Beyond the Mask
Release Date: April 2015
Watched via Netflix DVD: May 2016
Synopsis (from IMdb): The chief mercenary for the British East India Company, being double crossed by his former employer, has made his way to the American Colonies. Working to redeem his name, William Reynolds (Andrew Cheney) now hides behind a different mask in hopes of thwarting his former employer. As his past life closes in on him, Will must somehow gain the trust and the help of his beloved Charlotte, a woman he has been lying to, as well as a colonial intellectual by the name of Ben Franklin. All the while he races against time to defuse a plot that could have devastating effect on the birth of a new nation.
My Thoughts
The story was intriguing and I’m always a sucker for a Revolutionary tale. The actors performed well (I laughed, I almost cried). Yet, I remained unconvinced in the sincerity of Will’s conversion, but his actions and convictions spoke louder than his words throughout. Charlotte’s constant protestations of confusion made me doubt her intelligence, but she redeemed herself admirably before the credits. I spotted the telegraphed clues to the mystery early on, so the plotting was almost as heavy-handed as the special effects, which I thought were a bit over-played.
I liked the score, except perhaps for the repeated use of Pachelbel’s Canon, which really wasn’t popular until the 1970s, not the 1776 (in fact it was pretty much lost to history until the early 20th century).
Christian film-making is improving. I continue to hold out hope and with each passing year my prayers are answered for an improved storytelling experience.
Give Beyond the Mask a try. You might find a spark of redemption waiting for you.