People are always referring to films that are so bad they're good, which is a promise that usually results in disappointment.  Ultramarines is not so bad it's good, it's so bad it's fascinating.

For those not familiar with the world of Warhammer 40,000, a table based role playing game, the Ultramarines are a chapter of the Space Marines, whose alleged purpose is to 'defend mankind'.  The film is just terrible.  However, once I got past the dreadful CGI animation and simplistic plot, I realised that my main grievance with the film was political.  The 'heroes' of the film are exaggerated depictions of a masculine ideal (there are no women in the film, and if I recall correctly, no mention of any either) who celebrate war and struggle.   The Ultramarines serve a totalitarian state, with unswerving loyalty to their Emperor.  When you throw in all the dubious Nazi iconography (eagles, skulls, Iron Crosses, etc.) it seems the filmmakers have, if unwittingly, created a pseudo fascist movie.

I mentioned some of my criticisms of the film to Harry K, who quite reasonably suggested that it was a little rich of me to unpick films on moral grounds considering my affection for everything wretched, after all one of my favourite films is Ilsa She Wolf of the SS, something I think we can all agree is morally bankrupt.  I'm probably getting my knickers in a twist, I expect Ultramarines is actually perfectly harmless fun (well I say fun, did I mention before that it's dogshit?).  In addition, I'm fairly confident that the filmakers weren't trying to make any political statement, I saw it at a screening where they talked in depth about the film's creation, and questionable content aside, it was clear that their motivation was to simply represent the Warhammer 40K world with an authenticity that would please fans. 

Regardless of whether this is likely to corrupt the morals (like they need corrupting) of your average 13 year old boy, who is presumably the target demographic, is ultimately neither here nor there, the film corrupts your will to live, which is surely more dangerous.

After anticipating it for literally years, and travelling the 160 mile round trip to our nearest screening, I finally got to see Iron Sky last night.  I'd obviously been hoping it was amazing, but having seen the filmmakers' previous effort Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning my expectations were not too high; I basically loved the concept, admired the devotion and passion of those involved and just the fact that it was a participatory film.

It's easy to pick holes in Iron Sky, the CGI and humour were hit and miss and the whole production has a shambolic amateur feel to it, but if approached with a simple willingness to be entertained, I don't think it disappoints.  There are great characters and  some laugh out loud moments, the scene with the Indian representative (who incidentally looks a lot like Norwich's Puppet Man) at a conference of world leaders springs to mind, and most importantly it has moon Nazis and big explosive space battles.  Well worth checking out when it is released on DVD in a couple of days.

Check out Tug Wilson's interview with Iron Sky director Timo Vuorensola

I've been looking forward to the release of Iron Sky for a long time now, in 2010 I was chuffed to have had the opportunity to interview the director Timo Vuorensola and my excitement hasn't abated since.  Just from speaking to other people, I know I'm not alone.  

It seems Iron Sky's distributor Revolver may be underestimating the potential pulling power of this much anticipated movie, as they have only allocated one day's screening in UK cinemas.  Surely it's the sort of high concept fun that will attract the crowds; it's about Moon Nazis for fuck's sake!

Anyway, if you're wanting the opportunity to see this film projected, and don't want to be pinned down to watching it on the one day that is scheduled, then take a few minutes to help the team at Iron Sky get their film the release it deserves:


STEP 1: CONTACT Revolver Entertainment, and tell them what you think of their plans to release Iron Sky for just one day to cinemas in UK. Please email to info@revolvergroup.com.

STEP 2: LET THEM KNOW what you think also on their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/revolverentertainment – and on their Twitter feed – @ironskyuk

STEP 3: DEMAND to see Iron Sky in your local film theatres. Go to www.ironsky.net/demand and place your Demand.

STEP 4: SPREAD THE WORD and machinate your friends to join the campaign also. Share this link everywhere on the Internet; let’s make sure Revolver hears your voice.