Watch Anonymous Rex

In the movie Anonymous Rex, we are introduced to a world where dinosaurs never went extinct and have evolved into a highly intelligent race that coexists with humans under the radar. Main character and private detective Vincent Rubio (played by Sam Trammell) is one of them, a velociraptor living in Los Angeles and solving cases that involve his own kind. He teams up with his partner in crime, Trudy (played by Stephanie Lemelin), a triceratops, to investigate a series of murders targeting anonymous rexes, as they call themselves.

The plot thickens when Vincent's ex-girlfriend and fellow anonymous rex, Gabrielle (played by Elizabeth Berkley), emerges from hiding to ask for his help in finding her missing husband, also an anonymous rex. Meanwhile, the anti-rex movement led by Senator Martin Kerner (played by Daniel Baldwin) gains momentum, threatening to expose the existence of the dinosaurs to the public and put their lives in danger.

The movie is based on the novel Anonymous Rex by Eric Garcia, and fans of the book will likely appreciate the faithful adaptation of the source material. The film manages to balance its whimsical premise with darker themes such as discrimination, identity crisis, and the fear of being hunted down. The connection between Vincent and Trudy is a highlight of the movie, with their banter and loyalty adding some humor and heart to the otherwise suspenseful plot.

In terms of the visual effects, Anonymous Rex is impressive considering its budget and production limitations. The dinosaur costumes look convincing and detailed, with each species having its unique design and behavior. However, some of the scenes that involve action or chases suffer from awkward choreography or poor editing, making them less thrilling than intended.

The acting is solid overall, with Trammell delivering a charismatic performance as Vincent, whose cynical demeanor hides a love for his kind and a desire for justice. Lemelin is a standout as Trudy, bringing sass and vulnerability to the role and proving to be a worthy partner and friend for Vincent. Baldwin is appropriately villainous as Kerner, although the character's motivations and backstory are somewhat underdeveloped.

One potential downside of the movie is that it may appeal more to fans of the genre or the book, rather than a general audience. The concept of dinosaurs living among us is quirky and intriguing, but may not be enough to sustain the interest of viewers who are not invested in the mythos. Additionally, the pacing can be uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others feel rushed or poorly explained.

In conclusion, Anonymous Rex is a fun and engaging movie that offers a unique twist on the detective genre and the dinosaur myth. It features solid performances, imaginative world-building, and a mix of humor and drama that will satisfy fans of the book and newcomers alike. While it may not be a blockbuster hit, it deserves recognition for its creativity and ambition.

Anonymous Rex is a 2004 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.