An sci-fi for the intelligent!

Rating: 9/10 (13 November 2016)

No Spoilers!! First there are films that make you think, and then there are films that preach to its audience. This is one from the former not the latter. Remember when you watch films like 'Shawshank' or 'the usual suspects' You think 'wow what a twist!' you think 'dam that was clever'. You think. I will not say that this film is up to that standard of greatness, but close. One of the smartest films in recent years that have come out of the studios. There is no wham bang crash wallop to this film; this is not a star wars/independence day type alien film. This is Kubrick-esque. So what's this film about? Not the aliens. No, it's about nature of humanity. Jean-paul Satre would enjoy this film. It is existentialism to its core. Amy Adams delivers a realist performance, and is supported well by Jeremy Renner. Forest Whitaker, such an underrated actor. Plays the military leader of reality, not gun-ho asshole. Again a subtle supporting role, allowing the lead and story take lead. Some say Adams carries the film well, but she has to carry the story, there is no other way the film would work. She would be my vote for best actress when award season starts. The photography is high quality, whether FX, or natural or mixed, it adds to the mood, feel of the film, not overpower it. This leaves the room for the viewer to think, absorb the information received during the telling of the story. The sound/score is balanced and well used (except the final 14 seconds, hence 9/10) I loved this film, it was right up my alley and you leave the cinema thinking, and maybe emotional. I laughed when leaving, as I heard a few kids say 'I don't get it'. Well this isn't star wars kid! This is intellectual sci-fi. This is 2001. This is Blade Runner intellect. This makes you think! To be honest I would say a film that is maybe a bit too clever for under 16s and a slow pace that the x box generation might find too slow. But if you can think, then go and see this film, I am glad I did, and I am still thinking about it.