The actors were spot on, the visuals were spot on, the script was crap. Zombies in space, that is all. I have no idea how Hollywood managed to secure the money for a script like this. Every single thing in this movie is good except for the script. If they had given this movie a script similar to moon, it would have been a 9/10 for sure. As the movie continues all I can do is feel sorry for the actors and the behind the scenes crew. Everyone really put the effort and time in to make this a good movie, except for the writers. I wish that I could get in touch with the producer, and just shake him or her for a few solid minutes, to properly convey my anger at his complete failure to finish the deal. He got a great crew together and could have filmed a great movie, but instead took a script out of the pile and threw it at the cast and hoped for the best. For shame, for shame.
274 Reviews
Poor Movie
dark-baggie9 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a sucker for sci-fi movies. I watch them all bad and good. I like stories that are reasonably well thought out, believable premise and special effects of reasonable quality. Shame that this film delivers none, apart from some occasional panoramic Mars terrain scenes.
I bought this for a few quid on Amazon without reading reviews, as I don't like to prejudice my thoughts.
The whole films makes no sense at all. I could think of about 4 or 5 far better stories for this while on the loo. Its that poorly thought out. Zombies ? Come on! Really? Considering all this stuff had to come from Earth, why did they bring motion sensors? It must be all that dangerous Martian Wildlife, why did the habitat have locks? Again it must be to stop the dust storms from breaking in when they were out doing science.
oh and I really hope the military take note and remember to get all bases installed with an alarm, that in an emergency when activated, turns all the lights off and instead has flashing red lights to make it hard to see. Hmm thats handy! This film annoyed me into making a review, do yourself a favour and don't watch this!
I bought this for a few quid on Amazon without reading reviews, as I don't like to prejudice my thoughts.
The whole films makes no sense at all. I could think of about 4 or 5 far better stories for this while on the loo. Its that poorly thought out. Zombies ? Come on! Really? Considering all this stuff had to come from Earth, why did they bring motion sensors? It must be all that dangerous Martian Wildlife, why did the habitat have locks? Again it must be to stop the dust storms from breaking in when they were out doing science.
oh and I really hope the military take note and remember to get all bases installed with an alarm, that in an emergency when activated, turns all the lights off and instead has flashing red lights to make it hard to see. Hmm thats handy! This film annoyed me into making a review, do yourself a favour and don't watch this!
The dumbest space crew ever
samarcor24 October 2021
If this is the best and brightest Earth has to sent into space we need to defend NASA. If this is how people act after 6 months in isolation we need to train crews better. They argued, made stupid decisions, and disobeyed orders just like normal people, not people who have trained their entire lives for space travel.
A Competent Excercise in the Familiar
amnesiac1200122 March 2014
THE LAST DAYS ON MARS is a surprisingly well-made film about things we've already seen before. And that's the charm that makes it worth watching. To begin with, the film is brisk (1 1/2 hours) and doesn't waste much time in telling its story. Even the few moments of quiet contemplation of life/death don't overstay their welcome. The characters don't make stupid decisions, but they do make them with little motivation.
The film is essentially a cross between 28 DAYS LATER and THE THING, but the film is aware of its influences and doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. If anything, it strips them down to the foundation and goes with a simple explanation that feels more believable than 28 DAYS LATER. The film takes the technology seriously without turning it into a spectacle. It kind of reminds me of RED PLANET in that sense, but it doesn't depend on CGI spectacle to lend undeserved importance. The film very simply suggests that the characters be taken as real people who are reacting to the situation in front of them, just on a different planet where the rules of survival are equally alien.
TLDOM is worth watching because of the skill and confidence of the people making it. Perhaps the only thing holding it back from the attention it deserves is that in spite of that skill, it doesn't have anything different to say.
The film is essentially a cross between 28 DAYS LATER and THE THING, but the film is aware of its influences and doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. If anything, it strips them down to the foundation and goes with a simple explanation that feels more believable than 28 DAYS LATER. The film takes the technology seriously without turning it into a spectacle. It kind of reminds me of RED PLANET in that sense, but it doesn't depend on CGI spectacle to lend undeserved importance. The film very simply suggests that the characters be taken as real people who are reacting to the situation in front of them, just on a different planet where the rules of survival are equally alien.
TLDOM is worth watching because of the skill and confidence of the people making it. Perhaps the only thing holding it back from the attention it deserves is that in spite of that skill, it doesn't have anything different to say.
How did this pass me by?
