Review by Bob Ignizio
The web series “Ranger” offers five short vignettes, each
concerning American servicemen in the European theater during World War II.
Given that the series was shot in Ottowa County, Ohio on a micro budget, one can’t help
but be impressed at how well writer/director Justin Buckner manages to sell his
period setting. It also helps that the cast is unusually strong for a production
of this level. I don’t know if this is the usual micro budget film deal where
the cast is all drawn from the filmmaker’s circle of friends, but if it is, Buckner
has some talented friends. As a proof of concept or demo reel, “Ranger” is an
unqualified success.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t really work as entertainment.
Each vignette, while taking place in the same milieu, is a
standalone piece. The formula is a few minutes of characters talking in
by-the-numbers war movie clichés leading up to a dramatic moment that remains
unresolved. Cut to end credits. Watching all five installments, short as they
are, is an exercise in frustration. As mentioned, it’s impressive what Buckner
manages to pull off; I’m just not sure why anyone other than another
microbudget filmmaker looking for inspiration would watch it. 2 out of 4 stars.
You can see all five episodes of “Ranger” for free on
youtube. Click here to watch.
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