This review was originally published on January 21, 2013…
Practical effects are nearly a thing of the past. Today, we tend to see bloated, computer-effects driven, hollow films. So it comes as a breath of fresh air when a film appears that champions techniques of the past with modern technology. That’s Sci-Fly, a small film that is able to create larger than life landscapes before your eyes.
Sci-Fly blends in-camera and practical effects to create galaxies, planets and other really cool locations to create a unique, atmospherical, experimental film. These are visuals that would rival that of The Fountain, Tree of Life and would even make Gaspar Noé tremble.
As I was writing this review, I got curious about the creation of the film, so I looked up director Joey Shanks and the creation of this film and learned about the whole Kickstarter process that went into this. Shanks explains his love for stop-motion and practical effects while pitching Sci-Fly as a film about the last living being in the galaxy trying to survive a harsh galaxy. I was unable to see that in the film per se but nonetheless I was captivated by the overall process and final output of the film. The music adds a whole extra layer to the experience and I feel like both the visuals and the music compliment each other nicely.
Joey Shanks was able to do this film entirely on imagination and heart. I must say I applaud him for what he was able to achieve. I look forward to seeing what else this he is able to create with an even bigger budget.
I thought your readers might like to know that the music in Sci-Fly is by Kleptonaut. http://kleptonaut.com/