The Prodigy is out on DVD! You’ve probably never heard of it and weren’t waiting in eager anticipation for its release, however, now that it is indeed out its existence is on the radar and read on as to whether or not you should waste your time with this action thriller.
The Prodigy’s directing credit goes to Mr. William Kaufman who seems to have made his action film after watching the Saw horror film series a few too many times. The Saw effect is not really in the story, which centers around a mythical assassin stalking a gangster enforcer who he envisions to be his “prodigy” or replacement in the world of killing, but rather in the lighting, mood, and the filtered voice used by the assassin. Actually, then again, he does pose some of his victims in a artistic horror movie killer sort of way.
Acting: Holt Boggs plays the lead role, not the assassin, but the man up against the assassin. This film made Holt Boggs look cool; who is Holt Boggs? He is that cool actor from The Prodigy. Well done acting for the lead, the supporting cast was hit and miss, but the energy surrounding Holt made up for it. When the Assassin’s face is revealed it is another enjoyable moment of acting skills, but no spoilers.
This is an independent film and for something in the action genre that usually means a horrible plot and poorly filmed action sequences. Even though one can tell this film’s budget wasn’t so high and the glossy film stock wasn’t used, the fight scenes and the action are quite a violent and entertaining accomplishment. The look is not the sharpest by far, but the way Holt Boggs throws a punch is an incredible and fun thing to behold.
The story is interesting to a degree, however the role of the villain being a religious obsessed man killing to sort of gets Gods attention and yadda yadda felt old. All of the bad guy’s preaching felt flat and really brought the experience of the film down several notches.
On a recommendation lists people would probably see this title and then the message that “other viewers who enjoyed The Prodigy also enjoyed The Boondock Saints.” The Prodigy has the same vibe and feel that could launch it into cult action status on DVD, and it does have around the same amount of errors and annoyances as The Boondock Saints. However, it also has Holt Boggs and does not have The Boondocks annoying director Troy Duffy who is the center of a insightful documentary entitled “Overnight” if you want to see a lesson on how not to act in Hollywood once you get a big movie deal.
The Prodigy is not that great a movie, but it is worth a watch due to the accomplishments achieved in some of the fighting sequences. The shooting may go on for too long and not be state of the art effects, but the film is an inspiration that low budget independent directors in the action genre may be heading in the right direction.
this movie came out in 2004 so the SAW comparison really doesn’t work. what’s “glossy film stock”?
The Dvd was not released in 2004, though the film itself may have been made that year…so was SAW. the analogy makes perfect sense..says SEEMS..doesn’t say he does, says SEEMS..isn’t accusing him of doing such..says SEEMS..let’s read that again together: SEEMS because it does feel like SAW in some parts…or SEEMS like, whether or not it was made without being influence by that doesn’t matter…wonderful comparison on my part…*applause* Glossy film stock…apparently you aren’t hip enough to read my reviews..lol…was a fun way of saying the film doesn’t look as glossy as a big time movie, picture quality
..now just to go over our notes on this again..the word SEEMS did not imply that it was trying to be like SAW, but as a movie watcher one of the first comparisons they will make will be potentially with that film style-wise as I implied…SEEEEEEEEEMS
I respond with all of that in good critical fun and humor. Thanks for the comment.
wow…a lot of exposition for a very shaky argument and still not a sound defense….sadly, hallmarks of a poor writer. i think the term is “backpedaling” and “covering your a**”.
with such an astoundingly poor writing and fact checking in general i can’t imagine i’ll read anymore of your reviews…there are plenty of other kids out there writing at a high school level for me to peruse.
what’s the saying “arguing on the internet is like running in the special olympics, even if you win you’re still retarded”
There was zero back pedaling in my remarks, nor was there any argument..I kindly point out the word SEEMS to you, if you would like I could define it as well.
As for a poor writer, why are you trying to take personal shots at someone you don’t know? Considering I make a very good living on writing you’re barking up the wrong tree for insults. Whether I meet your approval or not makes zero difference.
just a fun factoid, currently the website for actor Holt Boggs from the film uses a blurb from my review as one if his press quotes
Having seen the film, I can’t say I follow the Saw comparison, but to each his own.
Having read this review, it SEEEEEEEEMS as if this Holt Boggs must be a beautiful fearsome beast.
i certainly agree with the pointlessness of arguing on the net.
i would hope that you don’t take me as someone who reads or appreciates your work but rather someone who has read more than graphic novels and the back of cereal boxes. your condescending tone and emphasis through capitalization didn’t strike me as witty banter as it may your pals at story time.
“high school level” writing is a criticism, not a personal attack. you have seemingly received little of the former and perhaps too much of the latter. you’ve posted your work in the public domain; be prepared for a reality check every now and then.
sad really that you pull out the “i make loads of money” argument so soon in the game. capote you aren’t. acceptance by the unwashed masses just proves you’re pandering to the lowest common denominator….a la michael bay.
since you portray yourself as a “writer” it’s interesting that you don’t need the approval of someone who reads your work. on a side note it certainly seems that for caring so little you’ve written so much.
any other actors you need to validate your work as a writer?
best of luck, it’s been fun.
If I didn’t want your commentary you do realize I have the power to edit and delete any and all of these comments, right? I engaged in a little back and forth just to stir some discussion and posts on the site. (seemed to be what they ask for in commentary, maybe not)
You are right on one thing about high school kids and movie reviews…any one could write them..no one wants to read some asshole trying to sound like he is smart and an intellectual, people make up their own minds about movies and tend to skim reviews……what would be the point in trying to be a “Capote”? Unwashed masses? Ha ha, that almost sounds like Nazi talk..now I’ve pulled the make money card and Nazi card, feel free to commence with the yo momma jokes… I don’t tend to waste my brain power on movie reviews that would be correct, nor am I trying to impress the scholarly. Michael Bay kicked ass with Bad Boys 2 though…Transformers on the other hand sucked.