Art of Deception movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Art of Deception

This action/mystery thriller movie is now available on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 35 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a scientist who studies a deadly virus. He has to fight back when he and his wife are threatened by an organization intent on taking over the world.

The indie film was directed by Richard Ryan, who also produced it with Jackie Nova. Writing credits also go to Richard Ryan, as well as Michael Marcelin.

I’m always excited to see new directors and actors to see what they can bring to the table and hear new perspectives on issues.

THINGS I LIKED:

The cast includes the director (Richard Ryan), Anzu Lawson, Keenan Johnston, Mark Silvertsen, Landall Goolsby, Zac Titus, and the producer (Jackie Nova). You may not be familiar with any of those actors. I had never seen any of them in anything before.
Jackie Nova is fun to watch as the fierce, fighting wife.
Already, the film has won “Best Original Score” from three international film festivals.
Despite the low budget, some of the scenes look very good. Others, not so much.
It looked like they had fun filming the dream sequence.
Fun plot twist.
The fight sequences were choreographed by Daniel Joo.
I’m glad we don’t have to watch all of the gruesome torture. The impressive sound effects tell us everything we need to know about what’s happening. I don’t have to see blood and gore. Thank you, Director.
While there is a lot of growth to be had for everyone involved with this film, they definitely looked like they were having fun making a movie.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

As soon as I heard the accent of the CIA Director, played by Jesse Janzen, I assumed the plot twist would involve a double-cross from an international spy. No, that didn’t happen, which made me wonder about the casting choice for this character. There’s a scene where he is giving an official government statement for the media while wearing what looks like a dress shirt he’d wear to a nightclub.
Some of the dialogue is really bad.
Some scenes simply last too long, while others show cuts that are too fast.
I hate shaky cam.
If you start getting tired and bored, hang in there until Act 3 when it picks up steam.
We’re supposed to believe that the world’s most powerful microchip is being created in a high-tech CIA building. We see our protagonist holding a microchip while blowing it with what looks like a hair dryer in what looks like an old middle school.
Some of the audio doesn’t quite match up with the video in Act 1, which can be extremely distracting. Thankfully, it improves a bit in Acts 2 & 3.
There are some very stiff acting moments.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Brutal violence with blood
Murder
Profanity, including F-bombs
Torture is displayed in various forms.

THEMES:

Government conspiracy
Power and control
Mind control
CIA
Love
Loyalty

DUMB LINES:

“He’s on to us!” – CIA Agent (Jesse Janzen)
“Time is of the essence.” – CIA Agent (Jesse Janzen)
“You have no idea who you’re messing with.” – Valentina Markham (Jackie Nova)
“Are you still good at hacking?” – Joseph Markham (Richard Ryan) “Is a dog good at digging a bone?” – Malcolm Hardwick (Landall Goolsby)

INTERESTING LINES:

“You should be proud of yourself, Stern. You’re about to be part of history.” – Roland Smith (Jesse Janzen) “History that no one will ever know about.” – Craig Stern
“The CIA, the very essence of discretion.” – Agent