Project Silence Review | Attack of the Killer CGI Canines

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Summary

  • A weak plot and laughable characters sink the South Korean sci-fi disaster film,
    Project Silence
    .
  • Unrealistic choices and unlikable characters lead audiences to root for the killer canines, even if their CGI is murky and muddled.
  • Scenes of the collapsing bridge and some of the canine attacks are effective, and the film certainly makes you angry about animal abuse.

As a fan, I have to admit that Project Silence left me feeling disappointed and even a little amused in all the wrong ways. The film’s plot was weak and the characters were laughably unrealistic. I found myself rooting for the killer canines, not because I wanted them to win, but because they were the only thing that seemed consistent in this chaotic mess.

As a fan of quirky South Korean sci-fi films, I must admit that watching “Project Silence” was an unforgettable experience, albeit for all the wrong reasons. The CGI mutts in this movie are nothing short of impressive, mercilessly turning hapless drivers and a sleazy politician into canine chow. However, the plot leaves much to be desired with its contrived twists that feel painfully predictable and overused genre tropes.

Project Silence Quickly Sets the Stage

The opening credits of Project Silence feature a chilling montage of researchers inexplicably subjecting dogs to harsh experiments in a clandestine operation designed to counteract terrorism. Subsequently, we observe a gathering of South Korean government officials discussing an ongoing hostage crisis. Secretary of Security Jung Hyun-Baek (Kim Tae-woo), under fire for his political maneuvers, is urged by his colleagues to focus on rescuing the abducted citizens. His subservient deputy, Cha Jung-Won (Lee Sun-kyun), dismisses such concerns. With aspirations of becoming the next president, Secretary Jung Hyun-Baek’s primary concern is securing the country’s highest political office, disregarding all else.

Jung-Won clashes with his teenage daughter over an argument before driving her to the airport for her studies abroad. She’s frustrated that his career has taken priority in their lives following her mother’s demise. Despite this, Jung-Won remains insensitive. He fails to pay at a gas station and later, a tow truck driver after filling up. The cash register is malfunctioning, leaving Jung-Won without enough cash on hand. Unapologetic, he departs in the foggy conditions towards the airport bridge. Meanwhile, Doctor Yang and his canine “Echo” subjects are escorted by a military convoy under tight security to an unknown destination on the same bridge.

Unrealistic Choices and Unlikable Characters

In the thrilling start of “Project Silence,” characters are swiftly introduced as the scene is set for impending CGI destruction. An array of personalities, including an arrogant pro golfer and her caddy, elderly couples, and a live-streamer, among others, are established in the initial moments of the film. This conventional disaster movie setup invites viewers to make their guesses about which characters will ultimately survive. The rest of the individuals stranded on the bridge are anticipated to meet their demise when crisis strikes, mirroring the fate of “Star Trek” redshirts – nameless extras with minimal dialogue, only to be heard shrieking in terror.

As a gamer, I can tell you that in real-life situations, it might be instinctive to react irrationally when faced with unexpected dangers like a car accident or an attack by savage dogs. However, stepping out of safety and exposing yourself to further danger is hardly a wise decision. In the heat of the moment, our fear can cloud our judgment, making us do things that seem absurd in hindsight. It’s important to remember that our survival instincts should guide us towards finding cover or protection instead of needlessly putting ourselves in harm’s way. The sight of cars with open doors nearby might tempt us to act impulsively, but it would be much wiser to take advantage of these opportunities and secure ourselves inside. Ignoring common sense and logic can lead to dire consequences and undermine the credibility of an otherwise engaging story.

In this rendition, the filmmaker, Kim Tae-gon, intends for Jung-Won to be an unsympathetic lead character. The intention is that Jung-Won will come to acknowledge the flaw in his cold-hearted actions during the narrative’s heroic journey. Initially, Jung-Won reacts in an unbelievable manner when faced with a life-threatening situation involving his daughter. A loving father would never abandon his child to dangerous dogs. It is highly unlikely that Jung-Won’s lust for power could surpass a father’s love and protective instincts. However, this plot contrivance creates unnecessary conflict as Jung-Won eventually gathers the courage to defend his child.

The Killer Comeuppance of Unrealistic CGI Dogs

Project Silence‘s visual effects don’t achieve their goals. The biggest problem is that the dogs don’t look real at critical junctures. They have definition up close, but are too computerized in their movements. This is especially evident when they’re jumping through open windows to maul their victims and in their interactions with each other.

In a more conversational style,

The most commendable aspect of Project Silence lies in its authentic portrayal of animal cruelty. While it may not be pleasurable to witness harm inflicted upon the innocent, the perpetrators of these heinous acts are justly met with grim consequences. Kudos to Kim for bringing attention to this issue; however, a more profound impact could have been achieved by giving equal focus to various canine characters rather than concentrating on one primary pooch and presenting the rest as insignificant, menacing CGI creatures. For an alternate “dogs attack” film that delivers a far superior viewing experience, I would recommend watching 2014’s White God.

The film “Project Silence,” a collaboration between CJ ENM Studios and Blaad Studios, features original Korean dialogues with English subtitles. Set for a theatrical debut on June 12th, it will be distributed by Capelight Pictures.

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2024-07-14 23:03