Dusan_Indjic-Luigi Reviews

The Ark (2023– )

Bad bad bad

[4/10 · 14 February 2023]

Now, this really looks like throwing that little production money on bad content - from acting to really shallow story. All mixed up in some kind of raw-edited 'confuserma' with a loads of special sounding spacefligt-related quasi-terminology. Kind of directing that pushes actors crew and overdose it. Or, maybe it's simply on part of their acting in play. Being a little bit into space cliche situations. Technology including terminology, was really difficult to mix these "ultra" situations about: life support systems failing, getting about strange phenomena or navigation not working... Seeing it all in action even poores tears out of eyes - so to say: die out laughing. But put the brain into power-saving mode and it can pass. Heh, the music also too much stressing everything until in "remove your helmets" happy ending scene. Then, a Little bit of crime and medicine only thing missing appears in ER category excluding George Clooney in rubber gloves. And then again a little bit of less than laicized of planetology, criminology and bad no focused drama. As I said a crazy Party Cocktail of all mentioned, and bathing in dumb SciFi stereotypes a lot...

But when someone gets over the first episode(s), it becomes "consumable", just letting it easy w/o much thinking. It's (maybe too) easy-swallowing... Thinking about it, t's more worth of one's time watching some hipster x-space YouTube week show.

All in all: it's a funny bitter space-lemonade that I wouldn't recommend it to only maybe instead of nothing better.

Good luck with it, anyways!

His Dark Materials (2019–2022)

Beautiful

[9/10 · 9 January 2023]

As a lifetime (amateurish) voayeur of science and spiritualism, mysticism, astrophyisics/astronomy, cosmology - this was a rare opportunity to find it all intertwined in ecranization form. Unlike the postmodernistic, surreal (must see it 4x to get it), "intelecually agressive" worldwide-faves Dark,1899 or likes; this was an easy, light, emotional and somehow "almost ephemeral" trip through the multiversal dream-like story of coexistentional destenies. A beautiful PG (ie. Family)-friendly drama for all ages.

Well-pacedly written: love/hate, enemy/friendship, family/brutalism, deamons/angels, science/fantasy... Quite, so to say: meta-stateted serial. Where I would like to mention protagonistic young actress Dafne Keen, I'll dare to say: a rising star in filmography.

Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)

Anticipated a bit more

[6/10 · 18 December 2022]

Having a big respect for G. Del Toro, I was slightly dissapointed, considering him as one of the best creatives currently in the Horror (among other genres). So, I'll emphasize on the generalization, for not all the stories are necessarely as expected. But surely, there are several great picks. Even though, I have a feeling there is a dose of 'underachievement' in the choise, where as an editor he could have excelled.

Beside a mentioned relativity based on one's taste subjectiveness of, I'm not sure if it's the choice that could have been better, or summary of directors' parts on realization of each or some of them. As for me, the start kicked, so supposedly there's the reason for following dissapointment. As did the end. Unlinked to the peculiarity of my taste, the idea to end with Lovecraft (whose ecranization is always a bold and appreciated move, especially on adaptation-writer's part) was a spark of del Toro's idiosyncatic genius.

Generally, the idea for his "nightmare-compilation" in whole is a product of the latter, and a reason to put it slightly over mediocrity. Definitely.worth watching, just don't expect all of the stories to dazzle (where I made a mistake). But who knows, maybe that eclectic variaty was Guillermo's goal. A way to present and cover the enormous space and styles of Horror.

Deadlock (II) (2021)

Yet another miss

[2/10 · 4 December 2021]

I have this ugly feeling that last several years I saw the actor in (mostly) bad action, sometimes SciFi movies. I'm convinced he can so better then, now a "dead-loop" series of misses. Maybe his and agent's character choice wasn't good. But after some legendary protagonist characters (some time ago though, mostly in Die Hard series), I don't know...

Movie itself followed a narrow storyline with not too much to tell. I'll actually just bottom it with too much of shooting over cliche core - "difficult directorship indeed".

Same story core in another approach could be a goldmine. But, no: let's stick to the 'same old - same old'... What a waste.

Coherence (2013)

The Great Quantum Multiverse Swindle

[8/10 · 16 December 2019]

I'll skip with cinematographic stuff, where I think the movie stands solid given the script. What really got me is that it visits the multiverse quantum paradox in really nice and funny way!

Crazy situation in this case connected to the passing comet (for me maybe the scientifically thinnest part) is well known in theoretical physics or cognitive cosmology scientific circles when it comes to connecting the (quantum, sub-atomic) micro and our ("normal") macro realities. It always come to an amusing and puzzling mind game, 'cause in practically (and simply) put infinite number of realities (i.e. multiverse) everything is possible and is happening. AND when somebody (like Schrödinger with a cat in a box) shows a theoretical experiment where they (quantum and macro realities) are connected in given setup, it becomes lovingly amusing. This movie does exactly so. And personally reminds me of my friends' Prof Dr Milan Cirkovic's papers with "funny" titles like: "Is Quantum Suicide Painless? (On an apparent violation of Principal principle)", "The Anthropic Argument Against Cosmologies With Infinite Past" and others alike!

I hope that even an outsider/layman can get this. And I really cheer to this attempt to illustrate those "obscure" reality faces. Enjoy it and DON'T try to get the point or meaning, for it exists and doesn't exist at the same time (i.e. "Super-position").

3022 (2019)

"Major Tom To Ground Control..."

[4/10 · 23 November 2019]

For many it will be (quoted in title) Bowie's surreal "Space Oddity" at times brutally (un)humane sci-fi. So, I'll stick to more scientific aspects. In which the movie is quite satisfying.

It is not unknown nor uncertain theory in past decades that the huge problem in long-term space traveling and missions is of psychological nature (Crew/Time). With a plentiful spectrum of elements that can be stratified in various ways (character profile, profession, age, communication, sex, etc.) There are indefinite combinations in mind, perception, imagination and other more subtle mental functions in play. Decent acting for that part.

As I see it, the movie carefully depicts many, above mentioned and more, combinations and particularities. Slowly rising from moment ticks to serious pathology. That's why for good part of audience it will be slow or boring in parts. But, exactly for it's realism in temporal and spatial pace and it's ambient claustrophobic tight space (that was actually always a case in space probes and vehicles; hence obvious detail of E. Musk's spacious design of crew interior in the x-spaceship for future Mars missions). Photography and colors were managed well to support atmosphere and ambience.

The real problem of the kind are not the ones we can imagine, test and simulate, but the ones that we can't. Those that eerily remain hidden and the movie exploits surreal psychosis from. Like profoundly social human being staying all alone in vastness of deep space. Also showing the bitter truth of one of the oldest univ. proverbs: "The biggest enemy of a human is another human". All this is a reason why today the space-mission scientists do a lot of testing in small, closed/isolated groups in confined spaces. Beside the horror side depicted in the movie, there are positive moments. Scenarios also for positive univ. proverbs like: "The darkest nights produce brightest stars". One must be strong and try, at least for not ending all alone unlike before mentioned.

2099: The Soldier Protocol (2019)

Shallow depiction of near-future misuse of technology

[4/10 · 23 October 2019]

The movie itself doesn't meet many film-making standards nor hasn't in-depth story, generally based on the important subject of technology/science misuse which is rapidly getting more present in everyday life. Some of implied global catastrophic scenarios are making a climate change old, weary and not immediate; unlike bio-technology, polymer pollution, techno-totalitarism, etc. The story basically does a shallow dive into some of latter disaster scenarios. Combining misuse of bio and nano technology with corporate dystopian surveillance. That's what actually drove me through the movie, beside (some of) esthetics. With the great significance of those catastrophic scenarios, it really could do a better job, leaving us (after medium action) with very unfinished ending, "unchecked" science, unanswered questions and very thin characters and story. Not to mention other film-making goals that are not met. They really should have done a better job with obviously enough budget (judged by casting, effects, etc.) because those catastrophic subjects are of global great importance to us all.

San Andreas Mega Quake (2019 Video)

Some movies just shouldn't be made

[1/10 · 11 September 2019]

What level of production was this? P or L? I believe it's simply not worth time for writing nor reading much about all of the (negative) aspects of this title. But I'll put down the most obvious and eye hurting ones: story line (boring and predictive), "spec. effects" (repetitious and legging decades - effect of low budget for sure), acting (for most of the characters), realism (now, that's "the big one"!), camera and editing (both of the latter are director's and editor's faults, for scenes were wrongly shot, chosen and put), so forth so on. Seriously hurting... I believe the review title says it all. I can't find the motives for filming this reasonable enough, beside some seriously suspicious ones like time wasting. Finally, maybe the only good thing is the subject that should and could have been approached super-seriously (after many attempts, from which this is the very worst I've seen). And for those who logically ask why I watched it (and wrote this): 'cause I'm interested in the topic of Popular Catastrophism.

Anna (II) (2019)

Modern (=quick) action for younger

[6/10 · 11 September 2019]

Unlike many others IMDB reviewers, I'll skip the (in most other reviews mentioned) obvious timing, revamping/redoing, realism, etc. incorrectness, and try to see it from a new generations point of view. Meaning: wouldn't mind the above mentioned (incl. likes of history or politics) aspects - well known (not necessarily) to our older generation. I simply pretend to see this stuff for the first time. To be concise and skipping the detailed approach, it's generally medium-plus quality production. I give it credit for a few things (as said, seeing it through younger public's eye): quick pace adjusted for just mentioned public and well done approach to that thin border in violent action scenes in between realistic martial arts and fiction. Also, there's this (realistically adjusted, must say) contemporary, rush and global story approach to ever more fast moving "uni-metered" geography, with actual (though content-shallow, maybe even for younger) story line and it's twists. Nice scene/photography, colorful eye candy. But certainly not deep, indeed.

Contact (2019)

More serious, please

[3/10 · 27 August 2019]

Well made, high production, but on tricky subject and "thin" science, so to say. If someone already "glides" into muddy waters of today "UFOlogy", they definitively should be more precise and thorough. I'll try to illustrate here through the contents reduction... While I'm personally not intrigued with such questions and being more interested into scientific Fermi's paradox point of view; after watching first three episodes I came with a much firm Answer to extraterrestrial interest in (super-)volcanic activity. Being a part of seismically active, and therefore volcanic system that could be one of a dozen global super-volcanoes. Say, aliens could simply be monitoring activity of these "global killers" interested in eventually settling our planet, after volcanic winter. While not hurting people directly. To clearify, one of such eruptions, 75.000 yrs ago nearly destroyed homo-erectus and presents (geologically) recent "bottleneck" of our species. Super-volcano Toba in Indonesia destroyed most us then, and by some (mostly genetic) studies some thousends survived from about a million, pre-event. So, above is an example of how three 45 mins episodes can be explained in just one paragraph. It illustrates story-idleness (though filled instead with good narration, scenario, photography and other fruits of high-budget production), I would recommend to interested to find something more comprehensive or more serious on the subject.

T-34 (2018)

Great movie for tank lovers

[8/10 · 25 February 2019]

It's a very well made wartime-action tank movie with many latest CGI and cinematographic shots. But it has a nice, interesting and well put story beneath. Techno-thrill lovers will be grateful for realism. Nothing is spared in this, today being more and more well acclaimed Russian, production endeavor to make one more pearl in line of tank-movies. Most of action scenes were quite well done with tactics, realistic possibility and astonishing bullet-time effects that depict the hard core realism of how it actually works with these man made battle beasts. I promise all lovers of above mentioned will enjoy it.

Overlord (2018)

Colorful revamp of well known bizzare genre combination

[7/10 · 12 February 2019]

It's one of those well visited (at least once in decade) genre combos of bizarre cliches, like Nazi zombie experiments, soldiers on special mission, heroism... Just take how the story is wrapped in famous operation Overlord that turned the tide of 2nd World War (Normandy, etc.) But, may I say that the young (i.e. modern) colorful team, like writer/scenarist Billy Ray, director Julius Avery with insight of Jon Cohen, all under production wing of J.J. Abrams, did a nice job. One shouldn't be bored watching, despise somewhat thin drama-elements. I bet it took them for a nice and fun ride in an effort of putting such over-chewed stuff into contemporary boxing. I loved the camera, action and dynamics, decent acting among other. Interesting how there's simply no point in even notion of spoiling a movie of such a genres, for you've seen it all - but I see now that a nice modern revamp is good, say for new generations.

