A sci-fi triumph

Rating: 8/10 (3 November 2009)

Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is on a 3 year contract on a moon base overseeing the extraction of Hel3, a primary energy source on Earth. Accompanied only by GERTY (voice of Kevin Spacey), a robot-assistant, he has just two weeks to the end of the contract. Missing his wife and 3-year old child Eve he is counting the days. The stay has taken its toll on Sam - he has hallucinations and he physical form has deteriorated. And thats as far as I'll go with the plot - it is best to experience the rest yourself.
This classical in feel sci-fi movie is a pure gem amongst the overflow of trash like Star Trek: The Beginning, Terminator 4 or Transformers. Going back to the roots it focuses on the human condition without unnecessary action, chases and ridiculous plot twists. It may not be very cerebral, but it is definitely thoughtful and intelligent. It may not be breakthrough in any sense, but this movie will be remembered in years to come. An instant classic.
Sam Rockwell has the opportunity to play the defining role of his career. If he never manages to get a second such good role this movie will always be evidence of just how great an actor he actually is. He caught me be surprise, but his screen presence was one of the prime moments of cinema this year.
Kudos to the director. I had small issues with the ending and some minor plot solutions, but otherwise a deserved standing ovation.