Intriguing and sinister the film Debug takes you into the sci-fi world in outer space with this well-made terror flick. Although the film does have somewhat of a feel similar to 2001: A Space Odyssey, but truly a movie that survives on its own with a horror sensation. The acting, direction, sets and cinematography are all good making the film worth seeing. Now on DVD Debug is a great watch-at-home treat for science fiction lovers that like action, suspense and evil.

Detention center guard Capra (Adrian Holmes) arrives in space at the abandoned freighter Amphitrite. On board his spacecraft are six inmates as part of a work release program Mel (Ker Hewitt), Samson (Kyle Mac), Lara (Sidney Leeder), Diondra (Jadyn Wong), James (Adam Butcher) and Kaida (Jeananne Goossen). They have been incarcerated for various crimes involving computer hacking. Their mission involves shutting down all the programs in the computer systems, debugging them, then reprogramming and re-commissioning the Amphitrite.

At first we find the crew jovial with the easy detail since the freighter looks in excellent shape. They go to work immediately running programs that will put the original brain of the ship under control of the department of corrections. Soon things start to get dicey as each of the workers begins to run into strange problems with the equipment. Director and writer David Hewlett works his characters into a position with a safe environment. He then adds obstacles to cause some nervousness, then he drops the proverbial foot taking them into a world of fear and survival.

Hewett has a good cast with acting skills that make their characters interesting and believable. As the leader appointed by Capra, Mel must be sure his crew is communicating and sending information on what they are accomplishing to the main deck. Ker Hewitt does a great job of creating the convict with ego the size of the ship. He’s unaware that the others are playing him, especially Lara played by Sidney Leeder. She’s a sexually charged inmate that has the hots for Mel, but only to serve her needs. Leeder puts on a good show giving Lara a chance to show off her eroticism with the use her computer. She teases Mel until she finds herself in hot water.

But, the two most inventive characters are Iam a computer generated egotist played by Jason Momoa. He makes his role very evil and confident going head to head with the crew and Capra. He has the right voice for Iam and also shows his fighting skills during several scenes. With him in support Jeananne Goossen plays Kaida a tough woman who has the highest crime rating of the workers. She’s brilliantly savvy of computers and built to take on any adversary, male or female. Goossen turns on her tough persona for the role of Kaida and nails it.

The real stars of the film are the computer crew that provides the graphics for the sets and special effects of Debug. The huge prison freighter floating in space is awesome. Cavernous inside with halls and rooms it’s a huge playground for movie making, a grand set in which the actors do their thing. The set makers had a ball with their white corridors much like 2001: A Space Odyssey. It’s a homage to the great film and one that the cameramen must have had nightmare’s shooting. My hat’s off to the lighting guy who lit the sets without a shadow.

Bonus Feature:

“Making of Debug” features writer director David Hewett and producer Jane Loughman going over the ins and outs of the production. The actors get to talk about their characters, their fight scenes and working with director Hewett.

Debug has not been rated by the MPAA but contains language, violence and gore. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A good story delivered with a fine cast and an excellent crew. (B)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Jeananne Goossen, Adrian Holmes, Jason Momoa, Ker Hewitt, Kyle Mac, Sidney Leeder , Jadyn Wong, Adam Butcher, Dylan Harman
Director and writer:  David Hewlett
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains violence, sexual situations, gore
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Space Thriller
Running Time: 1 Hr. 38 min.
Video Release Date: June 9, 2015
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Widescreen 16×9 Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
Subtitles: CC
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Ketchup Entertainment