-Written by Kyle Bain.
Surge (Vincent J. Roth) must team up with the mysterious The Smoke (Eric Moran) to take down a dangerous thief. In Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke, a new era of superheroes is ushered in–ready to save the world from the threats of the future.
Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke is part of a film series that parodies the superhero subgenre. Much like the Scary Movie franchise was for horror, this is for that aforementioned subgenre–but better. I’ve never seen any of the previous entries that are part of this series, I had never before even heard of the series. When I saw the email in my inbox expressing to me that this would be one of Nichelle Nichols’ (Omen) final performances, the new Star Trek nerd in me jumped at the opportunity to see Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke. I had no idea what this film would entail, I had no context whatsoever, and, honestly, based on the film’s poster alone, I anticipated that this sixty-eight minute film would be mind numbing and tedious. Nichols plays a relatively small role in the film, potentially playing a greater role in the grand scheme of the series, but a small role here nonetheless. So, the majority of my time was spent watching each and every one of the other characters do and say ridiculous things, poking fun at the world of pop culture every step of the way. The reality is that I didn’t need any context when stepping into Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke, as just about everything is explained along the way (even if a lot of it intentionally doesn’t make any sense).
With hundreds of pop culture references, Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke touches on just about every corner of Hollywood–meaning that, while this film is absolutely ridiculous, it has the potential to reach everyone.
Interestingly enough, Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke reminds me of films like Velocipastor and Birdemic: Shock and Terror, where it doesn’t take itself too seriously. However, Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke knows that it has the duty to be as genuine as possible for its viewers. From the start it’s clear that the team behind this absurd film understands that their film is a joke, but that they will do everything in their power to, just beneath the surface, create something that manages to be genuine, honest, and accessible.
I laughed out loud on numerous occasions throughout the course of Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke. Whether it was the references to pop culture, the intentionally bad acting, or the simple fact that much of the dialogue and the story just doesn’t make sense–I found myself thoroughly entertained by what this series of writers and directors brought to life. And, while I laughed throughout the majority of the film, that aforementioned genuineness appealed to me in a different way. I felt something visceral that I couldn’t quite explain. I connected with these insane characters, appreciated their asinine stories, and was able to see beyond their strange facades and alter egos. Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke is interestingly emotionally relevant, and there’s a truly wonderful balance between that emotion and the comedy present throughout.
I once said that aspects of the special effects in Birdemic: Shock and Terror reminded me of clipart. There are moments throughout Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke in which it comes dangerously, and hilariously close to something similar. However, Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke manages to create something just unique enough that those special effects, too, become tantalizing.
In short, Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke is incredible. It’s wonderfully entertaining, hilarious, well developed, and literally so bad that it’s good. Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke is intentionally bad, however–purposefully presenting viewers with bad acting, silly storylines, and asinine characters. Then there is the emotional aspect of the film, that I am still struggling to put into words. Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke is brilliant from start to finish–a well-constructed film that hits all the right notes, ranging from goofy to completely absurd.
Directed by Mario DeAngelis, Jeff Rector, & Vincent J. Roth.
Written by Blake Casselman, Mario DeAngelis, Vincent J. Roth, Enoch Scott, and James A. Ward.
Starring Vincent J. Roth, Eric Moran, Nichelle Nichols, Stephanie Ann, Kevin Caliber, Chase Cortese, etc.
8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
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