Static Codes (2023) User Reviews

Not even in the ball park

[kirachloe · 2/10 · 19 October 2023]

Confused about my rating? Take a quick look at all the high rating reviews. Those reviewers only rated 1 movie, this one. Smells like family/friends artificially jacking up IMDB.

If you are looking for something that has ANYTHING to do with SciFi keep moving as this one barely has one early 'alien' scene and from then on its just the ravings of the lead character.

So let's get to a real review. If you are looking for an essentially one-man drama you might like this. Being fair, the acting and camera work are slightly better than average than most low budget films I have seen, although that is not saying much as more scenes than not are only in the leads house.

In reality I am having issues giving this a good review. The dialogue is shoddy with a very basic script and the scripting/directing is pedestrian at best. Of course this doesn't fit with the movie's focus, which is essentially a ONE-MAN drama. If you want something like that to be ANY good it has to be rock solid, which this isn't.

I really tried to reach 30 minutes.

[sasamobilesolutions · 2/10 · 11 February 2024]

Well...I am grateful for people involved and all their efforts trying to pull this out , but simply it doesn't work. Think I managed to pull through 30 minutes and I am really sorry but had to shut it down cause it was too painfull to watch. Its just the way its so slowly progressing to something I couldnt less care what. The movie is playing with your patience. The characters are so generic as they are coming from some video game. Those cops really dont know what are they doing there and what is the final goal. Random scenes, random words, behaving of the characters is so numb and hard to watch. 2 stars and I am very generous.

Really..?

[OmStarsong · 2/10 · 21 December 2023]

The only thing worse than making a crap movie is getting all your friends and coworkers to rate it high when they all know better.. They should be forced to watch this three times straight just as penance for their ridiculous fake reviews.. Taryn was in it for maybe a minute and thirty seconds tops.. Nothing sci fi about it other than the glowing arm.. Superficial drivel at its finest.. Maybe tattoo guy was ok, but the rest of it was poor acting, bad lighting, weak production values and a horrendous script with nothing to say and nothing at all entertaining about it.. Don't waste your time on this and reward then for what is probably just a money laundering gig..! 🙄

Worth a watch!

[psutate · 8/10 · 9 August 2023]

This is a well made movie!

The acting is solid with a few exceptions. The pace, editing and directing are great. The movie has a nice twist or two and the writing is strong enough to allow the movie to have a little heart without seeming like a Lifetime movie of the week.

Couple things that stuck out: Shane Woodson carries the film from start to finish. He has a scene or two that don't completely work, but overall he is excellent. Mike Ferguson is also really good in his role. I kind of felt like Taryn Manning phoned it in a little, but although she is probably the biggest name in the movie she is actually only in it for five minutes or so.

This was a nice surprise that I stumbled across on Amazon Prime! Well worth the $2.99.

Enjoyable Indie flick!

[AKamp79 · 7/10 · 23 February 2024]

I love a good alien abduction flick - and this is unlike any I've seen before, in a good way!

When Richard is left paralysed after a car accident, during which his wife was abducted by aliens, he becomes obsessed with finding her. It seems he's off down the conspiracy rabbit hole... until things start happening that make is believe that perhaps Richard isn't crazy and paranoid after all!

It's a fun film that I enjoyed a lot! The cinematography is great. In fact the production values across the board are really high for an indie action/sci-fi film. But the standout is our lead actor - Shane Woodson - who carries the film. Fantastic performance.

Well worth a look!

A Fun Sci-Fi Story

[bob_rose · 9/10 · 7 December 2023]

"Static Codes," featuring Taryn Manning, ventures into the realm of extraterrestrial intrigue with a refreshing blend of cool style and humor. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down for the past decade, the protagonist's quest to locate his wife, abducted by aliens during a car accident, unfolds in a visually striking and witty narrative. The protagonist injects the film with charisma, navigating the surreal plot with a perfect balance of humor. The movie's cool style is evident in its visually stunning scenes, while the incorporation of humor adds an unexpected and delightful layer to the sci-fi genre. From quirky encounters with otherworldly beings to cleverly executed comedic moments, "Static Codes" manages to keep audiences engaged, offering a unique take on the alien abduction theme with a refreshing blend of style and humor that sets it apart in the science fiction landscape.

Good Scifi Flick

[cunbc · 7/10 · 21 March 2024]

I liked this movie. The story was good. The pacing was good. Very well filmed and the vfx was good. I liked the lead character's obstacles, especially with his daughter. I particularly am a fan of father daughter stories, so they grab at me and prick my heart. I don't want to give any spoilers but, I am pleased with the outcome of their relationship. This movie was entertaining to watch. I feel that the daughter's life from her point of view could have been added to this story and showed more of the origin of their conflict. From the way this movie ended, it looks like there may be a sequel. If there is one in the plans, I would like to see it. Good job.