Polar (I) (2019)

Fast contemporary action

[8/10 · 3 February 2019]

I enjoyed the movie and laughed much so simply couldn't resist to write this. It's a modern production of colorful and dynamic genre combination: thriller, crime, action and (dark) comedy. Wrap colorful corporate headhunter characters with their exciting, exotic and dangerous jobs around kinky combo of at moments altruistic professional brilliant-as-ever Mads Mikkelsen and you'll get the idea. All is packed in perfect modern production with adequate sets, music, kinky details and effects... This movie based upon a graphic novel gives us extravagant antagonists - vivid villains from the global underground top murder elite syndicate in search and rush to kill the best of them who just went to retirement. Story is a bit thin but delivers a potent plot. Thanks to its simplicity, the way is paved for the perfect fast-tempo drama and scenario (always in challenging environments/locations) and finally a chain of set-ups for the mind-blowing culmination. But in a very exciting manner it prolongs the climax and goes on; stretching and broadening the viewer's insight. When one would say it's a usually perfect moment for finish - it goes on (hurray for the writer!) So, the movie is full-on action contemporary with interesting unexpected and colorful twists with specially ugly and wicked type of murdering psyches of all of them. But I mentioned how protagonists ugly/harsh toughness is in a funny way confronted with emotive softness inside. In the end, being contemporary fast and thick with action, it makes "tough-guy oldie pearls" like Commando or Rambo feel ancient.

Apocalypse Rising (2018)

Something "not expected" at least

[5/10 · 12 June 2018]

When I wrote this; the genres were still not defined on IMDB (under the title, as usual), so I guess that you will be more guided than me. But, though being caught "off guard", I immediately adapted and tried to enjoy. Unlike another lame zombie-apocalypse crash, for me it was much more - too interesting and rich in many 'max-mad' aspects. In short: eclectic modern and extreme parody. I believe actually beneath driven by real current extreme religious, political, radical and other global discords. It was loaded with strong comedy elements wrangling around from the very beginning. It scratched a loads of popular elements of Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres (in more then simple and funny context, given a quite crazy story) like: apocalypse, zombies, 'mythical' heroes/warriors (inter-stellar and tattooed, please), secret cryptic passages, puzzles, The Chosen-Ones, occultism, so forth so on. All mixed to the extreme! So, the script is a piece of work, giving here a credit to the author. Funny but (quite!) sick business it all is... It gave me a nice laughing on regular basis, going to the campy (literally intentional "too-much") extremes from "fierce / in-depth" story-lunacy to vicious character-ignited humor and more-then-morbid moments. I'm serious here: there are "too-much" (as simply put above, just: Sick) moments, so 18+ is suggested, 'cause there's more then freakish rock & you-know-what elements.

Euphoria (I) (2017)

Self-reflecting and easily controverse

[6/10 · 8 June 2018]

The movie is made around seemingly simple story, but also with depth into it. Strange, bald and bizarre idea many will consider morbidly grotesque. Strong and difficult subject many could connect to euthanasia controversy - time to die - not rarely being treated as taboo. From different points of view of someone close, story puts us into very personal self-reflecting processes put only into a few days left for characters to confront their fears and prices. While the movie explores it mostly through their different lives of two sisters and confronted paths. It also gives a viewer introspective and self-reflection. Aside of shady intra-family relationships, there's an interesting spectrum of characters in the surrounding, showing how various and sometime even offensively different personal approaches to values, life and death can be. Made me think how someone's deepest struggle can be trivial to other, plus these days ever opened question of: altruistic Goodness/Openness vs. egoistic Badness/Selfishness... "Is there justice?"; fear "A" vs. fear "B" - how the viewer can project through many "conceptual approaches to The Ending" and through self-reflections in this sort of presented "prolonged euthanasia" process. I think the movie is a bit difficult and not for everyone's taste (simply too morbid and even grotesque so). But for others, it may put some hard thoughts into this ever-steep perspective. So as for me, may we come to the conclusion: that we should all be glad for what life gave us.

