Movie Review Archives

#SciFi #MovieReview: Atlas #sciencefiction

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / November 22, 2024

If you’re looking for a movie with high-octane action and an easy-to-follow plot, Atlas fits the bill perfectly. While it’s neither groundbreaking nor terrible, it’s a very watchable film. The action sequences are well-executed, with plenty of fight scenes, chases, and explosions to keep you engaged throughout.

That said, if you’re expecting clever twists or moments that will catch you off guard, you might leave disappointed. Atlas sticks to a familiar formula—good guys versus bad guys—with no major surprises along the way. In fact, the predictability of the plot is its main drawback. It’s the kind of movie where you can see where things are heading well before the characters do, but the ride is enjoyable enough.

What Atlas lacks in originality, it makes up for in sheer entertainment value. It’s the type of movie you can throw on at the end of a long day, knowing that it’ll deliver a satisfying blend of action, albeit without any deep storytelling or thought-provoking moments.

It did get me to space and give me a look at an alien planet, so pluses for that. So, I’d give Atlas a 1.5 beer rating. A wee dram will make Atlas more entertaining.

Here’s the trailer:

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#SciFi #MovieReview: The Circle #sciencefiction #thriller

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / October 22, 2024

Hmm, thankfully, The Circle wasnt watching me back…

The Circle, starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks, had all the makings of a thought-provoking, tech-dystopian drama. Unfortunately, it ended up feeling like a long, dull ride to nowhere. The film, based on Dave Eggers’ novel, tries to address the dangers of unchecked technology and the erosion of privacy, but it doesn’t quite land the punch it was aiming for. Well, if it was aiming for one.

Let’s start with the plot. Watson plays Mae Holland, a young woman who lands a dream job at The Circle, a tech company that feels like a Google-meets-Facebook utopia. With surveillance and transparency as its core principles, the company’s goal is to push society toward a more “honest” world. But as Mae rises within the ranks, she embraces these ideas a little too enthusiastically. By the end, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she had fully drank the Kool-Aid—and she wasn’t just sipping. She was guzzling it and handing it out to others. Her character’s arc went from cautious participant to blind follower without enough of a meaningful reckoning for me to buy into it.

The ending was particularly frustrating. What could have been a powerful critique of tech-driven surveillance instead felt like a non-ending. It leaves you wondering if anything really changed, or if Mae just became a mouthpiece for the very system she initially questioned. Rather than breaking free or taking a stand, she doubles down, pushing the same dangerous ideals with a shiny, optimistic veneer. It’s as if the film wanted to make a statement but didn’t know how to finish the conversation.

One of the biggest issues I had with The Circle is its confusion between transparency and democracy. The movie seems to suggest that making everything visible leads to a better, more just world. But transparency alone doesn’t ensure democracy. It doesn’t hold power accountable in any meaningful way, especially if the people pushing for it are the ones holding all the cards. The Circle’s version of transparency feels more like control than freedom, and Mae’s willingness to impose this on the world felt chilling rather than revolutionary. And, she ends up distancing herself from the people she was closest to, to be responsible to her followers. She was basically indoctrinated into the cult and decided that’s where she wanted to be. As a free-thinker, this ending creeped me out. Well, if that was an ending. It was hard to tell.

Tom Hanks, as the Steve Jobs-like founder of The Circle, was fine in his role, but he wasn’t given much to work with. His character was more symbol than substance, and it felt like a missed opportunity to dig deeper into the motivations behind someone who would build a tech empire like this.

The Circle earns itself a three beer rating. There wasn’t the fun distraction of dancing or singing. I didn’t get to go to space. And the ending makes me want to push Mae out of her kayak. Another dunk in the ocean might do her good. Have you seen this movie?

Here’s the trailer:

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Saturn 2: Science Fiction #MovieReview #scifi #sciencefiction

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / August 20, 2024

Saturn 3 (1980), directed by Stanley Donen and starring Kirk Douglas, Farrah Fawcett, and Harvey Keitel, is a science fiction film set on a remote space station on Saturn’s third moon. The plot centers around two scientists, Adam (Douglas) and Alex (Fawcett), whose tranquil existence is disrupted by the arrival of Captain Benson (Keitel) and his menacing robot, Hector.

Saturn’s third moon is Tethys, but I’m not sure if that is the moon the title refers to. The space scenes didn’t give any strong evidence as to which moon the story was set on. The space science used was pretty poor, and it wasn’t clear what Kirk and Farrah were doing in the space labratory. It was mentioned they were growing food for Earth and they were falling behind on production, so Captain Benson arrives with Hector to help.

