Plot Summary
When a secret space observatory in Nevada picks up a mysterious and erratic signal from outer space, a powerful billionaire who owns the observatory forms a team made up of his spiritual guide, two investigative reporters, and his company’s computer technician to fly out to the observatory to find out what happened. Some of them believe they have been contacted by intelligent beings from outer space, while others believe something more sinister is going on. The signal also draws the attention of a specialized squadron of troops, some of whom have questionable abilities. As they all meet up at the observatory, who will prevail? Will they ever discover the truth of what is really out there?
Production Quality (1.5 points)
As an early 2000s Cloud Ten production, Deceived is mostly average in its production quality. the biggest detractors are the grainy video quality and poor lighting in most scenes. There are also too many cheesy special effects that are used in an attempt to be different and sci-fi. However, the sets, locations, and props seem realistic enough. Audio quality is also fine and the soundtrack is intriguing. Finally, the editing job is decent and overall rounds out an average production. It certainly could have been better, but it could have also been worse. However, there is not much we can say for the plot.
Plot and Storyline Quality (0 points)
With a cheesy sci-fi premise that’s full of technological mumbo-jumbo and empty dialogue, Deceived tries to be creative and different, yet misses the mark badly. There is far too much time wasted on petty conflicts and not enough time spent on character development. While some of the characters could be interesting, we barely get to know them in the midst information dump dialogue and monologuing. The Christian characters are too perfect while the non-Christian characters are too flawed. There are also too many spiritual elements that come off as a bizarre in an attempt to bridge the horror genre. The ending is quite confusing and seems like the writers just ran out of ideas. In the end, this is a very disappointing story that could have been interesting.
Acting Quality (1 point)
With a cast made up of semi-professionals, these cast members have their good moments, but unfortunately, the bad moments outweigh the good. There are too many overly dramatic and theatrical performances. Emotions are hard to connect with. In the end, they do not live up to their full potential.
Conclusion
The early 2000s era of Christian film had some noble attempts to bridge different genres Christian film had never bridged before, and John Patus and Cloud Ten Pictures were on the forefront of this attempt. However, for the most part, these attempts did not fulfill their fullest potential and settled for half-measures, probably because the market was so thin then. Much has happened since these films came out, but they can certainly serve as an example of how and how not to expand Christian film into unique genres. Yesterday’s disappointments can certainly be remedied in the future.
Final Rating: 2.5 out of 10 points
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