Plot: A former NASA engineer Jerry Milano (GERARD ADIMANDO) is contracted by the NSA to build a small satellite that will help with the earth’s climate. Knowing that the NSA has nothing to do with the climate of Earth he and his comrades start to suspect they were contracted for other reasons but being paid 5 million dollars a piece makes them look the other way. When finding out they are using it to take out anyone and everyone that is a threat to them Jerry and his comrades go in to witness protection turning evidence against the NSA. After two years in hiding Jerry decides to go off the grid 48 hours before turning evidence against the NSA putting him and his fellow comrades in danger. Now with less than 48 hours to stay alive US Marshall David Soto (FRANKLIN CORREA) must keep Jerry alive and get him to the courts to testify while they’re being hunted down by a group of Mercenaries led by the major (RON LIGUORI). Now it’s up to One Lone Federal Marshal to take on a group of experienced killers and survive the final 48 hours.
The Milano Effect is the latest no budget action thriller from filmmaker/actor Franklin Correa feeling like The Bourne Identity while also being an entertaining love letter to classic action. There’s a little reference to Above the Law/Nico with a character called Father Tomasino which is only mentioned in passing but it’s a nice touch for genre fans. Whereas New Jersey is almost a character in itself we also get several international locations like London and Mexico which keeps things interesting and fresh.
Considering the health issues Franklin has been dealing with over the past few years, the fact he managed to make a film at all is a miracle in itself and he should be proud of his achievement.
This is more of a character piece than an all-out action picture but we do get a few fight scenes and the fact it’s just over 70 minutes makes for an easy watch.
The story is engaging, and the ambition is there even if the budget can’t quite handle it. Where it falls down is in some of the editing with a couple of jarring moments where one scene has someone talking then it cuts to them quickly saying another sentence. It takes you out of it a little and at times there is too much dialogue when it’s not required. It could have done with some ADR as well as occasionally you can’t hear what people are saying as there are planes flying overhead. Also any time someone hangs up the phone they always have to make a comment, which is never really necessary.
Overall, The Milano Effect may have its flaws but it’s easily Correa’s best film to date as he grows as a filmmaker, and I look forward to seeing what he does next.