Umm… if this mission is so important, why were there only two people growing the food? There are lifeless planets and moons closer to Earth. Why not grow food on one of those? And, the space habitat was huge for just two people.

The movie attempts to blend elements of suspense, romance, and sci-fi but ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and compelling story. Like Keitel kills someone at the very beginning of the movie. Why? What for? The killing had nothing to do with the rest of the plot.

Near the beginning, a bunch of folks seemed to walk onto a stage to load up the shuttle going down to Saturn 3. To me, it looked like they were going to dance. Husband was alarmed, but they didn’t dance. So, I was disappointed. I would bump this review up a rating if they had danced.

One of the film’s more notable aspects is its visual design. The space station’s set and the special effects, though dated by today’s standards, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the science fiction aesthetics of the late ’70s and early ’80s. The design of the robot Hector, in particular, is both intriguing and unsettling, contributing to the film’s atmosphere of unease.

However, Saturn 3 struggles with pacing issues and a plot that feels underdeveloped. The narrative lacks the depth and complexity seen in other sci-fi classics of the era, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The romantic subplot between Adam and Alex feels clichéd, and the film’s attempts at exploring deeper themes of isolation, humanity, and technological advancement are overshadowed by its more superficial elements.

They run through the tunnels of their habitat. A lot. Run. Run. Run. The robot does some amusing things, but we always guessed the surprises ahead of time. The acting is good, but could not save the thin story. And, it has a typical sci-fi indie film lame ending. There was some gratuitous nudity, and the robot was kind of cool.

I give this a 2.5 beer rating. Saturn 3 is a so-so sci-fi film that offers some interesting visual elements and moments of tension but ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression. While it may appeal to fans of vintage science fiction and those interested in the era’s cinematic style, it doesn’t quite measure up to its contemporaries in the genre.

Have you scene this one? Here’s the trailer:

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65 – A Dino-Filled Adventure with a Touching Story: #SciFi #MovieReview

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / June 29, 2024

This movie isn’t perfect, but it is fun. Especially if you like dinosaurs.

Yay! Dinosaurs! 65 is a thrilling journey back in time, blending elements of science fiction and adventure with the allure of dinosaurs. As a fan of movies featuring these prehistoric creatures, I found 65 to be a satisfying and enjoyable experience, despite a few flaws.

The film introduces us to pilot Mills, who embarks on a two-year space expedition to earn money for his daughter Nevine’s treatment. The story takes an unexpected turn when Mills’ spaceship crash-lands on an alien planet, later revealed to be Earth, 65 million years in the past. The narrative kicks into high gear when Mills discovers a lone survivor, Koa, a young girl with whom he must navigate communication challenges due to language differences and a broken translator.

One notable aspect of 65 is the bond that forms between Mills and Koa as they navigate the dangers of the alien planet, now inhabited by Earth’s dinosaurs. The film effectively blends action with moments of emotional depth, especially as Koa watches video messages from Nevine, adding a layer of poignancy to their journey.

The film’s flaw, as you mentioned, lies in the communication barrier between the two main characters. While it adds an element of realism to their predicament, it occasionally hinders the flow of the story. The action sequences, particularly the encounters with various dinosaurs, are visually stunning . The filmmakers successfully capture the awe and danger associated with these ancient creatures, making them a central and captivating element of the film.

As the story progresses, the revelation of Mills’ personal tragedy and the impending asteroid strike add urgency and depth to the plot. The climax, featuring a creative and intense showdown with a hybrid dinosaur, is a highlight of the film. The combination of strategy, resourcefulness, and teamwork makes for a satisfying resolution to the characters’ journey.

The ending, showcasing the evolution of Earth from the point where Mills and Koa left, provides a poignant and reflective touch to the film. It connects the adventure with the broader context of Earth’s history.

Despite its minor flaws, 65 delivers an entertaining and heartfelt experience. I enjoyed it. I forgave it for not having dinosaurs eat more people since there were only two people in the story. The story would have been mighty short if they had gotten eaten. I give it a one beer rating.

Heres’ the trailer:

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Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver #scifi #moviereview

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / May 21, 2024

Hmm. I’m not sure where to start with this one. The funnest part of the movie is Googling reviews for it and watching other people’s reactions. Hilarious!

