Well, now. It is certainly every American’s inalienable right to make a movie. Actually, they have quite a few inalienable rights. However, would an ‘alien’ have those same rights? That is the question brought to light in the film, aptly titled, “InAlienable”, which was written by and stars Walter Koenig. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Koenig’s name is synonymous with Pavel Chekov, the character he brought to life 40 years ago on that little known TV series, “Star Trek.” Over the years, Koenig has added to his resume quite admirably as an author, producer and director. And as an actor I almost prefer the character of Bester that he so evilly inhabited on “Babylon 5.” Most recently, Koenig wrote the screenplay for the independent film “Inalienable.” Is it an action packed, special effects padded sci-fi thriller? Not at all, but there is much more to movies than just action and special effects. (Unless you’re from Texas and would rather there be extremely simply monosyllabic dialogue… oh wait… they won’t be able to read this darn it…)

“InAlienable” tells a very far out story of a research scientist (Richard Hatch) who, following a tryst with a very attractive woman (Courtney Peldon), finds that he is pregnant. And we’re not talking the funny “Billy Crystal’s Rabbit Test” pregnant, or even the laboratory induced “Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Junior” pregnant. We’re talking full on ALIEN pregnancy. But rather than a horror sci-fi film, Koenig writes a startlingly brilliant legal drama. You see, since the child is an alien, there is zero tolerance for its existence. But the ‘parents’ have other ideas and soon find themselves on the run to save their ‘child.’ It is an excellent piece that alludes to how the government seems to have this idea that they have absolute power over everyone. How they can decide a child’s future and take the parents right out of the mix as a whim. Suffice to say, most of the moronic people who make up this planet are more than willing to roll over and go belly up, but I applaud those who stand up for their rights. (Soapbox speech over…)

Where the film lacks in special effects budget, and make no mistake the small budget makes for some terribly awful puppetry early on, it makes up for with richly written dialogue and better than average performances. Hatch, who I was a little bit of a fan of from the original “Battlestar Galactica,” pretty much made the TV series rounds after that role. But when he reemerged in the new “Battlestar Galactica” and the very, very nasty Tom Zarek, proved he was an even better actor with a lot of great performances to give. And he definitely delivers one of them here.

While the film is very serious in tone as it fights the nearly debilitating special effects budget, fans of sci-fi will get kick out of seeing some of their old favorite actors in various roles. Popping up here and there you will find, Marina Sirtis, Jay Acavone, Alan Ruck and Tim Russ, as well as a handful of other familiar faces.

Anchor Bay is releasing the DVD this month (just in time for Christmas kids!!), with a pretty decent transfer. Unfortunately there are no special features to be had. That said, you’ll definitely enjoy “InAlienable” if you are into really good legal dramas, just don’t expect a big special effects extravaganza.

Directed by: Robert Dyke
Starring: Richard Hatch, Courtney Pendleton, Marina Sirtis, Erick Avari, Walter Koenig
Extras: None
Specification: Anchor Bay
Release Date: 12/8/2009
MPAA Rating: NR
http://anchorbayent.com

We'll give Inalienable a B-.