This work’s sharp-looking opening sequence doesn’t disappoint, segueing to a fast moving, delightfully mid-fi space adventure complete with alien life forms and a trio of carping, under-gunned anti-heroes. Escape from Death Planet will put viewers in mind of summer matinees: remember exiting those darkened cinemas into the afternoon sun, giddy and ready to play shoot ‘em up with imaginary monsters that spilled out of storefronts and alleyways all the way home? Writer-director James Cadden quite briskly rides the line between parody and playing it straight, offering yuks and tension along with some genuinely well-integrated CGI effects served up with more than a touch of something that looks an awful lot like tomato sauce. Mamma mia!James Cadden
James Cadden graduated from the University of Alberta in 2009 with a B.A. in film studies and a minor in art and design. He has been an enthusiastic filmmaker since high school, learning and developing his technique with each short he has made. This direct experience has fostered an interest in all aspects of film production, including special effects, make-up and costume design, and developed him into a versatile jack-of-all-trades. Cadden hopes to expand on his base in the Edmonton area, where his self-funded short films have played at festivals, and to one day enter the film industry on a professional level. He enjoys photography and swimming in his spare time.