Mark #2 - Extended Version

Our initial 2-star review of John Richmond’s Mark #2 found the lower budget short to be ambitious and innovative, and possessing of a humorous charm that instilled its alternate future with an extravagance, that unfortunately lost its way due to a rushed and confusing plot and production limitations restraining its storytelling. Mark #2 (Extended Version) adds additional scenes which help develop its protagonist and provide some much-needed context to its story and world. But the original versions primary flaws are largely still present, with far too little development for the story.

Mark #2 (John Richmond) is the world’s first clone. The original Mark passed away from cancer, and now Mark #2 holds the secret to create replicas of himself – although his own DNA is breaking down. When his shadowy government hear of his technology, he goes on the run – determined to protect humanity’s new hope from being used to create super-soldiers. As Mark #2 begins to think for himself, and as a devastating attack threatens humanity’s survival, he realises the potential he holds to create a new peaceful dawn for mankind.

With some additional scenes largely towards its opening third, Mark #2 (Extended Version) includes more of the scenes and ideas that worked successfully from its original version. More scenes which help develop Mark #2’s character and plant the seeds of his desire to solve the challenges which plague humanity with his technology make his post-apocalyptic odyssey more understandable. And scenes which give further context to the world-threatening disaster that plays a pivotal role in the story, and Mark #2’s connection to it, are also much needed. The humour of the original is present in these scenes as well, which was among the strengths the original possessed.

However, many of the same issues remain – particularly in the second half of the film. There is too little in the way of context or motivation for the film’s characters, and the plot remains confusing and disjointed regardless of the added scenes. Audiences will struggle to find in-roads to cling to, beyond the original characterisations of Mark #2 that do not sufficiently feature as the story goes on. The film becomes reliant on stunted exposition as its plot expands in scale – which lacks any real engagement or satisfaction for viewers.

Mark #2 (Extended Version) is still an admirable and ambitious film considering its lower budget and solo production. But ultimately a few additional scenes cannot make up for the original’s major flaws relating to a confusing and poorly-explained plotline and opaque characters.