‘Programmed for vengeance’
Dark Asset is a 2023 American sci-fi action thriller film about a charming guy who attempts to pick up a woman in a bar by spinning a tale involving spies, implanted microchips and the dangerous military scientist hunting him.
Written and directed by Michael Winnick (Disquiet; Malicious; Code of Honor; The Better Half; Guns, Girls and Gambling; Shadow Puppets; Deuces) from a story co-written with Terri Farley-Teruel.
The movie stars Byron Mann (The Modelizer; The Ravine; Don’t Let Go), Robert Patrick (What Josiah Saw; Tone-Def; Hellions; The Faculty; Terminator 2), Helena Mattsson, Shani Rigsbee, Sabina Gadecki, Truong Ngoc Anh, Erica Muñoz, Marc Winnick, Paul Savage, Darlenis Duran and Alan Tafoya.
Blurb:
In this adrenaline-fuelled action film, an ordinary soldier becomes the subject of a top-secret experimental programme. Under the guise of enhancing his combat abilities, they have transformed him into a “lethal living weapon.”
Release date:
In the US, Dark Asset will be released theatrically in select locations and VOD by Saban Films on September 22, 2023. Rent or buy via Prime
As John Doe delves deeper into the project, he uncovers the horrifying truth behind the program’s objectives and the dark intentions of his creator.
Fuelled by a thirst for justice and driven by a desire for vengeance, the soldier breaks free, embarking on a relentless mission to dismantle the program while navigating a dangerous web of betrayal, conspiracy and high-stakes action.”
Reviews:
“Rather than pursuing all-out action, no matter how exciting that could have been, the direction of the film instead aims to articulate a dialogue-heavy character study, with high dependence on flashbacks. The issue, however, is that the flashbacks are not weighty or memorable enough to maintain a high quality or high quantity of excitement.” Dom on Film
” …this combination of action thriller and Scheherazade-style raconteuring is an unstable hybrid as John proceeds to recount the stories of the enhanced operatives who came before him. It’s admirably ambitious on the part of writer-director Michael Winnick, but the two approaches are fundamentally at odds with each other…” ★★ The Guardian
” …this is told in a different way revealing pieces of the puzzle, instead of just going down a rampaging order. Although this can hold back on unleashing the bigger action sequences. This ends up making everything explained in a not-so-slick style that the movie believes it has.” ★★ Movie Reviews 101
” …the film could use just one more coat of polish. To sum it up, Dark Asset is a testament to independent filmmaking’s spirit. Michael Winnock and the team have laid all cards on the table, crafting a tale that teases the mind. While it might not set new benchmarks, it offers a mix of espionage and tech-driven wonder.” ★★ Overly Honest Movie Reviews
“If the plot could have been held together in a manner that didn’t involve the constant interruptions Dark Asset would have been a lot more watchable. Unfortunately, it never would have been more than watchable due to a variety of other factors including a script that isn’t nearly as clever as it thinks it is. Jane’s secrets are fairly easily guessable…” ★★ Voices from the Balcony
YouTube reviews:
Official trailer [1080p HD]:
More movies by Michael Winnick:
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