Enjoyed THis Movie

[mwcurran · 9/10 · 5 December 2023]

Interesting drama centering around a paralyzed man's quest to find his missing wife with a unique twist of alien abduction intrigue. Many independent films such as this are often overlooked in the mainstream media because of much lower marketing dollars are not available to allocate to large advertising campaigns thus great little films like this get missed. Such is all the more reason to discover this hidden gem which features solid direction, good acting and a decent script from which to work. Writer and Director David Park delivers a solid story with good dramatic elements resulting in a satisfying film I found very enjoyable.

Magnificent film

[idealityentertainment · 9/10 · 16 February 2024]

I really love Sci Fi drama when it's this good. Richard is an estranged widower once his wife is abducted by Aliens. His paranoia, and victim-hood cause him to isolate himself in this man-cave, and vent his frustrations producing a podcast which explores UFO phenomena and Government conspiracies. Everything about this film is top notch from the acting, the writing, and the cinematography. I was impressed with the real sense of plausibility and the down right realistic concepts they cover. The locations were compelling and the characters were real. I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys current issues in the world of science fiction.

A well made Sci-fi movie with heart!

[jacksondeverest · 9/10 · 2 August 2023]

This isn't your typical alien abduction flick, it's so much more! No spoilers, but the story is well developed, the pacing is solid and the acting is on point. David M. Parks wrote and directed Static Codes and I'm hoping to see more of his work.

Shane Woodson does the unenviable job of owning the screen for almost every scene of the movie, often as the only character in the scene. He more than pulls it off! The supporting cast of Mike Ferguson, Taryn Manning, Sadie Katz and Jackson Everest are all perfect in their roles!

You'll enjoy this one if you like a little pull at the heart strings mixed in with your Sci-fi.

Next-Level, Excellent Si-fi Movie Enjoyment

[dorothylp-126-628862 · 9/10 · 3 August 2023]

I really enjoyed this well scripted Sci-fi movie.

It combines very human elements of the unexplained, aliens, mystery, drama, beginning with unexplained human loss that devastates the lead character.

Then there is intrigue and mystery, along with the human struggle to recover and understand the unexplained that ultimately culminates in human renewal and rebirth.

This is a super well put together flick, and a large step above many Si-fi movies.

Great acting throughout, clear-minded story line, excellent human emotional impact that pulls the viewer into the drama as an integrated mental participant in the story

The viewer is rewarded with excellent dialogue, acting, intrigue and drama until the satisfying mysterious end of the movie.

Highly recommend to others.

Dot.

Cool movie!

[AuziCapri · 10/10 · 29 August 2023]

Cool movie! I thought it was done really well, the shots were great, the direction of the film was really good, kudos to the director! I like Taryn Manning shes a legend in her own right,the lead Shane Woodson did an outstanding job as Richard Wiltz, also really loved the big guy, Steve Wilson played by Mike Ferguson, really enjoyed his buddy type demeanor, the whole cast did an amazing job but those were a few of my faves. I thought the concept and ending were really a cool original take on alien abduction movies, bravo ! What cinema needs these days is to really thrive in is originality, and being original has great benefits, Bravo!

A Must Watch

[ovsannayepremyan-14199 · 10/10 · 15 October 2023]

Static Codes is an unusual SCI-FI and I highly recommend a watch. It's both heartwarming and suspenseful; it definitely keeps you at the edge of your seat! The direction, acting, cinematography, and overall production of this film is outstanding.

SCI-FI films can be hard to follow, but the clever writing and directing of the movie made the viewer easily follow the story. In addition to it being easy to understand, this was achieved without it being predictable which is uncommon. My favorite part of this production is that while it is a very dark and heart wrenching story, there are small comedic moments that help lighten the mood before the next twist.

Overall, amazing film!

A Unique Sci-Fi Film

[kjs1144 · 8/10 · 11 November 2023]

Static Codes is an engaging and truly unique film in the Sci-Fi genre. After a man's wife is abducted by aliens, he becomes obsessed with finding her. I thought the special effects were fantastic in this movie, for example, having a face come out of a screen is very difficult to pull off, so hats off to the special effects team. I think the cinematography was outstanding, especially during the night scenes, and I was super impressed by the drone shots in particular, clearly the work of an excellent drone operator. I liked the soundtrack too. This movie is raw and doesn't shy away from human struggles.

