Universal Squadrons (2010)

Mark Millhone's Universal Squadrons AKA Minuteman hints at promise, but struggles to deliver. Moving in at 80 minutes, the story never finds its footing. The pacing is inconsistent, while the plot details are half of what they should be. The combination of science fiction and drama never full comes together with the drama seizing control most of the way. The violence is enough for a mature audience and the action holds some potential, but is limited in quantity. Most of the combat situations are unleashed in the film's mess of a finale. Riley Smith and Willa Ford are much better than unknowns; of course that's not to say that they make this a recommendable picture. It would be a surprise if this is not where most of the budget went. Universal Squadrons fails to be the worst; however, it also fails at reaching mediocrity.