It’s beautifully filmed, and the final battle sequence is exciting. It’s impossible to spoil this movie because nothing happens. Seriously. A ridiculous amount of time is spent watching people harvest wheat and artistically throw wheat in the air. Yawwwn. Husband Unit and I fast forwarded through a lot of that. Plus, they have to harvest with scythes and baskets, but they have a hover wagon to load the grain in. ??? Then! A character puts water in their canteen in slow-mo. I’m not joking .

There are so many logic and plot holes in this movie. Like what is the obsession with this one moon’s crop of wheat? It’s like one field. It’s not a whole moon producing wheat. It’s just one miniscule village. You can have a fleet of spaceships but can’t grow or find food anywhere else? How are these people still alive if that’s how they operate?

The main bad guy comes back to life and gives this silly monologue which ends with how the main character ‘gave him a scar’. Scargiver. lol There again, they could bring someone back to life but not grow their own food.

Then the magnificent seven gather round a table and there’s a huge info dump of each character telling their back story. The only cool character is the lady with the sword hands.

The village prepares for battle with the magnificent seven’s help. It only takes one day for everyone to become an ace shot and to dig an elaborate system of tunnels underneath the village. The bad guy arrives and confronts the main character in a ludicrous scene that makes no logical sense.

The battles… oh my. The one interesting scene, Kora is planting explosives in the spaceship and something in the engine room opens its eyes. Two seconds is spent on that and it’s never explained what was alive in there. Meanwhile, beneath this are people shoveling coal into a furnace. That’s right, the ship is powere by coal. lol Okay, the invasion landing on the planet was kind of cool.

This movie amused me because there was absolutely no story, emphasis was put on things that didn’t matter (like harvesting and getting water), and interesting things were panned over. The bad plot and huge holes often made me laugh.

But they’re threatening us with a part three. No, Netflix. No! Do something better. Like a movie with a real story with some characters I can remember the names of and care about. Yeah, I don’t remember any of the character names.

For all these reasons, I have to say you need beer to watch this one. And, you’ll want to fast forward through some crap. Unless you enjoy watching people farm. Despite my love of watching other people react to this movie, I have to give it a four beer rating. Yeah, being sloshed will help.

And, I rather liked the first movie.

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Rebel Moon – A Riveting Sci-Fi Epic with Promising Sequel Potential: #SciFi #MovieReview

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / May 18, 2024

The critics seemed to hate this movie, but I rather liked it. It was certainly entertaining.

Rebel Moon, an original science fiction offering on Netflix, delivers a compelling narrative filled with action, rebellion, and a hint of political intrigue. The film introduces us to the militaristic Imperium, led by the sadistic Admiral Atticus Noble, who arrives on the backwater moon of Veldt. He is there to quash a rebellion led by siblings Devra and Darrian Bloodaxe.

As Noble attempts to secure the village’s surplus grain to fuel the Imperium’s conquests. The refusal of the village leader, Sindri, sets the stage for a tense and engaging plot. The characters, particularly Kora, Gunnar, and the warriors they recruit, add depth to the storyline, each with their own motivations and backstories.

One notable aspect of Rebel Moon is its world-building, showcasing a universe fueled by centuries of conquest and war. The film explores themes of rebellion and the consequences of unchecked power. The dynamics between the characters, their shared history, and the overarching conflict create a rich tapestry.

The action sequences are well-executed, with each member of the diverse warrior group contributing their unique skills. The defection of the “Jimmy” robot adds an unexpected twist, providing moments of humor and emotion. The film successfully blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, creating a visually stunning and engaging cinematic experience.

As the story progresses, the group faces betrayal, tragedy, and the looming threat of the Imperium. The character development is commendable, especially Kora’s journey from a former Imperium soldier to a leader of the rebellion. The revelation of her past adds emotional depth to her character, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.

The film’s climax is intense and satisfying, with unexpected twists and sacrifices. And sets the stage for an intriguing sequel. The promise of a continuation of the insurgency against the Imperium, with Kora at the center, leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this sci-fi saga.

Rebel Moon delivers a thrilling and visually stunning experience. Although the critics hated it, and there is nothing earth-shattering about it, it successfully combines spectacle with substance, making it a memorable entry in the realm of original sci-fi films. I look forward to part two and give it a one beer rating. One is enough to have fun. Husband said it reminded him of the Magnificent Seven.

And… I will have my review for part two in a few days. Stay tuned!

Here’s the trailer:

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