A Heartfelt Little Movie

[maynardjamez · 10/10 · 24 November 2023]

I came across this movie on Fire TV. It's not Sci-Fi in the "Aliens are attacking earth." kind of way. It's more of a family drama. However, I really enjoyed it. The acting is really good for an indie, and the cinematography is top-notch.

The main character, Richard loses his wife in a car accident caused by aliens and falls off the deep-end. Everyone thinks he's crazy, including his daughter.

It's really sort of an every-man journey to find his lost wife. I wasn't expecting it, but I'm glad I watched it. It's the kind of movie you don't see these days. It has a lot of heart, humor and doesn't take its self too seriously or try to be "edgy".

An Imperfect but Truly Original Film That I Loved And Would Recommend To Family/Friends

[ultrevor · 9/10 · 6 August 2023]

With Hollywood constantly recycling concepts and releasing the same superhero movie every year, I'm desperate for indie/original films to watch that are actually good. I'm really glad I found this movie. Static Codes is a delightful little sci-fi with a lot of heart. It follows a man 15 years after a traumatic event - he claims his wife was abducted by aliens, and he's miserably alone and wanting to die. Its a really outstanding piece of acting by Shane Woodson, the lead of the film (who made me cry A LOT), and while there are some scenes that feel a little out of place, or slow, particularly when the feds enter the story, the film as a whole is a really unique take that I haven't seen anything like before, and the family dynamic between the daughter and Shane's dad character (and that adorable dog) carry the film. Its something I'd absolutely recommend to friends and family who are looking for a unique film with a truly original story and great dramatic acting. Also the adorable dog named Buster 100% steals the show, its honestly worth seeing just for that fkin cute as heck doggo who's such a good lil sleepy boi.

Unusual, engaging SCI-FI story worth checking out!

[dhale1477 · 9/10 · 14 August 2023]

Unusual, engaging SCI-FI story worth checking out!

Cool change of pace, feel good SCI-FI film that is not built on CGI or the end of the world. Engaging, warm hearted story about real human beings on a journey of discovery. Solid performances by the cast, including Shane Woodson, Taryn Manning, and Sadie Katz, and well written and directed by David Parks. A very inspiring story about love and hope winning out over adversity. Movies like this prove you don't need massive budgets and big stars to tell great stories. So while everyone waits for the strikes to end you should check out indie films like this one.

Bottom line, if you are into the X-Files, alien abductions movies, and similar stories you will enjoy this film.

Check it out!

A sweet, inspiring & engaging movie

[LobatAsadi · 9/10 · 5 August 2023]

I can't say enough great things about this Static Codes. It's about one man's journey to find his wife despite his physical, mental and external barriers. The movie also follows a father & daughter relationship as the struggle while trying to reunite their family. It's a true hero's journey that is sprinkled with messages about the endurance of love, friendship, and belief in yourself. Audiences will walk away moved and inspired because they will remember what the most important things are in life. Also great is the acting by one & all in the film including an awesome little dog, Buster. The film defies movie genres, too. There's something in this sci-fi drama/comedy for everyone, regardless of age. Don't miss this feel good movie! Watch it with a loved one or your family- it make everyone smile!

Fantastic movie

[mich1elle · 9/10 · 12 November 2023]

As soon as Static Codes started playing, I was hooked.

Writer and director David Park does an impressive job tell telling and directing this story.

This movie is not like other typical alien abduction films so it was very fun to watch.

The actors do a great convincing job in their roles delivering great, believable performances.

I loved how they really paid attention to details with the set decorating and filming locations. The way they shot it, you really got to drink each scene in.

You will not be disappointed with this well thought out sci-fi. This is defiantly going on my favorite movie list.

Like Listening to Nighttime Radio

[gordonthefisherman · 10/10 · 18 August 2023]

This movie reminds me of late nights listening to Coast to Coast AM radio, with hosts Art Bell and George Noory, talking with guests about the supernatural, the paranormal, and UFOs from out of this world. In Static Codes, we have a guy, Richard Wiltz, hosting his own late night show ...in the darkness of his living room, alone with his faithful buddy -- a chihuahua named Buster -- sleeping on the couch nearby.

There are lots of atmospheric elements here, with Richard taking center stage as a broken shell of his former self. He is the victim of a UFO encounter. Fifteen years ago, aliens abducted his wife and left him paralyzed in a wheelchair. Of course, nobody seems to believe him. And ever since then, he's been going down a rabbit hole of government coverups and otherworldly conspiracies.