The Outsider (I) (2018)

Violenece is not physical as it's psychological

[6/10 · 25 March 2018]

For much of people, who don't or didn't (hopefully) have an insight into it, I'll put it plainly as above: real violence is not physical, but a psychological thing. This piece maybe isn't "tough" on drama, storytelling and other general aspects of movie making. But it's quite sharp on depicting the bitter gray of above said. It's put in delicate time moment and even more so in circumstances of protagonist's social (even postwar political, incl. a bit racial) position. One should appreciate the authentic setting, with details like music, rituals, etc. Maybe some of you noticed in similar movies on the subject: no colorful shines in the realism, especially not in depicting a (real-life) threat. And this is not the first movie that puts it like that when it comes to mafia and org. crime, esp. when it's not in America. So expect a real cold thing. Not spectacular nor "wowing"... But yet a good old rough ride on the shady side.

Altered Carbon (2018–2020)

Bravely done millennium far-out Sci-Fi/cyberpunk

[10/10 · 18 March 2018]

This great Sci-Fi bravely comes from the "transhumanistic-dystopian-techno-confuserma" a la P.K.Dick / W.Gibson cyberpunk milieu, and likes of: 'Akira', 'Matrix', 'Blade Runner' or 'Ghost In A Shell'... But a unlike a typical cyberpunk in a more distant future! A kind which I honestly didn't expect to see realized soon. Maybe the series isn't holding on typical issues of drama and storytelling, nor acting. But - the weight is elsewhere: on the crazy universe where the story takes place with it's distant and strange mechanics. Haven't seen such a bold genre endeavor since 'Expanse', especially as this takes place seriously further more into the future. It's not easy to adapt a story so distant in time for the screen, but today's CGI, effects, sets, costumes, concept art/design - in capable hands... They each do their thing. You'll notice above mentioned weight of the series in ever-more bizarre practices that follow extreme psychological and social implications of (already today felt) technology advancements. Also ever-more-blurred lines between the ultra-rich and deity-likeness (so called "Meths" - short for the oldest man alive in Bible, Methuselah - live above the clouds) who, aside eternal life, can do anything and have everything anywhere anytime!

The crucial element in series is (with wide-spread repercussions & implications) bio-medicine/nano-technology crystal-like round cap (a neural implant with one's memories, character, etc. - inserted between brain and spinal cord) and in which is actually a multi-generational, trans-gender human person; changing and augmenting bodies ("sleeves"); choosing sex, looks and age, eventually living indefinitely. One can not die in the same sense as today (there are different kinds of death, eg. VR).

So, Carbon (based life) is profoundly Altered, impacting multiple planes: social, psychological, philosophic, religious, economic, political - to name but a few - from plethora of difficult and complex subjects that authors, and eventually the whole team, confronted during making. Letting their imagination wandering - but within the imaginable realm of achievable technologies... From horror of perpetual VR-torture to death, ingenuity of long-lasting A.I. personifications "having their biz", after/multi-life psychology & grotesqueness of ever-growing perversion-hungry immortality, to dreamy VR hyper-conformism. Because the millennium from now, the director/writer and crew really had to put imagination to the limits: what and how it's possible? How all the trans-humanism is manifesting in individual characters and generally through corporative society structure?

I appreciate the guts and wits of coping with realism in given time-frame and still keeping it realistic - confined within the technology/imagination borders... Eventually, the viewer will be guided through it quite smoothly and conveniently, with many colorful details that he'll get acquainted with, understand and remember.

The Whisperer in Darkness (2011)

A difficult but fine task of Lovecraft ecranisation

[7/10 · 16 February 2018]

As it's quite impossible to "visualize the unimaginable", like most of Lovecraft's work is; I believe that each and every effort from the writers, directors and the teams behind is being appreciated by the H.P.L.'s cultish/esoteric fan-base. This difficulty also, in rather interesting manner, explains why the movie is done in B/W technique. Like the latter "The Call of Cthulhu" (2005) it also uses just mentioned "curved reality" artistic prism, through which the Lovecraft-visualization problem can be approached. I'm wondering actually if it possible at all to visualize the "multiverse horror" Lovecraft was writing upon. Aside exceptions like "Dagon" (2001) - which on other side lacks depth of the author's vision. Taking that the viewers are acquainted with his work, it's should be clear to them how only insane/mad can depict "abstract reality-tunnels of non-natural multidimensional planes" (trying to describe it). So, having all this on mind, this is a well made piece of work, going somewhere where cinematography doesn't go often. Even with the CGI and other cinematography technology advances, it's remains visually blurry and hard terrain. Simply put, and because of the above illustrated unique nature od Lovecraft's work - if you are a fan of his, this is a 'must-see' and you shell enjoy it. At least some moments, but also the story as a whole.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

