Interesting perspective

Rating: 9/10 (13 January 2019)

Heinlen's "Stranger In a Strange Land," Clarke's "Childhood's End, "2001," Steakley's "Armour," most good science fiction stories in essence, ask the reader to simply observe oneself along the way and invest a little thought in the journey. I own most of the MCU films and enjoy them for what they are: noisy, colorful, character adventures consumed simply for the fun of watching. However, films like "Arrival," "Ex Machina," "Annihilation," "2001" ask questions without the Hollywood Spoonfeed of late. I found the journey in "Annihilation" entertaining and thought provoking; not a perfect film, but worth the effort to just observe and participate with the characters. Their flaws, like mine, make us more interesting, human, and accessible. The unique special effects were blended with sets and seemed in service to the storyline, which was after all fictional. If Sci Fi fails to suspend or alter our expectations of daily logic, I will simply move on and forget it. Good stories, whether in print or film listed above, are remembered beyond methods or style of telling. I loved Portman in her pre-teen "Leon" role; but I enjoyed her performance here as a grown woman wondering what has happened to her life and the world around her. JJ Leigh, Isaacs and the supporting cast do service in telling their parts of the larger story. If one wants escape, Cap & MCU crew are standing by. If one watches Garland's films though, a little investment in after thought helps complete a worthwhile Sci Fi experience.