Sleepin_Dragon28 November 2018
I am a fan of the space/horror genre, and always try and watch whatever is about, but somehow this passed me by. I was keen to watch it, even more so when I say it had Liev Schreiber in it, what a surprise. I'm assuming this was a box office flop, or simply didn't even make it to the big screen, and that's a shame, as it's a really decent watch. The story isn't particularly original, it's been done to death, but the execution was really rather good. It was atmospheric, beautifully shot, and well acted. Liev Schreiber of course was great, so strange to watch Romola Garai in sci fi, seen her in so many costume dramas, but she was excellent. I liked the imagery of the 'zombies,' and I liked the sense of panic and claustrophobia that was generated. One that got away, I really liked it. 7/10
It started off well ...
phil-932-23780618 March 2022
It started off well, Good cinematography, no shaky cam or anything like it. Until the first Zombie appeared then the camera moves went to hell and you couldn't see the action because the damn camera was shaking around all over the place and so I lost interest in the film. Not sure why they would send hotheads into space though...
I almost didn't watch this because of the reviews, glad I did.
cyberdeck20001 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I'm very confused here. As I said, I almost didn't watch this because of the nasty, although entertaining, reviews. Then I saw one that gave a glimmer of a positive response to the film. For my part, I find most films lacking in endless categories and I can find flaws in this film as well. But it is a solidly watchable and engaging film. A review compared this to 'Ghosts of Mars', a film I have seen and that I found watchable, but somewhat ridiculous. If I were to score it, I'd give it a 3-4. This film is a 6, maybe even a 7. It is a similar premise, but done more believably and well enough that I would like to know more. It had a premise similar to that 'Alien' franchises prequel that came out a little while ago, as well.
The movie kept my attention, was well paced throughout most of the film and the characters seemed well developed and engaging. It left questions that fit the storyline and leave room for a sequel that, I for one would, try to watch.
My only dislike of this is from a personal slant and that is that I would love a movie that does not have the seemingly requisite coward in it. I am so sick of that. You'd think that if someone is sent into space and has been poked, prodded, tested and retested; that the freaking tests would include determining if there is such a critical weakness present.
I would recommend this film.
The movie kept my attention, was well paced throughout most of the film and the characters seemed well developed and engaging. It left questions that fit the storyline and leave room for a sequel that, I for one would, try to watch.
My only dislike of this is from a personal slant and that is that I would love a movie that does not have the seemingly requisite coward in it. I am so sick of that. You'd think that if someone is sent into space and has been poked, prodded, tested and retested; that the freaking tests would include determining if there is such a critical weakness present.
I would recommend this film.
Oh God...somewhere a screenwriter is crying!
Rabh173 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
It started off with a nice technocratic elegance. The feel of the props and the sets had a 2001-ish techno-realism that I found pleasing. And even better, the cast of characters: The Coldly Irate Scientist, the Astronaut with the Hidden Fear, the Cowardly Psychologist, the Brave, but Conflicted Captain...it was all a great set-up for a tension thriller when the crisis would hit. And overall, the photographic sense of realism in the martian landscape was the perfect canvass for a great thinking person's space thriller. I mean, even the acting was great!
But then, back in the Conference Room, someone on the Producer's Committee slammed both hands on the table and shouted: "I put a lot of flinkin' $$$ into this flinkin' movie...an' I wanna see ZOMBIES!"
And then everyone else around the table started nodding their heads and muttered: "Zombies is Good", "My kid like Zombies", "Zombies Sell", "Zombies are the KEY Demographic", "Yeah, people pay to see Zombies!", "It's gotta be Zombies this season." "Zombies, I tell ya!"
And the Director threw up his hands and said: "Alright, dammit. Let There Be Zombies!"
And the rest of the movie went FLUSH! Down the drain.
If I wanted to see Zombies on Mars, I woulda watched "Ghosts of Mars"...Again! But I Won't. Because that Movie was a waste of a rental even THEN. And even THEN, the Zombies didn't really make any sense, but it didn't matter because it was all about Ice Cube running around shooting things up.
Here, the Zombies didn't matter because they didn't even TRY to make the concept make Scientific Sense once the Human Zombies (Born of Martian Microbes) started running around naked on the martian surface and blowing things up so they can go: "Om Nom Nom"
Don't PAY to watch this trainwreck in the Theatre. Wait until it streams for free on Hulu...
But then, back in the Conference Room, someone on the Producer's Committee slammed both hands on the table and shouted: "I put a lot of flinkin' $$$ into this flinkin' movie...an' I wanna see ZOMBIES!"
