RELEASED TO TV IN 2011 and directed by Jason Connery, "51" (aka "Area 51") chronicles events at the secretive base 80 miles north of Las Vegas (25 miles south of the town of Rachel, Nevada) when the Air Force is compelled by public pressure to allow a group of reporters to visit the base. Horror ensues when a few aliens imprisoned in the hidden underground complex attempt an escape.
The tone is mostly serious, but with a slight campy vibe in the first act. The plot is akin to "Aliens" (1979) except on a TV budget and taking place at a desert military facility. Three kinds of aliens are included: an interesting Super-Adaptoid-like one, a wicked-monster type featuring child and mother (Lady Death) and a smaller, kindly one with psychic powers. All three are pretty well done for a TV movie. Unfortunately, the group of reporters is thoroughly dull; the actors are serviceable, but their characters (as written) are forgettable. The only character I found interesting was Sgt. Hanna, played by petite cutie Rachel Miner.
Overall, the proceedings are kinda "Meh," but not without some interesting points.
THE FILM RUNS 90 minutes and was shot in the studio in Louisiana combined with some desert locations (I don't know where though). WRITERS: Kenny Yakkel (screenplay) & Lucy Mukerjee-Brown (story).
GRADE: C
The tone is mostly serious, but with a slight campy vibe in the first act. The plot is akin to "Aliens" (1979) except on a TV budget and taking place at a desert military facility. Three kinds of aliens are included: an interesting Super-Adaptoid-like one, a wicked-monster type featuring child and mother (Lady Death) and a smaller, kindly one with psychic powers. All three are pretty well done for a TV movie. Unfortunately, the group of reporters is thoroughly dull; the actors are serviceable, but their characters (as written) are forgettable. The only character I found interesting was Sgt. Hanna, played by petite cutie Rachel Miner.
Overall, the proceedings are kinda "Meh," but not without some interesting points.
THE FILM RUNS 90 minutes and was shot in the studio in Louisiana combined with some desert locations (I don't know where though). WRITERS: Kenny Yakkel (screenplay) & Lucy Mukerjee-Brown (story).
GRADE: C