About 30 minutes into the movie, we start getting some crazy twists and turns ...leading us to believe that, well, Richard might not be crazy after all. (And if there is ever a sequel, I would definitely want to dig deeper and deeper into this world of late night radio, and all the strange things going on across the airwaves, that would be cool.)

Yet, for all of its darkness, there is also an unexpected, heartwarming nature to the movie. Richard seems to bring out this warmheartedness in the people around him, especially when it's clear that he's trying to find his wife and make amends with his estranged daughter. You simply want the guy to get a lucky break and to start turning things around in his life!

Well, that being said, be sure to watch the credits, at the very end of the movie, for a final scene!

Static Codes is a dope little sci-fi

[mettlesetdesigner · 8/10 · 20 January 2024]

I was on the lookout for some indie magic, and bam, Static Codes hit me right in the feels. It ain't flawless, but let me tell you, it's a dope little sci-fi joint with mad heart. The story goes like this: Years post some traumatic event, this dude's claiming his wifey got snatched up by aliens, and now he's drowning in loneliness, ready to call it quits. This film brings a unique vibe I haven't seen anywhere else. The family dynamic between the daughter and Shane's old man character? Straight fire. "Static Codes" is the kinda flick I'd throw at my peeps when they're craving something fresh with a killer story and some real dramatic chops.

Solid drama focused on those left behind

[photo-859-401631 · 8/10 · 22 January 2024]

This is solid drama about an alien abduction that focuses on those who are left behind and living in their loss, grief, and confusion. The lead character, played by Shane Woodson in a strong performance, has lost it all after an alien abduction and spends his nights reaching out on air with others obsessed with this phenomenon. The script is very cued in on the "us v. Them" and "you're with us or you're not" personalities that define this space. The script also understands the obsessive quality of those caught in a helpless state with no obvious leads out of it. It's a twisted path out of that hopelessness with some surprise twists and a redemption arc that the characters believably pull off. The cinematography is also strong, reflecting the characters inner states. I wished the alien aspect was explored more but I was emotionally involved in seeing the main character finds some light in his darkness.

The story of loss and pain wrapped in a light-hearted comedy.

[tvendor · 10/10 · 30 January 2024]

The story of loss and pain wrapped in a light-hearted comedy.

I am not a believer in extraterrestrial visitors, but this story happens to be much deeper than your regular alien-encounters movie. I think the thematic thread that weaves through this film has nothing to do with the supernatural. Instead it takes us on a journey of a man who is suffering from loss of his wife, loneliness and disability. He tries to cope best he can and to find support among those who can understand his pain. However, this film also has a fair amount of light-hearted humor. I was pleasantly surprised to see Taryn Manning from 'Orange in the New Black' in this film.

Wonder Sci-Fi fun!

[craigahrens · 8/10 · 25 January 2024]

This is such a fun film! I thoroughly enjoy indie Sci-Fi and this gem delivers in a huge way! It was such a pleasant surprise. The story captured me out of the gate. Kudos to writer/director David M. Parks. He wrote a well thought out story and couples it with good pacing. The movie clips along at a good pace. I didn't find any dead spots or areas that I felt were dragging. I loved the acting! The actors were all so good. The leads were outstanding. They had wonderful chemistry and were all so believable. I enjoyed this film a lot! I give it a solid thumbs up!! Well done folks, you should all be very proud of yourselves!!

A captivating blend of action and sci-fi

[ethan_minsker · 9/10 · 5 May 2024]

"Static Codes" delivers a captivating blend of action, sci-fi, and thriller, orchestrated by the visionary mind of writer and director David M. Parks. At its heart, the film explores the profound impact of trauma on individuals and how they navigate through the complexities of coping with loss and adversity.

The narrative centers around a man whose life was forever altered when his wife was abducted by aliens a decade ago, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Fueled by an unwavering determination to reunite with his lost love, he embarks on a relentless quest that draws together an eclectic ensemble of characters, each grappling with their own inner demons.

What truly sets "Static Codes" apart is its ability to intricately weave together the personal journeys of its characters against the backdrop of a larger, otherworldly mystery. As the plot unfolds, we witness how the abduction not only shapes the protagonist's pursuit but also profoundly alters the trajectories of those around him.

Parks crafts each scene, utilizing compositions, evocative lighting, and seamless movement to immerse the audience in the story's rich tapestry. From the gripping opening sequence to the pulse-pounding finale, the film maintains a captivating momentum that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.

The stellar performances from the cast of oddball characters breathe life into the narrative, infusing it with depth, emotion, and authenticity. Their collective journey serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

"Static Codes" is more than just a sci-fi thriller-it's a thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit.