This brief review contains 'almost' no spoilers, as it would be nearly impossible to spoil this made-for-Syfy movie any more than it already is.
First, I'll admit that I didn't watch "Fading of the Cries" all the way through. I simply couldn't do it. I was hoping to end a Saturday night with a good story through good storytelling. What I got was bored and sleepy, really fast.
It all starts off with, at the time, a very confusing beginning that takes place 14 years in the past. Then it jumps to the present and, shortly thereafter, demons start to inexplicably come out of nowhere and attack everybody in the neighborhood. At this time, the hero shows up (also out of nowhere) wielding only a ninja sword and begins slicing up demons with smooth moves that could only be learned at Summer Camp. Soon after, were transported back to the past for more confusion. The movie never gives you time to care about the characters, the story, nothing.
"Fading of the Cries" has the typical low budget special effects that we've all come to expect from SyFy-esque movies. Unfortunately, that is this movie's only high note (other than Brad Dourif, which is why I gave it 2 stars). The acting is bad, at best, especially when it comes to Jordan Matthews (Jacob), but the director, Brian A. Metcalf, should take most of the blame for how everything turned out. The monologue and dialogue lacked conviction and intelligence, as if written for an uninspiring children's book. However, only a portion of what the characters were saying could be clearly heard when the soundtrack wasn't drowning them out. Maybe that was a blessing in disguise?
This is the movie in a nutshell. Eventually, I'm sure, the past and present are brought together to make some sort of sense, but by then you'll be wondering why everyone hasn't taken turns throwing themselves on that sword. Their careers are certainly lining up to take the plunge. (Not you, Brad Dourif. You rock!)
First, I'll admit that I didn't watch "Fading of the Cries" all the way through. I simply couldn't do it. I was hoping to end a Saturday night with a good story through good storytelling. What I got was bored and sleepy, really fast.
It all starts off with, at the time, a very confusing beginning that takes place 14 years in the past. Then it jumps to the present and, shortly thereafter, demons start to inexplicably come out of nowhere and attack everybody in the neighborhood. At this time, the hero shows up (also out of nowhere) wielding only a ninja sword and begins slicing up demons with smooth moves that could only be learned at Summer Camp. Soon after, were transported back to the past for more confusion. The movie never gives you time to care about the characters, the story, nothing.
"Fading of the Cries" has the typical low budget special effects that we've all come to expect from SyFy-esque movies. Unfortunately, that is this movie's only high note (other than Brad Dourif, which is why I gave it 2 stars). The acting is bad, at best, especially when it comes to Jordan Matthews (Jacob), but the director, Brian A. Metcalf, should take most of the blame for how everything turned out. The monologue and dialogue lacked conviction and intelligence, as if written for an uninspiring children's book. However, only a portion of what the characters were saying could be clearly heard when the soundtrack wasn't drowning them out. Maybe that was a blessing in disguise?
This is the movie in a nutshell. Eventually, I'm sure, the past and present are brought together to make some sort of sense, but by then you'll be wondering why everyone hasn't taken turns throwing themselves on that sword. Their careers are certainly lining up to take the plunge. (Not you, Brad Dourif. You rock!)
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