Film Review:Beyond the Black Rainbow

Film Review:Beyond the Black Rainbow

Written and directed by Panos Cosmatos, his first feature. This Sci-Fi thriller takes place in the 1980s in an underground laboratory named The Arboria Initiative with it's main focus experimenting with mind altering drugs to push the envelope of the human mind. Lead researcher, Barry Nyle is overseeing the treatment of Alena.  The film is shot in a very stylish way that I can see paying homage to old 70s Sci-Fi films and Kubrick with it's intense edge of your seat in question of what is going on in a psychedelic way. The acting in the film was kept at a minimum with more focus on the surroundings. The music of the film is a perfect sound scape to the ambiance with a close feel to Boards of Canada meets Kraftwerk. I found this film to be very innovative in every aspect and look forward to more films from the director. 

Here is a trailor of the film. 

I give this 3 out of 4 stars.

Film Review: Monsters

Film Review:Monsters

Written, Cinematographered and directed by Gareth Edwards in this low budget Sci-Fi thriller. A space probe crashes in Mexico with an alien life form that multiplies in great numbers which causes a panic in the Southern part of North America. A photojournalist is on a last minute errand to escort his boss's daughter around the alien infested hot zone but insteads ends up going through the infestation zone to find more than just another photograph to place in a magazine or newspaper. The creatures in the film resemble large octopus from the very depths of the ocean but instead from space. The special effects were great and the visual aspect of the film was very realistic. Most of the script in the film was improvised which impressed me and gave it a real time effect in the dialog. All of the extras where actual villagers in regular settings with no notice that they were being filmed. A very guerrilla style shot film to say the least. There's a few scenes in the film that kinda reminded me of other films such as Cloverfield when the monsters connected and showed only harm when they were just protecting their offspring from air raids and such. Other scenes pay homage to Jurassic Park and Jaws but you'll have to watch the film to find out. I found the film to be artistic and innovative in the style it was filmed. The film kept me at the edge of my seat in curiosity. I found this film overall brilliant and would recommend it.

3.5 out of 4 star rating.

Film Review:Pandorum

Film Review:Pandorum

Total insanity in space. Corporal Bower wakes from deep sleep among 60,000 passengers on a voyage to another planet for re population of the Human race. Soon wakes up the ship Captain and discovers what happened to the last sleeper ship. Exploring the ship they discover bodies and fast moving mutants running around the ship. Finding other survivors on the ship with a mission to save the ship by turning on the nuclear reactor. Things get crazier as the film progresses. The cinematography of the film was great and gave an overwhelming feel. The soundtrack was impressive. It's worth checking out for sure.

Moon: Film Review

Moon:Film Review

A very well crafted film showing a man experiencing a personal crisis on a Moon base to harvest resources for Earth. The film was shot very clean and gave the feeling of solitude through out the film even with the help of his only contact a personal robot, voiced by Kevin Spacey, to care for him as he breaks down slowly as the film progresses. The acting in the film is superb and just stunning with a twist towards the end that will make you question. One of the best Sci-Fi films of last year.
A note from Eric
I was eagerly anticipating watching this film when it was released. The talk surrounding it made it sound like a return to the brainier science fiction films of the ole' black and white years. Some were comparing it to 2001. After watching the film I must say I agree with both points. I loved the sense of isolation you experience along withe the main character. I was also extremely impressed with the way Sam Rockwell's character interacts with himself (not much of a spoiler to be honest). Coming from someone who has done some basic split screen type effects, including some interaction, that ping pong scene was stunning.
The music was one of the highlights of the film as well. The score moves the story forward at an almost constant pace. It was hypnotizing to be sure.
Now I had a few issues with the film to be perfectly honest. When I sat down to watch it I had totally different expectations as to the plot. The ending threw me off completely. I have a feeling if I rewatch it I would actually enjoy it even more than the ... confusing... first go through.
I'm looking foward to seeing what Duncan Jones does next, since this was his first film.
I agree with Richard. Best Sci Fi film of 09'. Of course the only competition was Pandorum, a more action/horror driven story that wasn't too shabby in my opinion but it aint winnin' any awards.
I give it 4 out of 5 split personalities/clones/mental breakdowns/who knows