This is Sci-Fi to love, especially on the big screen

Rating: 10/10 (28 February 2018)

Rarely do I run into a film that transports me to pondering the universe in ways that both fascinate and terrorize me in equal measures. "Annihilation" manages to create a threat to Earth that is both beautiful and intoxicating to watch and yet frightening as hell at the same time, and I loved every moment of it. I'm a huge "2001: A Space Odyssey" fan from way back, and "Annihilation" managed to hit the same buttons of pleasurable universe-pondering and just plain popcorn-flick big-screen movie theater entertainment joy without being a copy of "2001." (This is definitely a film to see on the biggest screen with the best sound system you can find, by the way). I thought the cast here was perfect, the story, tone and pacing perfect, the special effects perfect, and the sheer audacity of the ending section literally mesmerizing (I was attracted and repelled in equal amounts, and couldn't take my eyes off the screen even though at times I wanted to because it was so effectively freaking me out). Likely for sci-fi fans only, and even then it will have those fans arguing its merits--which I think makes it even better! Reminded me of films from the past that polarized audiences in a way that made it even more fun to discuss with your friends, especially the ones who completely disagree with you. Again, and obviously, I loved "Annihilation" from start to finish.