Stargate Theatre

Ferocious Planet

Well meaning scientists once again cause trouble in the tv movie “Ferocious Planet” which is the subject of this new episode of Stargate Theatre part of the Stargate Archives. This movie stars Joe Flanigan who recently spent a mighty fine five years playing Colonel John Shepherd on Stargate Atlantis and here he plays Colonel Sam Synn a discredited US Marine who is providing security for a research project at the Federal Science Institute.

A visiting Senator played by John Rhys-Davies and his party arrive to see a demonstration of the work being done by Dr. Jillian O'Hara ( Dagmar Döring ) which is revealed to be a form of cold fusion but which powers a device that has the ability to reveal alternate dimensions. The Senator is not impressed but Dr Karen Fast representing the White House is interested especially if this technology could lead to interdimensional travel and potential contact with other intelligences. However an energy spike causes the machine to hiccup and everyone is knocked unconscious and upon awakening this handful of people find themselves trapped in another world one that has little respect for humanity.

Colonel Synn attempts to protect the people and a recon of the immediate area reveals a number of very dangerous creatures which underscore their threat level by quickly munching on a number of the survivors. Dr O’Hara reveals the device is damaged but repairable but needs a lot of water as part of the cold fusion process and there is none in the immediate vicinity. The decision to explore their immediate world is undertaken and in the far distance a huge tower is visible indicating this world has technological life, Dr Fast intent on first contact convinces the Colonel to explore the option by splitting the survivors into two groups. One group takes the device and looks for a water source and the other heads towards the tower where they expect to find life or barring that resources including water. Naturally neither party has a stress free adventure and all involved end up fighting for their lives as the clock ticks down to the point where this dimension moves to far out of sync with the prime reality and return is impossible.

Ferocious Planet was an entertaining action scifi movie with some solid but not spectacular performances from an above average cast. Joe Flanigan was easily capable of a more dynamic performance given a better script and John Rhys-Davies was wasted but credit to the talent of the Irish acting community which the movie drew upon to fill the majority of the roles, many of the cast have excellent resumes. The majority of the location shooting was competent but as is often the case the CGI fell short but we kinda go into movies like this not expecting to be blown away. The movie is well worth a watch and while not original more then keeps you interested.

Many thanks for visiting/listening to this latest Stargate Theatre offering, if you have a “B” movie featuring a Stargate actor you would like to chat about I would love to hear from you and definitely if you have a favoured Stargate episode you would like to discuss. I’ve got an itch for a dragon type movie next but at this time still a few consideration, stay tuned and subscribed to find out. Ratings and reviews on your podcatchers are most welcome and social media sharing most welcome.

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