The most important film in science fiction from 2005, possibly from the last decade, and certainly from Finland.

It’s true. Not because of the story, the acting, the effects or the cinematography, but because of the budget.

Firstly, the film—as a film—is entertaining enough, particularly if you’re a Star Trek or Babylon 5 fan. The story had me, if not on the edge of my seat, certainly somewhere near the front of it. The (anti)hero Pirk, is an unpleasant git, but the script is stuffed with some entertaining gags, and the special effects are awsome…

…for a film made for €3 and a pickled egg. Which it was. Basically this bunch of (very motivated) amateurs have made a film which visually matches Star Trek in terms of effects and sets (and occasionally dialogue) in their spare time. Which is why it is really important.

A bit like that chappie who made Sky Captain And The World of Tomorrow in his bedroom—except that he cheated and got proper funding and Jude Law. These guys stayed in their proverbial bedroom and stuck with hammy Finnish unknowns, (some of whom turn out to be not bad, actually).

Of course, Sin City’s sets were all virtual, so were Sky Captain’s; and George Lucas has become notorious for making his actors mug in front of bluescreen for the last decade, so it’s hardly just the the mavericks that are doing it, but In The Pirkinning really makes the point that if you have the dedication and talent, you can make movies (almost) as visually sophisticated as Holywood does, for not much money.

The start of a brave new wave of homemade cinema! The end of the Holywood Machine! Viva La Revolution!

Or, alternatively: Witness The Rise of The Desktop Publi— Moviemaking Phenomenon, where the tools of Holywood are in the Hands of The People, and Anyone Can Make a Bad Film!

As a first go, Star Wreck—In The Pirkinning is a decent fist of a film. Would hold its own on tv on a Sunday. It’s also freely available over t’interweb, so don’t take my word for it, download it today and immerse yourself in the Moviemaking Movement of Tomorrow: www.starwreck.com