There are some obvious signs that this is a low budget movie. But that does not mean it is poorly done or not entertaining. The lack of actors with leading role ability is probably the most obvious sign.
The strongest element in this film is the story. Every good film must have a good story and Agenda has that. Is the movie a mystery or thriller or dramatic? Yes, all three but mostly a mystery. Talking about the story risks giving the movie away so I will not describe any part of it. This is one movie where a careless spoiler will ruin the movie for the viewer. There are enough twists to the plot that you will find yourself trying to figure it out and predict the next happening.
The weakest part of this movie is probably the lighting and camera work. Not the direction of the camera but the actual handling of the camera. It seems to have that hand held feel even where that effect does not really work. Today's audiences are getting used to shaky camera work an probably do not object to it. Light direction was often mediocre with some scenes very well done and others very flat. Often interiors lacked depth.
The acting by some of the leading characters lacked luster and was sloppy. John Bennett Perry seemed to approach his role with a yawn, like he was bored with it. Not surprising since so much of his work has been guest roles on TV shows and he has never really carried a strong leading role. Supposedly in a semi-heavy role, Perry fails. Lead actor Robert Rusler has a similar resume but manages to deliver a bit more convincing job (most of the time). Eliana Alexander delivers the best of the top three roles. She has a Jane Seymour quality to both her looks and acting that is enjoyable.
In the end it is a fun movie to watch, not an earthshaking masterpiece but an entertaining distraction worth seeing in the theatre or on DVD.
The strongest element in this film is the story. Every good film must have a good story and Agenda has that. Is the movie a mystery or thriller or dramatic? Yes, all three but mostly a mystery. Talking about the story risks giving the movie away so I will not describe any part of it. This is one movie where a careless spoiler will ruin the movie for the viewer. There are enough twists to the plot that you will find yourself trying to figure it out and predict the next happening.
The weakest part of this movie is probably the lighting and camera work. Not the direction of the camera but the actual handling of the camera. It seems to have that hand held feel even where that effect does not really work. Today's audiences are getting used to shaky camera work an probably do not object to it. Light direction was often mediocre with some scenes very well done and others very flat. Often interiors lacked depth.
The acting by some of the leading characters lacked luster and was sloppy. John Bennett Perry seemed to approach his role with a yawn, like he was bored with it. Not surprising since so much of his work has been guest roles on TV shows and he has never really carried a strong leading role. Supposedly in a semi-heavy role, Perry fails. Lead actor Robert Rusler has a similar resume but manages to deliver a bit more convincing job (most of the time). Eliana Alexander delivers the best of the top three roles. She has a Jane Seymour quality to both her looks and acting that is enjoyable.
In the end it is a fun movie to watch, not an earthshaking masterpiece but an entertaining distraction worth seeing in the theatre or on DVD.
