Unpredictable ride with the great Sam Rockwell

Rating: 8/10 (19 March 2014)

Sam Rockwell has been one of my favorite actors for a long time. He has showed his range from playing a villain in Iron Man 2 to the laid back somewhat role model in The Way Way Back to the obscure prison mate in The Green Mile. He just has great charisma on screen and it shows here in Moon. Not many actors have the ability to carry an entire movie by themselves. Kevin Spacey helps carry a conversation as the robot/computer Gerty.
At first glance it seems this movie is an updated version of 2001: A Space Odyssey. It plays off as if the astronaut is being manipulated by the robot and eventually will fall at the 'hands' of the smarter robot. But this movie brings something different, and I'm glad that they didn't copy too much. Sam Bell (Rockwell) is at the end of his 3 year contract, and just wants to go home to see his family. Little does he know that the end of his contract will be the end of him.
Halfway through the movie, you start to find out what's at stake here for Sam, or at least the Sam we know. I didn't know much about the story going in so I was pretty shocked at the whole clone aspect. I just thought it was more hallucinations. You also start to forget that Sam Rockwell isn't talking to another person while filming. The fact that he had to film both parts of him separately and make it work flawlessly is a tribute to how well its directed and acted. I really cant believe no Oscar wins or even nominations were given to this great achievement.
I really don't have any complaints, other than maybe it could have longer. I wish they would have shown Sam walking among the people of earth, or maybe given us more to the story before he got there. Considering the reveals in the movie, I realize it would be tough to do more to the story beforehand, but possibly through flashbacks.
This film is no doubt a great watch and I recommend to all. 8.4/10