Rating: 
Summary: The most authentic space movie ever - NOT!!
Review: Mission To Mars is basically a movie about humans (not politically correct to say "mans" now days) making their first effort in venturing to the red planet. Not surprisingly Cydonia is the target zone and of course the "face" at the Cydonia site is not just a natural creation. The movie does have its share of decent special effects though nothing you haven't seen already in many other sci-fi movies. Also included is an over dose of fatal flaws making this a "for fun only" movie. The story line is nothing original either. Sinise, Robins, Delany and one other guy I can't remember the name play the NASA astronauts sent to rescue the first Mars team after thing go awry and contact is lost with them. Clearly the makers of this movie wanted to emulate such classics as 2001 and the not so classic 2010 with a Mars voyager space craft similar to the Discovery and the Leonov in 2001 and 2010 which included a spinning centrifuge to simulate gravity. But alas, such designs as shown are physically impossible because of Newtons Third Law of Physics which would cause the rest of the ship to spin in the opposite direction of the centrifuge (equal and opposite reaction remember?) Anyway I did find the movie to be somewhat entertaining with some nicely done sequences such as the "zero G" dancing scene (they did not do any actual zero G shots in this movie) though the end was a bit abrupt, anti-climatic and oh so predictable with music that was just plain junk at times. And no, this movie does not come within several light years of 2001 and will be remembered as just another typical Hollywood sci-fi. The DVD version includes a documentary on the making of the movie which I always find interesting even though the movie itself may be bad. I don't mean to criticize the hard work the special effects and set builders teams did in this movie which I thought did a good job. Its to bad their talents weren't used in a better written movie.
Rating: 
Summary: BETTER THAN "RED PLANET"...
Review: I have to admit that I actually enjoyed this movie. I certainly liked it better than "Red Planet". I believe "Mission to Mars" to be the better of the two movies. It has a stellar cast and, I thought, good on screen chemistry between the actors. Most of the special effects were excellent. All in all, it is a good directorial effort by Brian De Palma.Somehow, however, this has become the movie that viewers love to hate. Well, I am afraid that I disagree, as I found it to be a pretty decent sci-fi move. Of course, I am partial to this genre of film, so perhaps that may account in part for my liking this movie. The premise of this movie is simple. A crew is sent on a mission to Mars. The mission is disrupted when three of the four crew members are killed by an unknown energy force emanating from a strange metallic composition in the soil. A new crew of four go on a rescue mission. These four, Tim Robbins, Connie Nielsen, Gary Sinise, and Jerry O'Connell, make up the rescue crew. Due to problems encountered in space, only three of the four make it to Mars. When they get to Mars, they find the surviving crew member. Debriefing him of the events that led to the destruction of the mission, they discover that the metallic composition in the soil is, in fact, a giant metallic head made in the image of man. Therein lies the mystery. What they eventually discover astounds them and makes one of them decide to go where no man has gone before. The ending is somewhat reminiscent of a combination of the movies, "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." So, I ask you, how bad can this movie be? On the contrary, it is actually pretty good. Better yet, it can be watched by the entire family.
Rating:
Summary: Worst Alien Ever!
Review: *SPOILER WARNING*
How would you like to go through what the characters do in this film, only to come face-to-face with a technologically advanced cartoon? What were the filmmakers thinking?
Derivative and cliche-ridden as it was, the story is actually compelling. Fine efforts were made to replicate scientifically plausible scenes in space. Once on Mars, however, plausibility is virtually thrown out the escape hatch.
Using "The Face" as a plot point was ridiculous since by the time we send a manned expedition to Mars, the planet and its landmarks would have been thoroughly mapped. The characters' sense of surprise at seeing "The Face" was when the film lost its grip on me. Despite the odds against the characters being drawn to "The Face" on a planet the size of Mars being "astronomical", it still COULD be explained by extraterrestrial intervention. Let's forget the fact that "The Face" has already been scientifically dismissed as a natural simulacrum caused by light and shadow. Kids could care less.
Once inside "The Face", we're taken on the "mysteries of the universe" goose chase which made previous films such as "2001" and "Close Encounters" memorable, but here leaves us with a sense of the filmmakers simply throwing away an ending to what has been a compelling narrative. Kids could care less.
