Terrifying and bloody film that loses its way

Rating: 7/10 (23 February 2000)

Event Horizon is a film that I think has been unfairly bashed, though it does have some bad moments. Basically it takes elements of films like Solaris and novels like Rendezvous with Rama and uses them in a pulpy, B-movie horror film kinda way. This isn't necessarily good, since the film ultimately cops out on its initial instincts. After a very creey first half that promises so much, the film doesn't ever really deliver. The problem with this film, as with many horror films, is that the film loses its power once the unknown terrifying presence manifests itself. Upt to that point Event Horizon is suitably powerful as a horror film. And even after it flies off the rails and starts to resolve its situation in typical fashion, it's entertaining. This gets a 7/10 from me - for horror fans this is one to check out. It's not at the level of Solaris, but it stands well on its own.