With all the time in the world to sit inside, we ponder what is to become. Thanks to the Snowpocalypse, the endless number of entertainments on streaming are just begging and enticing us. One thing films and television shows can do best is broaden our concept of the future and our place within it. From âThe Twilight Zoneâ to âStar Trekâ, questions have arisen to our very place in the universe. Gladly these films can wet that appetite; from worst to best.
George Clooneyâs âThe Midnight Skyâ has been on Netflix for over a month now. With the pedigree of talent, you expect this to be a much better movie. Youâd be wrong. Clooney directs and stars here as a lone research scientist at an Arctic station after an undisclosed global catastrophe; not comforting in our current state. He must stop a group of astronauts (led by Felicity Jones) from returning to Earth. The whole time he is taking care of a little girl who was left at the base after evacuation. The slow plodding mixes with flashbacks of him younger, tedium personified. I couldnât help but notice all the riffs Clooney was doing. Elements of his friendsâ recent work like Matt Damonâs âThe Martianâ and Brad Pittâs âAd Astraâ only serve to remind me that there are better movies out there. And the bulky weight of the plot doesnât justify its ending.
âPossessorâ comes to us from director Brandon Cronenberg, son of David. This is only his second feature, but the apple doesnât fall far from the tree. Here, an agent (played by Andrea Riseborough) works as an assassin for a shadowy corporation with wealthy clients. The catch: they use brain-implant technology to take over the bodies of people within the targetâs life to kill them. Utilizing great practical effects, the ideas this movie poses are quite fascinating. What would that do to the person inhabiting? How would their own psyche crack under those circumstances? If only these were asked where I could care about these people. Good old fashioned Cronenberg gore is there, but itâs done to excess. On Hulu until the end of this month, however if you are at all squeamish: promptly avoid!
Back on Netflix, âThe Wandering Earthâ is there for those who like their sci-fi with a side of action. The greatest Michael Bay movie he never made, this is âArmageddonâ times 100. This Chinese production back from 2019 was the highest grossing movie worldwide before âAvengers: Endgameâ came out. And you can see why. The sun is expanding and getting ready to die, so the inhabitants of Earth band together to create huge engines to push the planet out of orbit to find a better star. Crazy, right? Humans live underground due to the extreme cold as we follow a rag-tag group including a small family who must keep Earth on track to pass Jupiter without being pulled in by its gravity. It is a race against time for this colorful cast of characters, all set among amazing special effects. The only drawback is the use of English dubbing which can be distracting at times. But if you can get past that, itâs a rollicking good time.
Amazon Primeâs âThe Vast of Nightâ is the true gem here. Director Andrew Patterson makes a very auspicious debut. Based on a teleplay by him and others, the plot follows two young people working as a radio DJ and a switchboard operator in 1950s New Mexico. Together, they uncover a strange sound frequency that leaves them awestruck and frightened. Beautiful production values, brilliant cinematography and attention to detail ground us in the period. Those who knew Orson Wellsâs âWar of the Worldsâ will take note. The main characters are also engaging and very likable. Another great comparison is David Fincherâs âMindhunterâ where just a voice over the phone can be suspenseful. A great use of less is so much more; highly recommended. Happy viewing, readers!
