VINCE'S MOVIE REVIEWS |
 Science Fiction "We're a million miles from Earth inside a white face...what's impossible?" |
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The movie opens at a nice typical down to earth barbeque to the toe tapping music of cajun zydeco by Buckwheat Zydeco. The characters in the play are introduced; the date is June 2020. Thirteen months later the first trip to Mars is on its way. This crew is in for a deadly surprise. They discover a shape on a mountain top which they investigate. While scanning the mountain with a radar gun something catastrophic happens which leads to disaster.  A second team is sent to rescue any survivors. The team consists of Jim O'Connell (Gary Sinise), Phil Ohlmyer (Jerry O'Connell), Woody Blake (Tim Robbins) and his wife played by Connie Nielson. 173 days later they arrive but not before encountering a micro meteor shower that leads to devasting results. This particular scene shows that the worst dangers don't always come from monsterous objects but that even the smallest things can kill. The scene is very suspenseful as the crew tries to save the ship but a fuel leak brings ultimate disaster. I think this is the first time I have ever seen an escape using the method they employ. In an emotion filled scene between Woody Blake and his wife you will see what real sacrifice can be.  When the survivors land they eventually discover that Luke (Don Cheadle) was the only survivor. While on Mars Luke has made some incredible discoveries. That knowledge leads to incredible revelations and some absolutely beautiful scenes. A sequence is shown, that answers all the questions to this mysterious puzzle. What is marvellous about this scene is that it shows us what has happened using no words. The storytelling here is really well done and the storyteller will impress you as well. Boy this is hard trying to avoid telling you what happens but I just can't spoil things for you. At times MISSION TO MARS may seem slow but it has a tight plot that wastes no time on the screen. Every minute of it's 115 minute run is used to move the story along. The best thing about this movie is how director Brian DePalma has made astounding events seem like they are happening in real life. This may lead some to think it is cheesy in places but it is far from that. The ending with it's musical score, sent chills throughout my entire body. Yeah, I know, I'm a schmuck for this type of film. I really hope you enjoy this film as much as I did. Remember not all aliens have to try to eat you. "Have a great ride, Jim" THE END |
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RATING CANADA... Rated Rated PG for sci-fi violence and language. |
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vjm@metrocity.com
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