Red Planet (US)

Widespread negativity was the only thing I associated with this film, prior to it being lent to me by a friend. So, it was with great reluctance and trepidation that I sat down to view this release. Happily though. it wasn`t the toe curling endurance test I`d expected, actually, (dare I say it?) I rather enjoyed it!.

Before I get carried away though, there are some failings. The set-up at the beginning is rather patronising (complete with voiceover) and the characters are fairly obvious (seriously stereotypical), and threaten to quash your interest before it gets going. But the performances remedy this and are above average for this type of movie, with the exception of Terence Stamp. (Spoiler imminent) Every word he says sounds like it`s straight from a cheesy 70`s U.S Television show (his fault, not the words). Thankfully, he dies before he can do too much damage and it`s plain sailing from then on.

I enjoyed watching this because it`s reputation was so misleadingly poor. It`s not insightful or in any way intelligent, but not ALL movies have to be. If you intend to take the film seriously, you may be disappointed as the only goal here is a few hours of good quality sci-fi diversion. Red Planet delivers on all the essential components - Intriguing plot developments (when they conquer one obstacle, another bigger one comes along), Good cast (mainly!), agreeable effects and it`s repeatedly exciting. I heard that it was just Val Kilmer up against a malfunctioning robot (AMEE), that`s grossly unfair though as Amee is just one of many elements that make up this surprisingly watchable production.

The DVD is good too and perfect in terms of picture and especially sound quality, in full 5.1 mode the atmospherics are superb. Extras are limited to to c/crew text and deleted scenes, the latter of these lasting 15 minutes and proving quite enlightening.

Basically then, I endorse Red Planet. Not because it`s fantastic (it isn`t), but because if you`re in the right mood, it`s diverting and entertaining. If sci-fi`s not your cup of tea though, this film won`t convert you.

Another ordinary sci-fi movie. I don`t know why is it, but it seems that all sci-fi movies that deal with Mars are bound to be average, at best.
The video transfer is good. While there are no compression signs at all, the CG is hilarious at times. Are my standards too high, or were several scenes in the movie rendered on a PC? :)
The DD 5.1 soundtrack is good. The surrounds mostly kick in when it comes to the Martian wind and the spaceship sounds.
The menus are all static and dull.
The extras include about half a dozen deleted scenes. Nothing more.
Bottom line - yet another below average sci-fi movie. You might as well wait for the sequel.