Directed by Vincent J. Roth, Jeff Rector, Mario DeAngelis

Enjoy the latest installment of the “Surge of Power” indie superhero movie franchise known for having lots of celebrities from the sci-fi and superhero genres! “Where There’s Smoke” follows Surge as he teams up with guest superhero, The Smoke (former pro wrestler Eric Moran), as they uncover a mysterious plot of the villain group called The Council. Who is Falling Apple, struggling with childhood trauma and abuse, out for revenge over her father’s murder, and what is her role in The Council’s evil scheme?

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Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

Surge of Power: Where There’s Smoke brings a fresh outlook to the superhero genre, breaking away from the traditional Marvel/DC universe mold, while still honoring comic book legacies of the past. With special guest appearances from iconic characters, while introducing its own story, the film delivers a thrilling and campy take on superhero storytelling.

At its core, Surge of Power presents a compelling villain origin story. The narrative kicks off with our antagonist’s tragic backstory, an incident gone wrong that sets her on a path of revenge. As the story fast-forwards to the present, she aligns with more formidable forces, creating chaos and destruction. Her vendetta puts our heroes in an intense battle, blurring the lines between allegiance and morality. The confusion over who stands on which side adds an interesting layer to the conflict.

The film’s world-building is commendable. The costuming is well-crafted, seamlessly blending into the universe the film creates. The visual effects are executed effectively, though there’s something slightly off preventing a full immersion into this world. The film’s “weapons of mass destruction” lean into a cartoonish aesthetic, adding a layer of satire to the otherwise high-stakes battles. The action sequences are dramatic, pushing our heroes to their limits. However, as superhero stories often remind us, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

As the story progresses, an unexpected twist adds emotional depth—one of the heroes harbors feelings for the antagonist. His belief that she isn’t inherently evil, but rather manipulated by grief and pain is a compelling narrative thread. Her motivation, rooted in the loss of her family, makes her a sympathetic character rather than a straightforward villain. The reveal strengthens the emotional stakes, showing how pain can be exploited by larger forces with darker agendas.

One of the most poignant moments in the film comes from a mage-like character who foresees catastrophe and pays the ultimate price. Their death underscores the urgency of stopping the impending devastation, leading to a climactic final act where the heroes rally together. In a nail-biting finish, they manage to thwart disaster at the last possible moment.

The film’s use of a necklace as a central narrative device is a smart touch, linking past and present in a meaningful way. The audience is reminded of the young girl from the opening scenes, reinforcing the emotional weight of the antagonist’s journey.

Beyond its action-packed sequences, Surge of Power is packed with self-aware humor and satirical nods to the genre. It embraces camp, delivering sharp dialogue and playful meta-commentary reminiscent of Deadpool. Lines like “Who are we, Suicide Squad?” nearly break the fourth wall, adding to the film’s charm. Structurally, it tells a story within a story, offering a layered experience that acknowledges its comic book roots while modernizing its narrative approach.

Visually, the film is striking, with well-designed locations that add to the cinematic spectacle. The soundtrack complements the film’s tone, providing an uplifting and engaging backdrop to the unfolding events. While tackling serious and emotional themes, Surge of Power maintains a balance, presenting complex ideas in an entertaining and palatable way.