane except what I have mentioned. SoIi will not tell you whether he plays a good or a bad guy–it is up to you to watch and determine that for yourself. But regardless of what the viewers may think of his character personally, there is no doubt that Marshall is perfectly cast in this role. There are a few actors in the entertainment universe who have an imposing presence that fills up the screen every time they appear. They don’t have to speak and they don’t even have to act. They just show up in the scene, and suddenly all attention is focused on them. The viewers cannot look away. I can think of a handful of actors that do that, and it is something that cannot be learned nor taught. It is something that merely comes naturally.
Well, that is the wonder that is Marshall Teague. His presence is formidable on screen, and some actors would use that to their benefit to upstage the other actors. In other films that star actors with whom I am familiar, I’ve seen that happen on occasion. However, because of the charitable, modest man that Marshall is, that doesn’t happen. If anything, he is careful to make sure that he graciously defers to the other actors in the scene, whether young or old. And in so doing, the audience is captivated by Marshall even more. Oh, there may be those who overlook him because he doesn’t attempt to put himself forward, even when he would be well within his rights to do so. Some may call Marshall an underrated actor. He has the capacity to take on any role he wants, but he only does those things that he wants to. After all, he is a legend in this business, and while he loves acting, he is not just going to act for the sake of acting.
As Colonel Crane, Marshall is absolutely magnificent. There is never any doubt that his character is in charge, and Marshall immerses himself fully in this role from the way he barks orders all the way down to his the way in which he moves. No detail is omitted as Marshall captures everything within this complicated character. It makes perfect sense why the younger actors who played his men always addressed him as “Colonel” on and off the screen because for the time he was in this film, that is who he was. There is never in any doubt. Nothing appears forced or counterfeit. And how Marshall can play a character who in many ways is so contrary to who he is as a person–well, dear readers, that is a master class in acting in itself!
I would invite everyone to check out this film as soon as possible. As it is now available outside the theaters, be sure you check out the website and links below for more information as to where you can purchase the DVD. I only wish every American had the opportunity to see this movie, Christian or not, because it will make you think, if nothing else. Oh, and don’t worry, it is not a movie that will preach at you. It does have a conservative bent, but it still does somewhat show what is happening on the other side.
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