REVIEW: "High Plains Invaders" On DVD

I recently had the opportunity to preview the forthcoming installment of the "Maneater Series" titled "High Plains Invaders" - due to hit stores on DVD April 6th From RHI Entertainment And Vivendi Entertainment.

A Syfy Channel original movie starring James Marsters ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer," "Angel"), Sebastian Knapp (Sand Serpents, 28 Days Later) and Cindy Sampson (Swamp Devil) - "High Plains Invaders" tells the story of what happens when alien insect creatures invade the old west. I know, it sounds ridiculous but don't judge a DVD by it's cheesy title.

In the beginning of the film we meet Sam Phoenix (Marsters) - an Indian-fighter turned outlaw who is about to be hanged. His execution is interrupted just in the nick of time by these insect like mechanical creatures that begin killing the townsfolk. Sam and the remaining survivors hide out in the local church while trying to figure out how to escape or exterminate these insect pioneers.

The film actually has some scientific ground to stand on. I was shocked that someone did some research on uranium and pitchblende prior to shooting the film. Most of the costuming was period but I was a bit disappointed to see so many double-action modern looking revolvers in an era that was dominated by single-action. Maybe I'm splitting hairs on this one but it was a point of distraction for me.

Marsters, along with the rest of the cast, did a fine job in this film. With the exception of a few annoying forced southern accents and some really bad dialog, the acting is about what one would expect in a Syfy Channel original.

The special effects were above average for what we expect to see from the "Maneater Series". Usually when you get a full on camera shot of the creatures, the over-animated CGI has much to be desired. The mechanical nature of these insect creatures actually worked in it's favor this time. They actually looked like "uranium-based insectoid creatures".

All in all this film was a pretty fun watch. All of these "Maneater" films have one big-name-draw and this time Marsters is it. If you're a James Marsters fan then "High Plains Invaders" is sure to please. Hitting stores April 6th with a retail price of $14.93

Synopsis:
The hanging of honorable Indian-fighter Sam Phoenix in a small western town is cut short by the unexpected invasion of uranium-based insectoid creatures, forcing Sam and a small band of survivors to take refuge in a church. They'll need more than a prayer and a pistol to survive, as a Wild West landscape is inundated by a killer force of alien pioneers.