The usual special effects extravaganza, plus strangely affecting

Rating: 9/10 (10 December 2012)

Okay, it's not Shakespeare. But for its genre, it is outstanding. It delivers in terms of science fiction (the Michael Stuhlberg character's simultaneously inhabiting multiple time frames is inspired) and in terms of special effects. In addition, there is more attention to a coherent and interesting plot than in most films of its genre. On a related note, the word "poignant," which I would seldom use in connection with sci fi youth-oriented special effects extravaganzas, applies here. Everyone plays his or her part to perfection - SPOILER ALERT - the sorrow born in secrecy by Agent K, and later learned of by Agent J, relating to the fate of J's father, is not the usual "cliche." A tragedy at Cape Canaveral that changed Agent K was hinted at darkly throughout the film. I expected the "Hollywoodish" approach, i.e. to learn that he'd had a wife and family who'd died there. But nooooo, it was a heart-breaking event that was not anticipated. Josh Brolin, too, deserves mention - he is so amazing as the young Agent K that I wondered if Tommy Lee Jones was dubbing his lines. If I don't give it a "10" it is only because it is ultimately silly and implausible. Yet it is excellent in terms of "the usual" (effects, humor, comic-book characters) yet strangely affecting.