This event began 09/20/2025 and repeats every day forever
My Review of Invisible Raptor
Invisible Raptor 2023 directed by Mikey Hermosa and written by Mike Capes and Johnny Wickham sets the tone for any viewer with its opening scene. That tone is one of fun. Any ticket holder or streamer who demands a science fiction film with a serious tone from beginning to end, ala sphere 1998, or a comedic film with high budget special effects, ala hitchikers guide to the galaxy 2005, will be upset. But if a viewer is content for a fun science fiction comedy with a tight story and unashamed while functional ensemble cast, ala Tremors 1990 or Sharknado 2013, this will be one they visibly giggle and laugh with.
The ensemble cast all delivers what is needed. David Shackleford's Denny binds the majority of the film. He is sometimes a hero you cheer for, sometimes a clown you laugh at, sometimes a fool you chastise, sometimes a wildman needing imprisonment, but his heart is always in a positive place. The appearances of most in the cast, are short but purposeful, not mere cameos to say they wanted to be in the movie. JJ Nolan,Luke Speakman , Richard Riehle, Larry Hankin, Vanessa Chester,Dave Theune,Bunny Levine, and others all serve a function as a person in the town we need to know about to defeat the raptor or someone we need to see the raptor kill on its path of town domination. Sean Astin character is the Scheherazade, framing the film. Sandy Martin takes over the last act with heroic hilarity to be remembered. Capes and Caitlin McHugh have hard jobs playing the straight characters who also fill all the tropes that warrant audiences amusement, but they succeed. Couples may be frustrated at their teasing at times.
Ciolca's score is appropriate. Supports small changes in tone while allows the sound of the environments to do their work. He didn't hear that unique theme that one remembers, but it wasn't needed. Koss keeps the camera level, the images crisp, and allows the unrealness of night light. Too many films today, from all ranges of budget like to make dark scenes really hard to see and that is uncomfortable. I am glad he didn't. Grady Holder, Dorian Cleavenger and the effects squad, had a challenge with the invisible raptor but they made it work. I can only recall one time the beast didn't convince me of its danger in that accidental serial killer sort of way.
Now I admit, I personally prefer a more serious tone in general. Yes, I am one of those who will choose to watch Solaris 1972 over Battle Beyond The Stars 1980. But, I don't demand it. Battle Beyond The Stars is fun and the Invisible Raptor is equal to the task with a smaller budget and a smart premise and a professional cast. There is no shame in wanting to see a film to get you to laugh and relax.
