Day 212 - 7/31/09 - Movie #208
BEFORE: I've been meaning to get to this one for a while - it's another of those alternate-universe films (I think). It's set in the 1930's or 40's, but with futuristic spaceships. Another film that got a really bad rap - did it deserve it?
THE PLOT: After New York City is attacked by giant flying robots, a reporter teams up with a pilot in search of their origin, as well as the reason for the disappearances of famous scientists around the world.
AFTER: It's definitely a visually stunning film, with giant robots, metallic winged flying machines, and jet-packs, which are all anachronistic. The color palette and stark lighting make it all look like an old 1930's movie serial or comic book, combined with Soviet propaganda posters. Unfortunately, the plot is extremely simplistic - "Machines attack NYC!" and rather short on details.
This is a movie that wants to be an "Indiana Jones" movie (or at least has the same inspiration), but comes up short. I did like the interesting way that they worked in a cameo by the late Laurence Olivier though. The other actors are either very flat (Jude Law) or cartoonish (Gwyneth Paltrow), there doesn't seem to be a happy medium.
RATING: 6 out of 10 laser beams
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