Six follows the same general lines as Left Behind and offers a sci-fi laced interpretation of the Bible's account of Armageddon. In the days leading up to the end times, Earth is controlled by a dictator who watches his domain via a system of satellites, implanted tracking chips and a jackbooted police force. Those who comply are left to a life of oppressed misery while others are imprisoned in giant camps.
Brody (David White) and Jerry (Kevin Downes) are two political prisoners who are sent to a high-security prison after a car theft goes terribly wrong. At the same time, another inmate, Tom (Jeffery Dean Morgan), agrees to assassinate the leader of the Christian resistance. While in prison, they meet Luke (Stephen Baldwin), a mysterious stranger who claims to talk to God and offers them a chance to escape. However, their escape is contingent on whether or not they can live with their personal choices.
When it comes to Christian cinema, Six walks the line between offering a Christian message and a more acceptable action movie. It is a masterwork? Not in the slightest. The dialogue and acting are better than most low-budget films I've reviewed, but there are still a number of laugh-worthy moments. At the same time, it seems like everyone involved with the production knew this wasn't going to be a multi-million dollar Summer Blockbuster. Rather than aiming for high-end special effects and other elements way out of budget, it goes for high production values. It may not be a high budget film, but it certainly looks like one at times.
Probably more interesting than Six's attempts to avoid becoming too preachy is its examination of religion. Brody isn't religious and questions the difference between turning your life over to God and turning it over to the Leader.
This is a very refreshing look and one of the reasons Six won me over in the end. I like that the movie questioned itself and didn't completely sway towards one view. Obviously, the film's theme and message trend towards Christian beliefs, but the other side gets a fair shake.
As much as I liked the film's approach, I could also see it offending some viewers depending on their personal beliefs. However, the God message does get across. As odd as it may seem, Stephen Baldwin is incredible as the film's mentor character. The film's interpretation of Biblical elements is creative (the "Mark of the Beast" is represented by the chip implants), but Baldwin brings everything back to a relatable level.
The extras aren't as engaging as the feature. The director's commentary is informative, but having any sort of included explanation detracted from the reasons I liked the movie in the first place. The "Making of..." feature is standard for any movie, as is the blooper reel.
Six: The Mark Unleashed is an interesting movie. It offers a decent, low-budget action movie while also delivering a message without becoming too heavy-handed. The film's willingness to question itself may turn off some viewers, but it will make you think if you can approach it with an open mind.
