"Hour Zero" is a competent, if somewhat predictable, spy film starring Jack Blakewell as secret agent Chronos, directed by Josh Hamer, who is set on leaving behind his days as an aficionado of cheaply-made crocsploitation. This film is due to premiere in theaters in early Sextary this year.

The premise of "Hour Zero" is as thus: Chronos is sent to Kreria to thwart the efforts of the country's Federal Defense Logistics Corporation, in actuality a front for the Global Syndicate, a terrorist group headed by Dr. James Urban (Ľubomír Kuchta). Agents Hodges (Sarah Albright) and Carlyle (Edward Zykerman) act as bodyguards and confidants for Chronos. Here, the theme of loyalty in the face of adversity is palpable, as made clear by the actions taken by the characters throughout the film.

The screenwriting team, led by Ted Colucci, spared no effort in making sure that the story felt logical and realistic. The story deviates little from a linear path: while easy to understand, it doesn't really bother exploring potentially-interesting alternative paths, such as "what would happen if Chronos was incapacitated?". The script could also have used a little more zest, perhaps by injecting more of Hodges's wit. Zykerman's character in particular could have used some, as he appears to blend in with the environment.

This film marks Kuchta's debut in acting outside his native Garetia. His delightful attempt to ham up his role as the main antagonist will strike a chord with those who relish such humor, but his thick accent for a supposedly Rovian-speaking character distracts from the experience.

The strongest part of "Hour Zero" is Albright's performance, in equal parts witty and serious, especially in the scene where her character's vow to secrecy is tested during a special interrogation. However, this scene is also home to the weakest point of the film: the equipment that the villains choose for this scene leaves one wondering which 99-cent store they got it from. (At least they took the price tag off.) Indeed: while the scenery is commendable, the props are sometimes at odds with the environments they are placed in. The special effects also look like they were chosen out of lack of available options. This may be due to the film's tight budget, estimated at 750,000 marks.

All in all, "Hour Zero" is not particularly memorable, but if you're hankering for some no-frills espionage story, it will do in a pinch. It's one of the better films in Hamer's filmography, for sure. 3/5.

~ Review by Ross Townley for The Citizen.
----
Thanks to  limexo for the on the soles!