Disappointing but effective

Rating: 7/10 (3 July 1999)

As has been noted here, there is not much new going on in "Event Horizon". Still, unoriginality is not the greatest sin a movie can make. In my opinion dullness would be a greater crime. "Event Horizon" drew me in from the beginning and created a sense of suspense that did not dissipate despite various flaws in the script and direction. These flaws include potentially interesting characters with not enough meat on their bones, and a typical "explosive" Hollywood climax. I agree with a previous reviewer here regarding what this film might have been had it been allowed to unfold beyond the time constraints of a normal 90 minute movie. Perhaps then the "Event Horizon" could have really taken us to some place new. . .
"Event Horizon" is beautiful to look at - the sets and effects are wonderfully realized - and the cast, working within the previously mentioned restraints of the script, are solid. There is some extreme gore in the film (most of it shown in rapid, nearly subliminal, shots)but I did not find it gratuitous despite its extremity.
In closing I would say that "Event Horizon" is a flawed but none the less effective horror film with science fiction trappings.