Captive State (2019) * *

Directed by:  Rupert Wyatt

Starring:  John Goodman, Ashton Sanders, Kevin Dunn, Vera Farmiga, Alan Ruck, Jonathan Majors

Captive State shoots out of the gate so fast it leaves our ability to care behind.   Characters are introduced and pressed into action before we've had a chance to gain our footing, and we witness people running around and doing important things without letting us in our what they're doing.    So for the first ninety minutes, we have to decipher what is happening and why.    We know the basic gist:   Ten years ago, aliens invaded Earth and brought the world's governments to their knees.   The governments agree to surrender all power to the aliens in exchange for the lives of their people.   The aliens live underground and legislate, while leaving the police above to handle the dirty work and suppress any attempted rebellions.    These aliens are pretty hands-off when it comes to occupying a conquered planet, and while the aliens aren't seen that much, their presence is felt in the ruins of what was once Chicago. 

The aliens set up "closed zones" in each major city, which is where the aliens hang out and people work beneath the surface to mine natural resources.    So, the aliens want us to do what we've already been doing at an alarming rate without their leadership for decades now anyway?   No matter.   There is a rebellion on the horizon, led by Gabriel (Sanders) and a group of others who aren't even named until a helpful recap near the end courtesy of Chicago cop William Mulligan (Goodman), whose job it is to squash the rebellion.   Gabriel's father (we see him obliterated by the aliens in the film's opening sequence), used to be Mulligan's partner, and Mulligan feels some sympathy towards the young man, but not enough to stop from performing his duties.

Knowing John Goodman as we do, we know Mulligan isn't totally evil because he's played by John Goodman, who can't help but be likable even when he's being a dick.    The other characters are pretty non descript.   They are cogs in an ever churning plot which fails to keep us compelled.    The aliens themselves look like giant, biped porcupines, which is great when you are designed to kill things, but not so great if you want to do anything else with your day.   How do these aliens cozy up to their loved ones with these metal quills sticking out all over?   Am I the only person who thought of this?

There is business about tracking implants, undetectable bombs, and aliens' apparent aversion to modern technology.    We see electric typewriters, pay phones, actual newspapers, and dial-up modems in use.    Are these aliens like the people on Facebook who post complaints about how awesome it was to grow up in the 80's because you didn't have cell phones?   (My answer:  I would've loved to have cell phones back then, but I made do because I didn't know any better).    It is never quite explained why, in 2026 (which is when the movie takes place), offices and homes have reverted to old school technology.

Once the plot is helpfully explained and we understand the scope of it, the movie perks up a bit and gathers momentum in the final ten minutes.   But then, Captive State ends just as it's getting started, and we realize how the first ninety minutes were such a waste.    If the filmmakers think we would have enough goodwill to sit through Captive State II to find out what happens, well they have another thing coming.