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    "Able Edwards" is another prime example of why it's a great gig to be writing for Bloodtype. This is because it is another obscure film that I'm quite sure I would have missed if it wasn't for the site. The unique aspect with "Able" is that the film was shot entirely on mini-dv utilizing a green screen for every scene as opposed to sets. The film is actually in the "Guinness Book of Records" for being the first feature film shot entirely against a green screen. Another tantalizing fact involving the film is that it was made for a mere $30, 000.00 or so. This is mightily impressive considering what the film accomplishes within its plot, direction, performances, and overall final product. The executive producer of the film is none other than director Steven Soderberg, of "Ocean's 11" fame, who supposedly donated his Canon XL-1 and Mac G-4 to the production. The creator of the movie is Graham Robertson who also wrote, edited, and directed. My hats off to Graham for undertaking such a bold task of putting this film together especially considering that it was finished in fifteen days.

    The story of this motion picture takes place in the future. At the outset, the viewer is treated to some "old-school" news flashes describing the life of a man named Able Edwards. Edwards was an entertainment tycoon who hit his peak in the 1950's. The immediate and obvious inspiration for the Edwards character can easily be traced to Walt Disney. Edwards drew a cartoon panda bear that would become iconic worldwide and propel him to becoming the media mogul described. He heads a film studio and his success leads him to opening an amusement park which soon becomes known across the globe. The news segment concludes with Edwards' death and it is then revealed to the viewer that this vignette is actually being shown in a futuristic court room. This is where the majority of the film takes place as the narrative of the entire movie is described through "witnesses" on the stand. Their testimonials segway into flashbacks that tell the story. The flashbacks explain that the future head of the Edwards Corporation came up with an idea to put a jolt back into the now floundering company. He plans on taking DNA from the deceased Abel Edwards to create a clone that can bring prominence back to the corporation. The life of the clone is then followed from childhood to adulthood as he deals with success and tragedy.

    The film is shot in black and white which gives it a certain feel that I believe really works. I'm sure that with a much bigger budget some of the effects and backgrounds used on the green screen would have looked much better but what is used is still effective. There is one scene in particular, when a group of associates are following Abel as he talks, where they are walking very awkwardly. I'm not sure if it was shot this way on purpose or if the filmmakers had a tough time dealing with so many people walking toward camera with the green screen. There are small things like this that can be noticed throughout the film none of which take away from the viewing experience, though. The acting is another big plus with "Able". Scott Kelly Galbreath, especially, does a wonderful job of carrying this movie as Able Edwards.

    In the end I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. I emphasize this point over and over and will keep doing so, "Able Edwards" biggest strength is its originality. Compared to other films that have come out the last few years, there aren't any like it. Even with obvious influences from Walt Disney and Citizen Kane, the film still exudes uniqueness. Again, though, for fans of the site that are strictly looking for horror there is obviously none here. This is a sci-fi fictional bio-pic which may not be for all of our readers. For those that are into sci-fi or even just have an open mind "Able Edwards" is definitely worth a watch.

Rating - **1/2

- Jared Bajoras