Sunshine

[Jeseth Cloak]

Has anyone else seen this movie? I just rented it tonight... and I thought it was amazing and horrifying. I loved Event Horizon and this movie gave me the same feelings of terror.

[Darth Binky]

I've seen it and I think it was one of the best movies this year. Its a pity no one remembers it.

[Peter McCoy]

I thought Sunshin was excellent, ten times better than Event Horizon. In fact, one of the best science fiction films I've seen since Gattaca.

[Darth Binky]

Gattaca? Whats that about? I might need to go to amazon and get it.

[Droo]

I'll let Peter give you a synopsis for Gattaca since I am too lazy and want to talk about Sunshine. However, I will say this, Peter introduced me to Gattaca and it was the most intelligent and satisfying science fiction film I'd seen in years.

Then along came Sunshine. Me and Peter caught this on opening day last year since we're both sci-fi and space nuts. I really wanted to talk about it back then but never got round to it. Anyway, it truly is a remarkable film and it has it all. The cinematography needs a special mention, it is one of the most visually arresting films I've seen in a long time. Every shot is gorgeous and as the sun looms closer to the crew of the Icarus II, more terrifying.

This film is incredibly intense on the nerves and you can definately see that Alien is one of Danny Boyles favourite films. There is no exposition near the beginning, the film begins with the crew on their way to the sun with their gigantic nuclear payload. Speaking of the crew, all are on top form. Cillian Murphy just keeps hitting his stride, Michelle Yeoh gives a touching understated performance, and Chris Evans is the real suprise here: after Fantastic Four who would've thought he would've delivered such a stirring performance in this sci-fi thriller?

I found myself moved as much as I did thrilled on the edge of my seat by the suspension and adventurous plot twists in the narrative. About two thirds of the way through, there is a suprising gear change and the film falls into the realm of classic sci-fi horror. It is a little surreal and, to an extent, detracts from the tension of the overall mission but is nonetheless enjoyable in and of itself.

I would highly recommend this film to anyone but espcially fans of science fiction, you will gobble this up. And for those of you with the means at your disposal, opt for an HD or Blu-Ray purchase because when the sun appears on your screen and your dark living room is set ablaze with colour, you won't regret it.

[Yog]

I watched it, a week or so ago, upon recommendation of someone on these boards, don't remember who. It was visually engaging, intelligent and creepy. The Freddy Krüger space zombie plot element does not appeal to me though, but overall a good sci fi, considering the somewhat lacklustre selection in this genre for the last few years.

[Kraehe Branwen]

If you guys are comparing it to Event Horizon, then I so want to see it. That scared the crud out of me. Had nightmares for weeks cuz I was still fairly young then.

[Tayeav]

Honestly, I didn't like it.

I could appreciate the plot, and the visual effects were fantastic (and surprisingly not over-done like most modern Sci-fi flicks) however; I've never been a fan of the "hopeless death-trap" type genre.

The performance of the actors was solid, which I'll attribute to good casting.

[Jeseth Cloak]

I was a big fan of Event Horizon, because I liked the actors and the general vision of madness in the film. I got that same feel from Sunshine... and additionally, the special effects were great. I really enjoyed the way that the real terror in the film (up till the end) came from the human ability to make choices and mistakes - and from nature itself.

[Peter McCoy]

This plot summary for Gattaca is taken from IMDB...

Vincent is one of the last "natural" babies born into a sterile, genetically-enhanced world, where life expectancy and disease likelihood are ascertained at birth. Myopic and due to die at 30, he has no chance of a career in a society that now discriminates against your genes, instead of your gender, race or religion. Going underground, he assumes the identity of Jerome, crippled in an accident, and achieves prominence in the Gattaca Corporation, where he is selected for his lifelong desire: a manned mission to Saturn. Constantly passing gene tests by diligently using samples of Jerome's hair, skin, blood and urine, his now-perfect world is thrown into increasing desperation, his dream within reach, when the mission director is killed - and he carelessly loses an eyelash at the scene! Certain that they know the murderer's ID, but unable to track down the former Vincent, the police start to close in, with extra searches, and new gene tests. With the once-in-a-lifetime launch only days away, Vincent must avoid arousing suspicion, while passing the tests, evading the police, and not knowing whom he can trust...

Ethan Hawke and Jude Law deliver excellent performances in this thoroughly enjoyable film which paints a somewhat depressing utopia - if you know what I mean... :-P