Quiet, meditative, yet plausible scenario

Rating: 9/10 (1 August 2009)

A film exploring the dynamics of hope, faith, morality, and greed. Above-average script-writing, a refreshing lack of overdone clichÃ©s, decent leisurely pacing that didn't rush the film and excellent acting put this heads and shoulders above other films from the get-go. I liked this movie more than I expected I would. The theater I watched it at was almost full so it seems good word of mouth has gotten around about this film. I liked the space base setting other recent sci-fi films have shiny surfaces that are mechanistic with impossibly perfect technology, I liked the almost retro chunky technology feel of the set it really humanized it. I loved Gerty's simple low-tech emoticons, it added to the film. The two Sam's interacting with each other was compassionate and almost brother-like especially when the "older" Sam teaches the new Sam to carve. Surreal moments like where the two Sam's play Ping-Pong helped lighten the mood. I loved the ending with the media as I cheered for the Sam that made it. Slight Biblical references with names like Eve, and the mining machines are named Matthew, Judas etc. but this is a Western movie so it is to be expected. To put my review in context I hate the latest Terminator Salvation movie, but loved the Star Trek movie.