Plot Summary
Joseph Jenkins is a hotshot drag race car driver, but when he is suddenly crippled in a wreck, he feels like his life is over. As he sulks in a hospital room, he doesn’t want to see anyone, but his roommate pulls him out of his shell and gives him a new purpose in life. Then Joseph suddenly reconnects with an old friend of his father, whom he never knew. Joseph soon finds a new lease on life and a chance at redemption, but will he be able to make his newfound faith his own?
Production Quality (1.5 points)
Adrenaline is overall a mixed bag, including the production. Video quality is fine, but camera work is too shaky, including a lot of odd camera angles. Lighting is poor at first, but it improves as it goes. Audio quality is fine, but the soundtrack is sometimes too loud. However, sets, locations, and props are very professional. Yet Adrenaline commits a common error of indie films—imperfect editing. Cuts and transitions are very confusing and even sometimes spastic, thus making for a lot of choppy editing. In the end, this is a good production effort, but some kinks still need to be worked out of it.
Plot and Storyline Quality (.5 point)
Unfortunately, though it has some good messages, Adrenaline is a formulaic sports redemption plot with a predictable sequence. The characters are somewhat stereotypical, though attempts are made to develop them. However, it would be better to see them deeper because they are intriguing characters. This can be done by making the dialogue more creative and complex. Elsewhere, there are too many (unfortunately expected) sports and training montages, as well as a lot of wasted time. It’s too bad because it feels like this plot has a lot of potential that it doesn’t reach. Perhaps things will improve next time.
Acting Quality (2 points)
Even as a slightly amateur cast (except for John Schneider), the acting isn’t really that bad. Even John Schneider is better than he has been in the past. The cast members embrace their characters well. The only issue to point out is some overdone emotions, but that’s easily fixed. This shows great hope for the future.
Conclusion
With some experience working under the Kendricks, this creative team did pick up on a thing or two that they will likely be able to use to get even better in the future. First movie mistakes can easily be forgiven, so it will be interesting to see what they have planned next. With some better production funding and a more creative plot, as well as a continuously good cast, this team will be going places.
Final Rating: 4 out of 10 points
Box Office Revolution 