And then everyone else around the table started nodding their heads and muttered: "Zombies is Good", "My kid like Zombies", "Zombies Sell", "Zombies are the KEY Demographic", "Yeah, people pay to see Zombies!", "It's gotta be Zombies this season." "Zombies, I tell ya!"
And the Director threw up his hands and said: "Alright, dammit. Let There Be Zombies!"
And the rest of the movie went FLUSH! Down the drain.
If I wanted to see Zombies on Mars, I woulda watched "Ghosts of Mars"...Again! But I Won't. Because that Movie was a waste of a rental even THEN. And even THEN, the Zombies didn't really make any sense, but it didn't matter because it was all about Ice Cube running around shooting things up.
Here, the Zombies didn't matter because they didn't even TRY to make the concept make Scientific Sense once the Human Zombies (Born of Martian Microbes) started running around naked on the martian surface and blowing things up so they can go: "Om Nom Nom"
Don't PAY to watch this trainwreck in the Theatre. Wait until it streams for free on Hulu...
Pretty decent Sci Fi
eve_dolluk7 November 2013
First of all its a low budget Sci Fi but its very well done for its budget.
The premise is there is a team of scientists on Mars carrying out research until they make a discovery that will jeopardise their mission with just a few days left till they return home.
The tension and feeling of the crew going a bit stir crazy is very well done in this film. They also capture the moments of having to make choices very well and this is what drives the film.
Its not the greatest film I have seen but for what it is, its pretty decent. Don't expect loads of action e.t.c as the film is based on tension and mental anguish.
The SFX is actually really good as well as the sets and the backdrops, it does everything that is required to make it realistic enough to enjoy .
I give it a 7 out of 10 and well made effort. xx
The premise is there is a team of scientists on Mars carrying out research until they make a discovery that will jeopardise their mission with just a few days left till they return home.
The tension and feeling of the crew going a bit stir crazy is very well done in this film. They also capture the moments of having to make choices very well and this is what drives the film.
Its not the greatest film I have seen but for what it is, its pretty decent. Don't expect loads of action e.t.c as the film is based on tension and mental anguish.
The SFX is actually really good as well as the sets and the backdrops, it does everything that is required to make it realistic enough to enjoy .
I give it a 7 out of 10 and well made effort. xx
Night of the Living Dead in Mars
claudio_carvalho6 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The crew of the Tantalus Base is ready to finish the activities in Mars and preparing to return to Earth after a six months mission on the Red Planet. After a sand storm, Commander Charles Brunel (Elias Koteas) summons the team composed by Vincent Campbell (Liev Schreiber), Rebecca Lane (Romola Garai), Kim Aldrich (Olivia Williams), Robert Irwin (Johnny Harris), Marko Petrovic (Goran Kostic), Richard Harrington (Tom Cullen) and Lauren Dalby (Yusra Warsama) for a last meeting. However Marko tells that he needs to fix a sensor and he goes with Harrington in a rover to the place.
The loathed Kim barges into Marko's computer and finds that he has secretly discovered some sort of bacteriological life in Mars. Meanwhile the ground collapses beneath Marko and he falls and dies in a hole. Harrington asks for help and Brunel and Dalby arrive at the spot. Brunel realizes that they need a cargo gear equipment to rescue Marko and Dalby stays at the pit. When they return, Marko and Dalby have vanished and Campbell explores the pit. Meanwhile Marko and Dalby appear at the base and the Martian bacteria have transformed them in zombie-like creatures. They attack Harrington and break in the outpost, attacking the crew. Each one that dies turns into zombie. Will the survivors succeed to escape from the zombies?
"The Last Days on Mars" is a patchwork of several other movies, such as "Alien", "Prometheus" and "Mission to Mars" with "Night of the Living Dead", when a group of survivors is under siege of zombies. The plot has a promising beginning, with an interesting scenario, and good performance of Olivia Williams, but her character dies very soon. The rest is the use of clichés and a predictable story. My vote is five.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
The loathed Kim barges into Marko's computer and finds that he has secretly discovered some sort of bacteriological life in Mars. Meanwhile the ground collapses beneath Marko and he falls and dies in a hole. Harrington asks for help and Brunel and Dalby arrive at the spot. Brunel realizes that they need a cargo gear equipment to rescue Marko and Dalby stays at the pit. When they return, Marko and Dalby have vanished and Campbell explores the pit. Meanwhile Marko and Dalby appear at the base and the Martian bacteria have transformed them in zombie-like creatures. They attack Harrington and break in the outpost, attacking the crew. Each one that dies turns into zombie. Will the survivors succeed to escape from the zombies?
"The Last Days on Mars" is a patchwork of several other movies, such as "Alien", "Prometheus" and "Mission to Mars" with "Night of the Living Dead", when a group of survivors is under siege of zombies. The plot has a promising beginning, with an interesting scenario, and good performance of Olivia Williams, but her character dies very soon. The rest is the use of clichés and a predictable story. My vote is five.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
For fans of science fiction horror
Jerghal17 February 2014
The low IMDb score really sells this film short. I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised by this small 7m£ production. The production values are top notch and the production design reminded me a bit of 'Moon'. The VFX and designs are by Weta and of the quality we've come to know and love. The posters is not plastered with big names -with Liev Shreiber being the most recognizable one- but who cares; the performances were nothing to complain about. If you have to nag about something you could say that it doesn't bring anything REALLY new but you can say that about so many films. The Last Days on Mars is well executed and scary. If you like the space horror genre you can't skip this one: recommended!
Old School Space Story
yourlife1 November 2013
This movie had a shot at being quite good, only made it to pretty good. It was a bit of a throwback movie from the 50's with better special effects. Performances were good, but the story went from scientific to space horror a tad too quickly.
Liev Schrieber was adequate but his character had no emotion until the very end of the film. Other performers were sort of character actor types and their length of time on the screen was based much on either who is the prettiest or the most foolish.
There was decent suspense early on and a curiosity as to what happened earlier in their lives, but not in the movie and I guess it had played a part in the plot, but with no explanation, it was kind of oddly placed.
It's a decent watch and only killed about 98 minutes, so you won't find it to be a total waste of time. If you watch it with the thoughts of real early science fiction, you can see how it fit into the genre.
Some people may be surprised by the ending or you'll wonder what happened next.
Take the time, enjoy the ride and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, but not overwhelmed.
Just my thoughts!
Liev Schrieber was adequate but his character had no emotion until the very end of the film. Other performers were sort of character actor types and their length of time on the screen was based much on either who is the prettiest or the most foolish.
There was decent suspense early on and a curiosity as to what happened earlier in their lives, but not in the movie and I guess it had played a part in the plot, but with no explanation, it was kind of oddly placed.
It's a decent watch and only killed about 98 minutes, so you won't find it to be a total waste of time. If you watch it with the thoughts of real early science fiction, you can see how it fit into the genre.
Some people may be surprised by the ending or you'll wonder what happened next.
Take the time, enjoy the ride and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, but not overwhelmed.
Just my thoughts!
Disjointed and hard to follow
toddg-473-2898188 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This movie started out promising - great cinematography, giving the viewer the impression they really were observing the exploration of Mars. But by the time the movie is halfway over, the astronauts are all in grave danger, as one discovery seems to cause hallucinations and make a couple of the astronauts turn into mutated beings, intent on killing everyone else in the party.
The camera shots become too jumpy to follow the action, and we lose track of which astronaut(s) are turning evil. Furthermore, none of the characters are particularly likable, especially the female ones, who come off as angry and selfish. They all seem more intent on getting the credit for any significant discoveries made on the mission than working as a team.
Skip this movie. There are better movies out there about exploring Mars.
The camera shots become too jumpy to follow the action, and we lose track of which astronaut(s) are turning evil. Furthermore, none of the characters are particularly likable, especially the female ones, who come off as angry and selfish. They all seem more intent on getting the credit for any significant discoveries made on the mission than working as a team.
Skip this movie. There are better movies out there about exploring Mars.
A great horror flick that had more potential.
lurch13-68-30511231 July 2014
I liked it!!! I didn't love it, but I liked it!!! A great sci-fi horror movie. That's all I expected from it and I liked it. One thing, though and this may be a spoiler of sorts so consider yourself warned. All the dialogue that was at the beginning left me wishing that the whole movie could have been like that, not fall to the usual horror genre. The beginning was very intelligent and entertaining. The actors were very good together! The back and fourth worked. Too bad it had to fall to the monster movie thrill pack it ended up being although I liked the ending. Yes, I got what I expected and I liked it. It's just...it had the potential to be so much more.
Not Bad!
DennisHinSF22 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this last night, and actually thought it was pretty good, in contrast to the bulk of reviews I've read. When that headpiece came off the 1st victim, I actually jumped a little! I will agree, the film is not the most original, and it doesn't tread any new SciFi or Zombie terrain. But I still got a good jolt here and there - and Liev Schreiber is terrific - he has talent and charisma to spare. The acting by the rest of the cast is quite good, the representation of the Martian landscape is also very fine. I watched part of it again just to make sure I wasn't cutting the film slack, because I watched it late at night the 1st time. Nope, it's good.
A total lack of discipline ... and zombies
edmeardon15 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I have several problems with this movie.
1) The astronauts don't listen to orders from their superiors, and don't follow any procedure. They would have to have a strict command structure and procedures as they would NEED to work together for survival on Mars. It's constantly amazes me that astronauts and military personnel completely abandon all structure when faced with a crisis in movies. That is exactly what the command structure and procedures are for!
2) They fight with each other constantly, even though they would be rigorously screened so that conflict would be minimized when they would be so far from home. I could see more problems arising once a settlement has been planted on Mars. There would be many more people, especially civilians, on the planet, so that politics and personality conflicts would arise just as they have on earth.
I think that's what I didn't like the most about the movie, was the way the characters acted so irrationally and with total lack of discipline, even though they NEEDED to depend each other for survival.
3) The equipment is crazily unreliable. I know that mars would be a hostile environment for equipment, but there would have to be back ups for the back ups for the back ups, because help would be SO far away. (About 140 million miles, which would take about six months in the movie). There would have to be work-arounds for any possible problem that could arise, or they would be dead.
4) And then, as others have already noted ... there are zombies. Really?
1) The astronauts don't listen to orders from their superiors, and don't follow any procedure. They would have to have a strict command structure and procedures as they would NEED to work together for survival on Mars. It's constantly amazes me that astronauts and military personnel completely abandon all structure when faced with a crisis in movies. That is exactly what the command structure and procedures are for!
2) They fight with each other constantly, even though they would be rigorously screened so that conflict would be minimized when they would be so far from home. I could see more problems arising once a settlement has been planted on Mars. There would be many more people, especially civilians, on the planet, so that politics and personality conflicts would arise just as they have on earth.
I think that's what I didn't like the most about the movie, was the way the characters acted so irrationally and with total lack of discipline, even though they NEEDED to depend each other for survival.
3) The equipment is crazily unreliable. I know that mars would be a hostile environment for equipment, but there would have to be back ups for the back ups for the back ups, because help would be SO far away. (About 140 million miles, which would take about six months in the movie). There would have to be work-arounds for any possible problem that could arise, or they would be dead.
4) And then, as others have already noted ... there are zombies. Really?
Sunshine on mars.
The_moan_of_all_moans12 April 2014
When watching the trailer I couldn't help but feel intrigued. Although it gave you a basic idea of what the film was about (the title is a massive clue), it didn't give any sign of the problem that would occur. I liked that, normally it is just standard procedure for a newly released movie to throw its cards on the table and show the inquisitive audience what to expect. "The Last Days on Mars" doesn't exactly follow in that tradition and leaves you guessing up until the moment the horror is realised.
Although location and purpose is completely different i couldn't help but associate it with "Sunshine"; of course with a less stellar cast. Just the crew falling apart, and mentality being tested in such environments. Not to take anything away from this, it does have its own display of originality, the location (mostly Jordan) was simplistic but effective; not needing Transformers to take away from the scenery. I thought Liev Schreiber played his part well, he gets a lot of flack, but he produces a solid display of acting. Everyone else just did their job; no-one really stood out.
Now although I enjoyed this film, there where several things that bugged me. Acting left a lot to be desired. The little flashback back-story was very, very anti climatic. Some of the characters where in need of a slap and the story lacked certitude.
Although location and purpose is completely different i couldn't help but associate it with "Sunshine"; of course with a less stellar cast. Just the crew falling apart, and mentality being tested in such environments. Not to take anything away from this, it does have its own display of originality, the location (mostly Jordan) was simplistic but effective; not needing Transformers to take away from the scenery. I thought Liev Schreiber played his part well, he gets a lot of flack, but he produces a solid display of acting. Everyone else just did their job; no-one really stood out.
Now although I enjoyed this film, there where several things that bugged me. Acting left a lot to be desired. The little flashback back-story was very, very anti climatic. Some of the characters where in need of a slap and the story lacked certitude.
Potential science fiction spoiled by fantasy
doctorcd20054 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I expected a scientifically accurate and visually astounding epic akin to "The Red Planet" but instead I got another zombie movie.
What starts well with captivating cinematography and character development, degenerates from inconceivable to impossible when an astronaut collapses inexplicably into a pit and becomes infected with an indigenous bacteria that transforms him into a mindless violent zombie. It somehow is able to breathe the toxic martian atmosphere and is blessed with superhuman strength and predictably proceeds to infect the remaining crew with the same affliction albeit with extreme violence and gore. The infectious pathogen transforms its hosts into zombies and while apparently brain dead can still manage to seemingly work to conspire to intelligently hunt down and kill or infect the remaining crew members, even to the extent of escaping from a compound after being trapped by finding a way to explode the airlock and exit to continue their rampage.
I must admit I am puzzled by the demand for the zombie theme almost as much as I am by the similar fascination for the equally senseless and fatuous vampire theme. I am saddened that this movie fell into the former category.
What starts well with captivating cinematography and character development, degenerates from inconceivable to impossible when an astronaut collapses inexplicably into a pit and becomes infected with an indigenous bacteria that transforms him into a mindless violent zombie. It somehow is able to breathe the toxic martian atmosphere and is blessed with superhuman strength and predictably proceeds to infect the remaining crew with the same affliction albeit with extreme violence and gore. The infectious pathogen transforms its hosts into zombies and while apparently brain dead can still manage to seemingly work to conspire to intelligently hunt down and kill or infect the remaining crew members, even to the extent of escaping from a compound after being trapped by finding a way to explode the airlock and exit to continue their rampage.
I must admit I am puzzled by the demand for the zombie theme almost as much as I am by the similar fascination for the equally senseless and fatuous vampire theme. I am saddened that this movie fell into the former category.
The Last Days on Mars (2013)
Xeniphus1 November 2014
My overall enjoyment of the movie was pretty decent, its nothing something I'd watch numerous times, but it was alright for a one time view.
The acting was pretty good, as were the sets, makeup etc. They also captured the tension in making on the go/tough decisions quite well.
The downside, for me personally to the movie, was that it quickly turned into a 'zombieish' kind of movie: Infected trying to infect non-infected, non-infected trying to survive. Now I like the occasional zombie movie, but I've only read the brief description on IMDb before watching,and I personally expected something different, something a bit more original. There was no real 'reason' the whole movie is based on Mars. You could replace Mars with an island, the infected with zombies, the bacteria with, well, a bacteria and the rescue pod with a rescue ship for example, and basically have the same movie.
All in all, if you're like me, and enjoy watching some low budget sci-fi, this is a movie I'd give a try.
The acting was pretty good, as were the sets, makeup etc. They also captured the tension in making on the go/tough decisions quite well.
The downside, for me personally to the movie, was that it quickly turned into a 'zombieish' kind of movie: Infected trying to infect non-infected, non-infected trying to survive. Now I like the occasional zombie movie, but I've only read the brief description on IMDb before watching,and I personally expected something different, something a bit more original. There was no real 'reason' the whole movie is based on Mars. You could replace Mars with an island, the infected with zombies, the bacteria with, well, a bacteria and the rescue pod with a rescue ship for example, and basically have the same movie.
All in all, if you're like me, and enjoy watching some low budget sci-fi, this is a movie I'd give a try.
"Seasoned" astronauts behave like tens in "Scary Movie"
johnlorz24 August 2020
How does a Hollywood studio decide to invest millions in a puerile script and melodramatic actors?
I've got a script about slugs that chase me while I'm mowing.lawn. Who at Universal wants to pay me a million dollars for it? It's at least as good as this trash.
I've got a script about slugs that chase me while I'm mowing.lawn. Who at Universal wants to pay me a million dollars for it? It's at least as good as this trash.
Ray Donovan fights The Walking Dead on Red Planet
85122210 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Greetings from Lithuania.
This "straight to DVD" flick is pretty damn good. Of course, it's not Oscar material, but if you are looking for some nice, small "Z" (don't want to spoil) flick in unusual setting - look nowhere else - "The Last Days on Mars" will deliver.
Liev Schreiber stars in unusual for him role, and he's good in this one. If you liked his acting in "Ray Donovan" - you won't be disappointed. Other cast does a nice job (considering the time they spend on screen), especially Olivia Williams. And what i also liked is planet Mars itself. This movie was clearly made in 2013, when everyone knows how Mars looks like - our mechanical explorers in red planet in couple recent years gave opportunity to see this planet. Planet does not look like a planet in "Red Planet" or "Total Recall" (for a reasons i mentioned previously) - "The Last Days on Mars" displays Mars like it is in in reality.
So overall, if you are looking for some nice Sci-Fi / horror flick in unusual setting - "The Last Days on Mars" delivers, just don't expect much, and you won't be disappointed.
This "straight to DVD" flick is pretty damn good. Of course, it's not Oscar material, but if you are looking for some nice, small "Z" (don't want to spoil) flick in unusual setting - look nowhere else - "The Last Days on Mars" will deliver.
Liev Schreiber stars in unusual for him role, and he's good in this one. If you liked his acting in "Ray Donovan" - you won't be disappointed. Other cast does a nice job (considering the time they spend on screen), especially Olivia Williams. And what i also liked is planet Mars itself. This movie was clearly made in 2013, when everyone knows how Mars looks like - our mechanical explorers in red planet in couple recent years gave opportunity to see this planet. Planet does not look like a planet in "Red Planet" or "Total Recall" (for a reasons i mentioned previously) - "The Last Days on Mars" displays Mars like it is in in reality.
So overall, if you are looking for some nice Sci-Fi / horror flick in unusual setting - "The Last Days on Mars" delivers, just don't expect much, and you won't be disappointed.
caught me off guard and I liked it
Kohler_Chris-748-6724605 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I'm generally a fan of Zombie stories and I'm not riding the "I'm so sick of Zombies!"-bandwagon yet. Most Zombie movies are very cheaply made C-Movie trash, so I really appreciate a Zombie movie with high production values and a capable cast with a well known lead. The fact that it caught me off guard and I didn't even know it was a Zombie movie made it even better. From the plot summary I expected the threat to be a more conventional disease, or a alien monster, or some incorporeal force (like in "Sphere") or alien technology, or a crazy crew member. As a Zombie connoisseur I also appreciate that they managed to create a new, intelligent and fast kind of Zombie that is still as creepy and single minded as the classical Romero type. Many other reviewers here criticized the movie as being derivative, but I don't see it. The only other "Space Zombie" movie I know of is "Life Force" and it has pretty much nothing in common with that one. It would have been derivative if the threat would have been one of the other options I listed above. Like I said, I'm not sick of Zombies yet, but I can understand people who are, so I understand how another Zombie movie could put people off, especially one like this that doesn't advertise itself as a Zombie movie and comes out of the left field, but this one is such a rarity with its high production value, the good cast, good acting, suspense, drama and a A List (I think) lead actor who doesn't seem unhappy about being in the movie, as Brad Pit does in "World War Z".
Straight to TV schlock
max_tout29 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
First off. The description for this film states that it was made at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, England. The interiors and sound were both done at Ardmore Studios, Bray, Ireland. Just thought I'd put that out there.
It's basically a zombie movie set on Mars. People develop an infection, die, come back and again and try to kill the nearest person. Who carries on in similar fashion. Never been done before so.
You get the impression watching it that the director has seen a few sci-fi movies. He just doesn't have anything original to add to the genre.
The script is pedestrian, humourless, predictable; with no sense of the impending doom that should have bled from the screen. From the moment the Russian guy falls into the hole in the ground, you can pretty much figure out what's gonna happen. And it does. Exactly as you'd expect it to.
Films are supposed to take you out of yourself, surprise you, entertain you, immerse you in the world that they have created. This film did none of those.
/yawn.
It's basically a zombie movie set on Mars. People develop an infection, die, come back and again and try to kill the nearest person. Who carries on in similar fashion. Never been done before so.
You get the impression watching it that the director has seen a few sci-fi movies. He just doesn't have anything original to add to the genre.
The script is pedestrian, humourless, predictable; with no sense of the impending doom that should have bled from the screen. From the moment the Russian guy falls into the hole in the ground, you can pretty much figure out what's gonna happen. And it does. Exactly as you'd expect it to.
Films are supposed to take you out of yourself, surprise you, entertain you, immerse you in the world that they have created. This film did none of those.
/yawn.
Silhouettes and martian dust storms. Is there life on Mars?
amesmonde3 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
A group of astronauts on their last days on Mars discover the answer to age old question "is their Life on Mars?" with terrifying consequences.
Although based on Sydney J. Bounds short story writer Clive Dawson debatably borrows the most interesting parts of Red Planet (2000), The Thing (1982), Prometheus (2012) and Mission to Mars (2000). Director Ruairi Robinson offers realistic and impressive visuals, this isn't your low budget Stranded (2013) or Apollo 18 (2011).
Robinson's sci-fi chiller is unavoidably reminiscent of Alien (1979) as the crew are picked off one by one, and Prometheus with it's infection aspect and 28 Days Later (2002) 'rage' thrown if for good measure. However it's so well executed it has it's own identity, whereas the likes of some of the aforementioned and for example Sunshine (2007), Event Horizon (1997) or Pandorum (2009) to name a few had good ideas they arguably never managed to fully satisfy in every act. Here The Last Days on Mars doesn't pretend to be anything its not - delivering mainly due to it's simplistic yet interesting survival story, packed with horror visuals and silhouettes coming out from the shadows of the space compounds, through martian dust storms and chases from A to B.
The small cast ensemble including the excellent Liev Schreiber and Elias Koteas are on form, notable is Olivia Williams as the competitive science officer and Romola Garai gives much of the emotion. Both Goran Kostic as Marko and Tom Cullen are particularly memorable.
With great costumes and set design the makeup and special effects are first rate, the martian location, space vehicles and compounds are wonderfully realized. It's bloody and gory in places, the virus zombie like infection is unnerving. Robinson creates some real suspense, tension and atmosphere in amongst the frantic horror set ups.
To its credit both Dawson and Robinson are not afraid to give a bleak and ambiguous closing and while many of the elements have been seen before The Last Days on Mars refines them into a film that does what it says on the tin and delivers some serious dark space horror entertainment. Recommended.
Although based on Sydney J. Bounds short story writer Clive Dawson debatably borrows the most interesting parts of Red Planet (2000), The Thing (1982), Prometheus (2012) and Mission to Mars (2000). Director Ruairi Robinson offers realistic and impressive visuals, this isn't your low budget Stranded (2013) or Apollo 18 (2011).
Robinson's sci-fi chiller is unavoidably reminiscent of Alien (1979) as the crew are picked off one by one, and Prometheus with it's infection aspect and 28 Days Later (2002) 'rage' thrown if for good measure. However it's so well executed it has it's own identity, whereas the likes of some of the aforementioned and for example Sunshine (2007), Event Horizon (1997) or Pandorum (2009) to name a few had good ideas they arguably never managed to fully satisfy in every act. Here The Last Days on Mars doesn't pretend to be anything its not - delivering mainly due to it's simplistic yet interesting survival story, packed with horror visuals and silhouettes coming out from the shadows of the space compounds, through martian dust storms and chases from A to B.
The small cast ensemble including the excellent Liev Schreiber and Elias Koteas are on form, notable is Olivia Williams as the competitive science officer and Romola Garai gives much of the emotion. Both Goran Kostic as Marko and Tom Cullen are particularly memorable.
With great costumes and set design the makeup and special effects are first rate, the martian location, space vehicles and compounds are wonderfully realized. It's bloody and gory in places, the virus zombie like infection is unnerving. Robinson creates some real suspense, tension and atmosphere in amongst the frantic horror set ups.
To its credit both Dawson and Robinson are not afraid to give a bleak and ambiguous closing and while many of the elements have been seen before The Last Days on Mars refines them into a film that does what it says on the tin and delivers some serious dark space horror entertainment. Recommended.
The Last Days on Mars: What a shame
Platypuschow31 March 2019
I remember when this came out having absolutely no interest, though the solid cast appealed nothing else did. Now I've seen it I see that I was wrong, mostly.
Starring Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas and Olivia Williams the film has no issues with it's cast. The premise being of the horror sci-fi type was not what I expected and I certainly mean that in a good way!
The film was interestingly constructed, had my attention and when the first encounter took place it had me gripped. This was good! This was really good and I couldn't wait to see where this adventure was going to go.
Sadly shortly after the quality starts to dip, the potential I saw gets thrown in the trash and the incredible movie I foresaw faded away. Gone was the premise, gone was the tension, gone was the interest.
Sure it doesn't get bad, but it doesn't retain the same quality and it certainly doesn't utilize its potential. I was fascinated by this concept so why did they have to drop the ball so badly? There are so few movies that deal with such subject matter so when one comes out and wastes it's opportunity it's heartbreaking.
The Last Days on Mars is still a watchable affair but damn it should have been so very much better.
The Good:
Starts strong
Great cast
The Bad:
Quality dips hard
Disappointing ending
Starring Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas and Olivia Williams the film has no issues with it's cast. The premise being of the horror sci-fi type was not what I expected and I certainly mean that in a good way!
The film was interestingly constructed, had my attention and when the first encounter took place it had me gripped. This was good! This was really good and I couldn't wait to see where this adventure was going to go.
Sadly shortly after the quality starts to dip, the potential I saw gets thrown in the trash and the incredible movie I foresaw faded away. Gone was the premise, gone was the tension, gone was the interest.
Sure it doesn't get bad, but it doesn't retain the same quality and it certainly doesn't utilize its potential. I was fascinated by this concept so why did they have to drop the ball so badly? There are so few movies that deal with such subject matter so when one comes out and wastes it's opportunity it's heartbreaking.
The Last Days on Mars is still a watchable affair but damn it should have been so very much better.
The Good:
Starts strong
Great cast
The Bad:
Quality dips hard
Disappointing ending
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