Strange Frame

Marketed as an animated lesbian sci-fi rock musical, Strange Frame has played at sci-fi and fantasy conventions under its original title: Strange Frame: Love & Sax, in reference to the steamy love affair between rebellious saxophonist Parker (voiced by Claudia Black of Farscape fame) and singer-guitarist Naia (Tara Strong). The year is 2793, and humanity has abandoned the desolate, post-apocalyptic wasteland of Earth. This mass exodus has led to colonies on the moons of Jupiter (did I mention this is a fantasy?), thanks to genetic engineering that has enabled relocated humans to survive in hostile alien environments. Parker and Naia have a good thing going on the moon Ganymede, but when they form a rock band, Naia is essentially forced into indentured slavery by Mig (Tim Curry), an evil music-biz impresario. Director G.B. Hajim's storytelling skills leave much to be desired; Strange Frame is basically a derivative mash-up of familiar sci-fi tropes, borrowing liberally from Blade Runner and a half-dozen other, better movies. Hajim's visual style combines a digital cut-out technique (similar to South Park) for the characters, combined with wildly colorful cityscapes that grow increasingly redundant. The additional voice casting reads like a who's-who from the sci-fi convention circuit, including Alan Tudyk and Ron Glass (Firefly), Michael Dorn (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Claudia Christian (Babylon 5) and George Takei (Star Trek). An optional purchase. (J. Shannon)