Beware of THE DRONE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Jordan Rubin And Lionsgate is a look at those who use technology for destruction while flying THE DRONE.

After a city wide manhunt for a killer using a drone to find his victims, the police take care of it and take his drone for evidence. Unfortunately it never makes it to the evidence locker. Newlyweds Richie (Christopher Cook), Rachel (Alex Essoe) their dog Hector have moved into a beautiful new house and are in the midst of settling in.

Richie is surprised to find a drone in his recycling bin and really happy about it. The only thing is he doesn't have a remote but after getting one he is even more excited. Later that night the drone is on the dresser in their bedroom and recording.

Rachel starts noticing that the drone is flying in the house by itself and thinks Richie is responsible. He tries to tell her it's not true which leads to a bit of an argument. What they aren't aware of is that the drone is watching their every move and beginning to take control of the technology in the house.

When a neighbor is attacked and Richie is questioned by police, Rachel is confronted by the drone. It is now on a mission but that isn't going to stop the couple from finding out what that is and stop it cold.

Essoe as Rachel is a pretty strong woman in the sense that  she picks up on the drone quickly and isn't about to let a piece of flying junk take her out. She is more aware of the situation and quicker to track down why this is happening.

Cook as Richie is taken in by the drone and sees it as a toy. What he doesn't expect is that his 'toy' has other plans. As more and more things begin to happen, he realizes that Rachel is right, especially when the cops come knocking on the door.

Other cast include John Brotherton as Chris, Harvey Jackson as LAPD Boubier, Rex Lin as Baker, Gonzalo Menendez as Det. Ramirez, Simon Rex as Jeffries, and Anita Briem as Corrine.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000 motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Special Features include Making THE DRONE, Commentary with Director-Co-Writer Jordan Rubin, Actor Alex Essoe, Cinematography Jonathan Hall and Drone Operator Travis Geske and Trailer Gallery.

THE DRONE is a film that doesn't fall far from the fears people have about electronics and drones in particular. They represent an quiet invasion of privacy especially when there are very few laws regulating their use.

I don't want to give anything away because there are some twists here that I didn't see coming. Once the first twist happens, it keeps happening and happening until the very last frame of the film. Pretty cool to my way of thinking.

In the end - your remote has no control. 

DRONE Brings About a Debating Story

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this week from director Jason Bourque and Screen Media Films is a story that will bring about debate when it comes to a DRONE.

Neil Wistin (Sean Bean) works secrets as a drone contractor who flies missions that target terrorists. His wife Ellen (Mary McCormack) and teenage son Shane (Maxwell Haynes) believe he is in the IT business. Keeping his work life and home life separate is difficult on everyone.

When Neil’s father dies there is definitely a tension at home as Shane finds it difficult to deal with his grandfather being gone. In their driveway sits a constant reminder in the form of a large sailing boat with a for sale sign plastered across its bow.

While working at home Neil sees a man standing in the driveway. He introduces himself as Imir Shaw (Patrick Sabongui) and shows interest in buying the boat. Happy about it, Neil invites Imir in so they can discuss the price and paperwork.

After some talk Neil invites Imir to dinner with Mary and Shane. Casual conversation about work and culture are pleasant enough until an uncomfortable tension comes between them all.

What happens next will have everyone talking!

Bean as Neil is a man who is pressured by the work he does, the death of his father and a family that doesn’t talk to one another. When the stranger shows up it is inevitable that feelings will rise to the surface and secrets slip out under pressure. Watching Beans’ character juggle everything through a bottle of wine was a train wreck waiting to happen.

McCormack as Ellen is clearly unhappy with family life but tries to reach her husband and son. Hayes as Shane is a young man who wants to send off his grandfather in his own way. Keeping to himself, Shane’s parents are not quite sure how to help him.

Sabongui as Shaw is a man with his own demons. Wanting people to understand everything he’s been through and his sadness becomes difficult when it’s done through fear. Sabongui uses everything from his delivery of words to the expression on his face to bring the audience in.

Other cast include Joel Moore as Gary, Viv Leacock as Agent Barker, Sharon Taylor as Agent Jenkins, Bradley Stryker as Ted Little and Kirby Morrow as Dave Wistin.

Screen Media Films is a global independent motion picture company releasing titles that include TEN THOUSAND SAINTS starring Ethan Hawke, Hailee Steinfeld and Emile Hirsch; COLONIA starring Emma Watson and Daniel Bruhl, SHELTER starring Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie and SHARK LAKE starring Dolph Lundgren. For more on what Screen Media Films has to offer please visit www.screenmediafilms.net.

DRONE brings about the question of who is behind the controls and how it affects us all. This is a story that not only deals with the home life of a man who is not being truthful with his family but another man who feels justified in his actions.

Yes, that seems cryptic to say but this is a film that must be experienced so that the conversation about drones has a starting point. We live in a world of bad guys who imbed themselves around innocent people. We also live in a world were decisions aren’t always so cut and dry and in this film it all comes to a head for both.

The cast is what keeps the story on its feet with Bean, McCormack and Sabongui meshing it all together with emotional shock and awe and knowing our secrets can be used as a weapon.

In the end – choose your target!