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Ridley Scott's on Another Alien's Trail in Low-Budget Horror 'Phoenix Forgotten'

'Phoenix Forgotten' is another movie that is supposedly based on a true story, that is, the very basic premise is at least.

By Matt LoftusPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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In an endless sea of found footage movies clogging up our DVD charts it's refreshing to actually see one that is not only entertaining but has an actual budget behind it. If you're the sort of person who hates this sub-genre then my latest review for Phoenix Forgotten is probably not going to make you run out to buy this but you never know. The fact that Phoenix is produced by Ridley Scott himself may change your mind but who knows, let's delve a little deeper into this creepy Alien based story.

Based On A "True Incident"

Phoenix Forgotten is another movie that is supposedly based on a true story, that is, the very basic premise is at least. Back in 1997 there was a well documented sighting of strange lights in the sky above of Phoenix, which is where this movie begins. This incident serves as the catalyst for the film and we then follow three young student filmmakers who decide to look into the sightings themselves. The film is told through a series of interviews set in modern day from people involved in the original search for said students. No bodies were ever recovered and only the students' car and film gear was found, the question is therefore, was it little green men from mars that took them or some sort of government cover up? Well, the movie won't leave you hanging but I really won't spoil the ending in this article (though the odd hint can't hurt).

Much in keeping with the rules of this particular genre, the viewer is treated to an odd assortment of cliche-to-camera interviews and a bunch of cut together footage from different perspectives and cameras to complete the narrative. As the movie progresses we are treated to the inevitable scene where 'new' footage is uncovered from a lost and overlooked fried camera, which has some truly shocking stories to tell. Personally I don't have any particular problem with this type of storytelling when it's used well and Phoenix certainly managed to keep a thread of tension and mystery going, which actually delivered the goods by it's third act. That is something that a lot of these type of movies often overlook and simply fizzle out with little empathy for it's loyal viewers who actually made it to the end.

Cooked Camera's galore

The very real idea that aliens exist and are coming down to our planet is in itself a scary idea and has been explored many, many times in literature and cinema. One thing Phoenix does is delve into some of the more bizarre theories about alien life having actually been around since the dawn of our creation. References throughout history are played upon like ancient hieroglyphics that seem to represent spaceships and alien life teaching us are sure to cause a shudder. Maybe we are actually descended from off planet beings? Is it that far out a theory, not according to Stephen Hawkins, which is what makes the premise so chilling.

In Closing

Phoenix Forgotten is the type of found footage movie that will easily entertain you on a slow night or perhaps Sunday afternoon. It's shot pretty well for this type of genre and even manages to evoke a fair bit of emotion for the lost characters trapped within the confines of their own camera project. Phoenix is basically a mixture of The Blair Witch Project meets The Fourth Kind and only really delivers on it's main shock by the finale. If you're already a fan of this sub-genre I can safely say you'll get a kick out of this but if you're already fed up of this type of movie than Phoenix won't be for you. Give it a chance when Phoenix makes it's way onto DVD, Blu-ray and VOD on September 18th. in the U.K.

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About the Creator

Matt Loftus

Horror-obsessed writer and Filmmaker

Read my ramblings here and see my short films on YouTube:MattLoftus85

My TikTok @mattloftus85

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