Good movie

[7/10 · 29 November 2017]

Being a mid-aged movie consumer, I'm not exactly a new-generation "XXI century James Bond" cliché lover, but I must admit that this is good movie and "well ironed" piece (polished movie making in general). Giving us (unlike many other ultra rushed) a well paced eye candy; entertaining content with just enough action and nice dose of humor. Some would add British, but not exactly I guess, as this generalization changes lately. Included are even several kinder eggs for those who can recognize them. There are some soft spots; but being primary entertainment movie meant for child in us, this is funny, not-too-complex, gadget-full story (including ironically approached global and contemporary issues like new technologies, politics on drugs and terrorism). Great acting on part of colorful characters and their interaction through dynamic story-line. For me it's all just right and was nicely spent 2+ hours of watching.

Infinity Chamber (2016)

Enjoyed this poetic dystopic loop

[8/10 · 6 November 2017]

Now, this really kept me going. Maybe just because of mood, which it kept going really good with atmosphere. It's subtle and may seam repetitive, but that's just for a "outsider-viewer" who isn't concerned with such possibilities nowadays. This movie is filled with warmth and everybody's will to get free and also with compassion. Loads of it, actually. 'cause you see, in this movie is each one of us - confined in programmed loop (so alike our everyday reality); hellish one would say. But nice stuff is hope and freedom. And it's the one thing we're left with in the end. Really beautiful.

OtherLife (2017)

Good but dark near-future techno-thriller

[7/10 · 28 October 2017]

I was happy to get much more than I expected. All movie-making aspects are well met! Being one of my favorite subject, I would like to underline the movie subject and it's dystopian context. The movie gives science-driven insight into some negative implications of interdisciplinary technologies-driven Western civilization. Those are slowly becoming part of our everyday reality in the hidden negative way. It's already proved through last century how the new technologies come promising us better life but, as shown in the movie, are eventually misused the other way around by egoistic/selfless corporate-driven entities ending in variety of horror scenarios.

Being a part of this recent and "hungry" subject, explored by likes of P. K. Dick's novels-inspired movies and e.g. Black Mirror series. This piece concentrates on one of many sensitive implications of those forthcoming technologies. In this case combined of molecular biology, genetic pharmacy, various cognitive sciences and computer technologies like VR, "neuro-simulations", bio-3D printing, etc. Ultimately ending with horror scenarios like being imprisoned in ones' own mind; w/o means of escaping or ending it, not in any way.

What if "They" shell really take our freedom, our choice, as it's already happening - slowly, subtly and subliminally? That's I believe why movies like this are important.

Killing Gunther (2017)

Barely tolerable quality

[4/10 · 6 October 2017]

Specific type of fun should be expected for the comedy with this kind of "pseudo-documentary" approach. But also, viewer is not expected to get into thinking too much, 'cause there's not much to think about. Interesting character introduction though in beginning, product of above mentioned "camera approach". Despite quite a shallow script and story, the humor can be enjoyed. If nothing, then for it's simplicity and few really funny moments. Better acting would really be appreciated. Plus characters seem apparently stupid. The given contrast in between bloody murdering and ordinary living persons gives some space for laugh (not used to full potential, sadly).

Eventually, going through the movie it becomes obvious why it didn't get better score on IMDb. Except nice intro and ending, there's nothing worth of mentioning within. I would define it as an "empty action" with, again: both characters and acting bad. Except probably for that ending twist, courtesy of the only real you-guess-who professional. He literally "saves the day" appearing in the movie ending. Always a critical point, without which I would give it worse rating!

So, don't expect much, 'cause it's really far from what it may promise at start. It's not tragic, just a shallow, mediocre, simple, "relax & enjoy" action. Great if one wishes to waste a few hours with guaranteed brain relaxation.

The Expanse (2015–2022)

Complex story, good visuals and great science!

[10/10 · 6 October 2017]

One of the best of the genre up to date! I am really more than happy with realism in the series. Considering solid science to be ever more important aspect of modern Sci-Fi. With today's educational forward-shifts and the global technology advancement, there should be less and less naive approach to the sciences. As we progress into the future, with interplanetary ships all around, a kid will learn the stuff on the level of today's engineers and astronauts.

