Falling Fire (1997)

The Worst Film Ever

Good concept, poorly executed.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

Unfortunately, "Falling Fire" is one of the biggest duds we've seen in a long time.This 1998 Roger Corman New Horizons release is an unfocused, boring mish-mash. It is clearly a cash-in on the then-current rash of sci-fi hits such as Armageddon (1998), Deep Impact (1998), Johnny Mnemonic (1995), Starship Troopers (1997) Virtuosity (1995), Event Horizon (1997), Deep Rising (1998) and it even manages to rip-off the classic 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). It is especially similar to the more well-known Supernova (2000-filmed in 1998).Set in space, the plot seems to be some twaddle about a ragtag team of explorers supposedly trying to stop a huge meteor from hitting earth. Meanwhile Captain Daryl Boden (Paré) is having family troubles back on earth. His wife (Von Palleske) even gets into some hot water herself when she gets shot in the foot by the main baddie. Will they save earth from impending destruction? Will Paré emote more than Jeff Fahey or a piece of wood? (Don't) find out tonight! Also trying to horn in on the "V.R. craze" of the mid-1990s, any episode of the kids TV show "V.R. Troopers" (1994-1996) is better than this dreck. The most positive aspect of the movie we can name is the special effects were probably decent for the budget they had and the time it was made. Sadly though, the finished product is tedious with characters talking about scientific gobbledygook instead of making sense or even having action scenes.We believe we have come up with a reason why Fire is so disjointed and nonsensical and thus not engaging to the viewer: It seems the movie was longer at one point and was haphazardly edited down to a manageable length. The Canadian version under the odd title "The Cusp" has scenes not in the American release.We all love Paré and even he is slumming this time around. It seems he is sleepwalking and this is not his best moment. He brings no energy, but that is quite apropos as the whole production has no life. Paré was just along for the slow space ride. We also suspect that the American title was changed to Falling Fire to cash-in on Paré's most well-known work Streets Of Fire (1984).Apparently the chemistry of Paré & Heidi von Palleske was so great after their double whammy of Strip Search (1997) and 2013: The Deadly Wake (1997) it was decided they appear again together in this flick. They should have quit while they were ahead.This has a direct-to-cable feel and this is an example of a movie that has a short running time but feels much longer. The effects make the asteroid in question look like a gigantic piece of burnt toast and it occurred to us that the entire movie is like one big piece of burnt toast.Douse out this "Fire" tonight! For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

There is not too much to be said about this bad film. It's a science-fiction story, with ecological ambitions. Low on budget, and low on inspiration. The story line and the general idea are acceptable, but with the many space disaster movies having been made in the last ten years, and with the terrorism theme that much beaten in movies and in real life this film brings nothing new. I personally had a hard time fighting against falling asleep - even during what were supposed to be the top suspense scenes. A group of unknown actors get more screen time than they are used to, but none of them crosses the threshold of mediocrity. The effects are early 80s TV level. The director put some decency in his work, avoiding to let the film fall completely into ridicule, but this is not enough. 3/10 on my personal scale.

I've seen the film twice now. I liked it the first time, it had good ideas, good special FX some interesting actors, and managed to keep you guessing. I don't want to give away the end, but the set up is good, An asteroid being brought into Earth's orbit may be set up to collide with the planet instead causing destruction beyond recovery, that's not original , but the twists are neat- Ecological terrorist are behind it all. These terrorists are well thought out, inteligent, even disturbingly sympathetic. The hard questions about what we're doing to ur world, and the moral issues about extremeists are well woven into a fabric of action, suspense and good old whodunit.I can tell its a good film, the second viewing still held surprises, suspense and good effects.

C'mon! It's not that bad. Oscar material, no, but as a human interest story it's actually pretty good. Different kind of twist with the male lead (Pare) involved shipboard with a girl who turns out to be a "baddie," while his soon-to-be-ex-wife back on earth helps save the day ...If you take the story on its own and don't try to compare it to the blockbusters like "Armageddon" or "Deep Impact," it's really quite enjoyable. The effects are pretty good too. And the added dimension of environmental terrorism is quite nineties and, if you live in a "green-aware" place like I do, really quite unnerving and all too believable. Pare is a terrific actor and, though all too often unfortunately paired with lesser talents, nevertheless manages to give quite a good performance. Give it a try.