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Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated Arrival (2016) in Movies
Jun 11, 2019
Thrilling from start to finish
Sci-fi seems to be having somewhat of a renaissance recently, that is, if you don’t count Independence Day: Resurgence which could’ve easily derailed the whole genre, never mind just the franchise.
What with last year’s The Martian, the rebirth of Star Wars and the upcoming Passengers, sci-fi is really getting its mojo back. The subject of this review, Arrival, has been hailed as a masterpiece across the Atlantic. But is it worthy of such a strong adjective?
From the director of Prisoners and Sicario; Arrival is not only one of the best sci-fi films of the last year, it’s up there with the genre’s greatest assets. We’re talking a Close Encounters level of good.
Linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) leads an elite team of investigators when humongous spaceships touch down in 12 locations around the world. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her crew must race against time to find a way to communicate with the extra-terrestrial visitors. Hoping to unravel the mystery, she takes a chance that could threaten her life and quite possibly all of mankind.
Amy Adams leads a pleasing cast that includes commanding turns from Forest Whitaker and Jeremy Renner but it is in our female protagonist that we find the most joy. Adams is fast becoming one of Hollywood’s best actresses and her complex character is superbly written and incredibly well acted.
Elsewhere, the cinematography is truly exceptional with the alien craft taking a backseat to sweeping landscapes from across the world. The focal point of the film, a lush and open Montana valley is filmed to a breath-taking standard especially during Arrival’s opening sequences.
When it comes to special effects, director Denis Villeneuve doesn’t bombard the audience with constant CGI, instead opting for a laidback approach. Even the aliens themselves are understated in their appearance. It’s also fair to say that the film is a slow-burner with very little in the way of action – though it manages to stay well-clear of becoming tedious.
In spite of all this though, Arrival’s greatest strength is its story. This is thinking person’s sci-fi that somehow manages to cement its themes with an emotional heft of gravitational proportions. Throughout the 114 minute running time, we’re constantly reminded of our characters and where it is they come from, something missing from the majority of mass-market blockbusters these days.
Overall, Arrival is more than worthy of an adjective like masterpiece. From it’s incredible story and beautiful cinematography to what is Amy Adams’ best performance to date, it’s a new classic for the sci-fi genre and well worth a watch.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2016/11/11/thrilling-from-start-to-finish-arrival-review/
What with last year’s The Martian, the rebirth of Star Wars and the upcoming Passengers, sci-fi is really getting its mojo back. The subject of this review, Arrival, has been hailed as a masterpiece across the Atlantic. But is it worthy of such a strong adjective?
From the director of Prisoners and Sicario; Arrival is not only one of the best sci-fi films of the last year, it’s up there with the genre’s greatest assets. We’re talking a Close Encounters level of good.
Linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) leads an elite team of investigators when humongous spaceships touch down in 12 locations around the world. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her crew must race against time to find a way to communicate with the extra-terrestrial visitors. Hoping to unravel the mystery, she takes a chance that could threaten her life and quite possibly all of mankind.
Amy Adams leads a pleasing cast that includes commanding turns from Forest Whitaker and Jeremy Renner but it is in our female protagonist that we find the most joy. Adams is fast becoming one of Hollywood’s best actresses and her complex character is superbly written and incredibly well acted.
Elsewhere, the cinematography is truly exceptional with the alien craft taking a backseat to sweeping landscapes from across the world. The focal point of the film, a lush and open Montana valley is filmed to a breath-taking standard especially during Arrival’s opening sequences.
When it comes to special effects, director Denis Villeneuve doesn’t bombard the audience with constant CGI, instead opting for a laidback approach. Even the aliens themselves are understated in their appearance. It’s also fair to say that the film is a slow-burner with very little in the way of action – though it manages to stay well-clear of becoming tedious.
In spite of all this though, Arrival’s greatest strength is its story. This is thinking person’s sci-fi that somehow manages to cement its themes with an emotional heft of gravitational proportions. Throughout the 114 minute running time, we’re constantly reminded of our characters and where it is they come from, something missing from the majority of mass-market blockbusters these days.
Overall, Arrival is more than worthy of an adjective like masterpiece. From it’s incredible story and beautiful cinematography to what is Amy Adams’ best performance to date, it’s a new classic for the sci-fi genre and well worth a watch.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2016/11/11/thrilling-from-start-to-finish-arrival-review/
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Sleeping Giants (Themis Files #1) in Books
Jul 27, 2017
A long episode of X-Files
For those who are Sci-fi fans, this is a bit of a dream. It's intelligent, compiled completely through a series of 'classified' interviews with a mysterious authoritative person with no name. While the concept is a bit unoriginal and slightly lame, it's written in a militaristic tone giving a sense of realism. There is a big twist at the end that sets up the premise for the next book. Interesting - but not much else.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Forbidden Planet (1956) in Movies
Feb 19, 2019
One of the original sci-fi classics
Up there with the original War of the Worlds as an original science fiction classic.
The art direction, look, feel and musical score of the film are amazing even by today's standards. Ok some of the special effects have not aged well, but it doesn't take away from the foreboding and interesting adventure.
Watch a brown-haired Leslie Nielsen do battle with the Krell alongside Robby the Robot.
The art direction, look, feel and musical score of the film are amazing even by today's standards. Ok some of the special effects have not aged well, but it doesn't take away from the foreboding and interesting adventure.
Watch a brown-haired Leslie Nielsen do battle with the Krell alongside Robby the Robot.
Kate (355 KP) rated Secret City in TV
Apr 6, 2019
Came across this on Netflix and thoroughly enjoying it, completely different to what I normally watch. Am about half way through series one and is compelling. It is a political drama based in Australia with twists and turns, the only problem is that I keep expecting the unusual to happen as Anna Torv plays the main role of a journalist but those into sci-fi may remember her from the series Fringe and to be honest I haven’t seen her in anything else.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Happiness for Humans in Books
Apr 14, 2019
I read this book based upon @Sarah 's review. I don't typically read books like this; I genuinely liked this book a lot. It was humorous, and I liked the very small sci-fi element with the AIs. It was kind of predictable, but it didn't make me enjoy it less. The AIs themselves had very amusing personalities, and I liked the contrast between Aiden and the psychopath AI. I really liked all of the characters as well.
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Municipalists in Books
Apr 27, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book set in 'the near future'. The main character is a by-the-books government worker that's sent to investigate terror incidences in the city of Metropolis with an alcoholic AI. It kept me engaged the entire time, until the end. The end just fell flat for me. The ending is what knocked my rating down, sadly.
I still recommend this book for people that enjoy near future stories with a healthy dose of sci-fi.
I still recommend this book for people that enjoy near future stories with a healthy dose of sci-fi.
Dean (6925 KP) rated Source Code (2011) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018
A good if far fetched idea, putting it lightly, handled very well in this sci-fi/action film. I thought there was going to be slightly more to it, and kept waiting for just a bit more to happen, without quite reaching my expectations. It's very similar in a lot of ways to Deja Vu. It has a good cast and the plot will keep you interested for the duration. Overall an entertaining film, but might not stand well with repeated viewings.
Rickstrong23 (216 KP) rated Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) in Movies
Mar 6, 2018
Stunning
This movie was done awesomely from visualy to humor and. Colorful cast of. Characters.not ever knowing anything about it going in even though im a HUGE marvel fanboy growing. Up .i loved it from beginging to end witch is not the case nowadays most movies james gunne hits this outta the park.so beautifu ly colorful and great sound track and for vin deisel to play GROOT.actually all the. Actors were great and perfectly picked.