Being a "realism freak", I always had this switch in head when watching Sci-Fi movies: "Is this real? / How did they do this?" - On or Off. Because if one wants to enjoy the movies, a lot of time it should be off. But thankfully - not this time! (I know... But, just imagine how pale the Star Wars (et al) would be w/o "pew-pew" lasers in vacuum(!?)

In one of first episodes there was a scene of space walk when guy dropped a tool that just "flew away" fast. I had a dose of disappointment (since my science-switch was On). Until few episodes after, when I realized how artificial gravity is approached with stunning retrograde-gravity technique. So, the aforementioned tool literally "fell-down" from guy's hand (Earth's 1G!) That's also a reason why motors are always on, and why there are 180 rotations all the time (for slowing down with -1G at least! Hence special equipment for). Meaning that ships are almost always speeding with minimum of 1G (9,81m/s2) giving the sense of gravity. It's all equally depending on the engine effectiveness and the amount of the fuel consumption. Even that is thoroughly addressed in the middle of S02 - when a part of an episode was about the young ion-nuclear fusion propulsion Mars scientist who optimizes the fuel efficiency of drive-propulsion, which makes possible and endlessly more practical (almost never stopping) space drives, other-words: rides.

Also, looking forward few centuries: Newtonian (gravity) physics and orbital astronomy in such society and education system is (naturally) a part of primary curriculum. Even a kid should know how spaceships fly, as today's kids know the traffic rules and how everyday objects like cars behave. It even goes further - I quote: "...The Drake Equation - The 6th grade algebra!" plus Catastrophism in the same scene (one of later episodes in S02). That means they even consider astrobiology / theoretical alien life and post/trans humanistic doctrines as a part of primary school curriculum, probably under subject: Extra-terrestrial life or Astrobiology?. Supported by CGI, great sci-job altogether!

People should enjoy the subtlety of inter-planetary politics and environment/medical driven interests lobbying across Solar System. Social, financial, physiological and psychological implications all there. There's already seen cliché of a crew-and-a-ship, but the characters are OK. Especially with that huge interesting mysterious extra-terrestrial plot throughout the story-line.

I like the visuals, CGI, casting and characters and the way they got together is OK. As for me, the second series had a different flow against the more dynamical S01, but I expect it to be better paced in the 3rd in 2018.

Gerald's Game (2017)

One of those psychological movies...

[8/10 · 29 September 2017]

...that are about a life-threatening situations. Surreal scenes blur-out into stringent sharp cuts getting you from the dream like reflections to the realistic what-to-do environment. Except the beginning and the ending, up and down it goes - from nightmarish reality to dreamy life-fading state. Or vice versa, I wouldn't know! Brilliantly depicted poetic moments with heavy psychological weight (call it trauma).

Maybe to some it will be slow paced at moments. But, I believe those are very much needed to make a viewer reflect upon the main character caught in that hard core situation. Great directing job and script made after a great writing. As put above in a way: to the point where you just don't recognize the transition in between real and imagination. First person narration is as good as it gets and guides one through this great movie. The unraveling ending was cherry on the top. Enjoy!

Anti Matter (2016)

Emotional drama with quantum phys. paradoxes put in "macro reality"

[7/10 · 12 September 2017]

Nothing special about the movie - except the very idea! And exactly that's where this movie move most people, assuming that they get the (popular) science presented. One must praise the effort of the production team (esp. the writer/director) for coping well with the quantum physics paradox on macro-reality level in the story. What is soul? Is it merely "a light reflection" and has weight (as do photons, relativistically eternal)? That difficult job is exactly what they achieved and made it nicely emotional and mystifying. Good acting on the behalf of young cast for that manner. Without much of budget or special effects, but there it is: a fine piece. I found it subtly touchy.

Made me wonder-off and far-out - for the cosmic and multiverse miracles against one's soul, memory, love... I expect at least some people also to spend a bit of time contemplating and reflecting about our reality, quantum paradoxes, (observer) soul and more and more accepted concept of multiverse upon watching it. It is confusing, esp. on very end. But it's how quantum micro-universe is (today at least) confusing to the best physicists and cosmologists there are too.