Red Planet

release year: 2000
genre: science fiction
viewing setting: home DVD, 7/4/06

synopsis: The first manned mission to Mars runs into some problems.

impressions: This was pretty good. It didn't resort to cheese or stupidity in its plot - just basic sci-fi ideas and execution. The mission's purpose is to save the human race, yet the viewer isn't beaten over the head with this idea. Also, there are some mysteries to be solved here (e.g. what happened to the previous, unmanned mission and also how will the crash-landed crew get back safely?) There was even some menacing danger; I won't spoil its source for you. The astronauts are a varied bunch, some with good qualities and some with bad. I got a sense of closure at the end, too.

something this movie has that no other movie has: A space suit clearly designed for a female wearer.

acting: Val Kilmer is the main guy, and Carrie-Anen Moss is the main (and only) woman. Benjamin Bratt, Tom Sizemore, Simon Baker, and Terence Stamp round out the crew. Only two other live people appear in the entire movie.

final word: Watchable sci-fi, well done.

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