I'm forever wary of low budget, independent flicks… but only when they fall into the science fiction or horror genre. This isn't to say that there aren't any good low budget features out there; as a matter of fact there are a lot of them that are much better than some of Hollywood's biggest, brainless blockbusters. But in this particular genre the filmmaker has the extra disadvantage of having to make up for a lack of special expensive effects with an even stronger plot and acting. Last week, I checked out a new movie from the Great White North called "UKM." Also known as "Ultimate Killing Machine", this little independent feature has but one big star (which is where I'm sure the majority of the budget went), and little else going for it. The big name in the movie is Michael Madsen, who stars as an Army Major in charge of a top secret experiment to create the ultimate super soldier… or in this case (dunh, dunh, duhn!!) the Ultimate Killing Machine.

But as in the case of all top secret experiments, it goes horribly awry causing their first real 'success' to go on a rampage resulting in decapitations and squished heads. Fortunately our super soldier is captured and locked away for further study. The powers that be then do what any powers that be would do… they grab four more recruits to experiment on. These four succumb to the process by becoming a little meaner, yet the formula does nothing to improve acting skills. (Perhaps essence of Brando could be added to the next batch.) Surprisingly enough, this new phase of the experiment also goes horribly awry setting the stage for our four super-duper soldiers to attempt an escape which also cause our first super solider to escape. Mayhem ensues.

For the most part, "UKM" offers little more than a lot of heavily armed people running, shooting and screaming at each other for a little under an hour and a half. There is some merit to the film, however as it would make for a perfect Saturday night get-together movie for a drunken college crowd. Some of the scenes are laughable, despite the best efforts of the creative team behind the project. Bless their hearts… they really did try. I would expect to find "UKM" playing on the Sci Fi Channel as it is in par with most of their Original Movies.

The DVD, due out this month from Genius Products and Peace Arch Films, offers up the movie and little else. There are no special features to be found unless you count some trailers for a couple of other movies.

Directed by: David Mitchell
Starring: Michael Madsen, Mac Fyfe, Steve Arbuckle, Victoria Nestorowicz, Erin McKinnon
Extras: None
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Genius Products
Release Date: 11/21/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
Website

We'll give UKM a D.