Movie Digest
Lin Chuang is a participant in a desert race along with Liang Zi whom he secretly admires. So, when she quits, Lin Chuang follows her off-course. A mysterious monster attacks them at the supply station and they somehow manage to escape to an abandoned factory which is being funded by Xiong Kun to carry out rare minerals’ exploration. The two groups get trapped in the factory with the further onslaught of attacks by more such mysterious creatures.
The Feel-Good Part
It is a typical monster movie set in a desert. So, if you enjoy people trying to scramble out of the way of giant beasts or getting eaten by them, this movie is worth a shot.
The Disappointing Factor
There’s a lot to be criticized- terrible CGI and props, inefficient use of the green screen, plot holes, underwhelming script and lack of good direction etc. The monsters look rigid and unrealistic. The movie fails to explain basic things like the existence of a fully electricity-operated factory that’s supposed to be abandoned for more than fifteen years, Xiong Kun wearing a fur coat in the middle of the desert and other such neglected details. Also, unlike the title suggests the movie has nothing to do with any city and is entirely set in a desert.
In-Depth Analysis
Liang Zi is in search of her father and as a result leaves mid-race. Incidentally, her father is one of the four researchers trapped in the abandoned factory early on in the movie. The movie lacks any element of surprise and the plot is predictable. It goes the same route as any other monster sci-fi movie with evil people funding illegal experiments and then reaping the consequences.
Star Power
The cast does a mediocre job and there is considerable room for improvement.
Overall Opinion
If you are looking for a stereotypical monster attacking people movie with some hints of sci-fi, this will keep you occupied.