But what absolutely lost it for me was "The Alien". C'mon, people; if you can't come up with a scientifically plausible alien, don't give us a damned cartoon! I'm not sure even kids were fooled by this one...absolutely terrible! THAT'S what made this film a waste. It's a good example of how one bad but crucial decision turned a decent entertainment into dreck.
All that being said, the overall production values elevate this film to "guilty pleasure" status. Kids might actually enjoy it in toto. Adults, however, will not look back in fondness upon seeing it.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent direction, cast, f/x; great audio commentary
Review: Jaded hard-core sci-fi aficionados such as myself are supposed to look down their noses at Brian de Palma's MISSION TO MARS as a feeble and unsuccessful attempt to recreate the wonder and mystery of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. I certainly agree that M2M is highly derivative, but I still love this movie. I rated it the equivalent of 4 stars after seeing it theatrical release, but having just spent nearly a day exploring the full depth of the DVD, I have to promote it to 5-star status. Beginning with the merits of the film itself, I give special marks to de Palma's cinematography. If you are familiar with and enjoy this Hitchcockian director's use of long, panning and zooming takes (see for instance, SNAKE EYES), then you will really like the way M2M is shot. No one has ever attempted such long and complicated takes in a science fiction film. The cast, which features Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, Connie Nielsen, and Jerry O'Connell, is first-rate. A poignant scene between Nielsen and Robbins is guaranteed to leave you in tears. Special effects are where this movie excels, and the weightless environment of free-fall has never been so accurately and imaginatively presented. M2M is considered by many to have a weak ending, and I won't argue that point, but that turns out to be a minor blemish on an otherwise spectacular movie. I thought the musical score was excellent, but I suspect its retro stylistic elements will not sit well with everyone. As for the DVD version, the video transfer is superb, among the best. The audio, as auditioned in Dolby Digital 5.1, is as good as the source material allows, but the original sound, while competently done, is not particularly razzle-dazzle. There is abundant bonus material on the DVD: 1. "Visions of Mars", a "making of" documentary. This is almost worth the price of the DVD by itself. It goes into more detail than most such documentaries. 2. Alternate audio track with commentary by cinematographer and special effects team. I listened to this entire commentary, transfixed. If anything caused me to raise the rating to 5 stars, this was it. Even if you didn't care much for the film by itself, just listen to the commentary, and I guarantee you will have a lot more respect for what was accomplished here. 3. Animatonic versions of 3 scenes. These are the digitally animated story boards used to set up some of the shots--very interesting. 4. Production art gallery. 5. DVD-ROM capabilities (runs on both PC and MacOS; requires a Web browser), including the content of the original film Web site. 6. French and Spanish audio tracks; Spanish subtitles. According to the audio commentary, MISSION TO MARS was shot with an aspect ratio of "2.4:1". The DVD cover indicates a ratio of 2.35:1, which I guess is close enough. The picture certainly looks great on the screen.
Rating:
Summary: You Have Be From Mars If You Like This Movie!
Review: When this movie first came out I had no interest at all in seeing this movie. It's not that I don't like Brian De Palma, because he's made some films I truly like, for example "The Untouchables", or "Mission:Imposible". But this film didn't grab my attention. And after watching the movie, I can tell my instincts were right! Now if your one of the "smart" people who avoided this movie, and are thinking about renting it, after reading my review, you might change your mind. First lets start out with the acting. With the names involved you might think this will turn out to be a good movie, I mean we have Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, Connie Nielsen (Who was much better in "Gladiator"),Don Cheadle, and Jerry O' Connell. But from everyone I mentioned, not one of them stand out. There's no memorble moments here. Nothing you see will stay with you after wards. Unlike Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey", which is what this movie aims at. But I will refrain from comparing the two in my review. Since I am going to judge this movie purely on it's OWN merit. I can think of only one scene that sticks out in my head (maybe because I just watched the movie lol), and I'm sure after 10 or 15 minutes that too will leave my memory. It deals with Nielsen and Robbins, I don't want to give it away, but it's full of emotion. Now, maybe the reason for such forgettable performances is due to this lack luster screenplay, which is written by Jim and John Thomas and Graham Yost. I personally have never heard of any of them, and I'm sure their names will not be remember by any for this screenplay. Some say it's too slow. I didn't see it that way, I just thought it was dumb, plain and simple. And I can't understand how they came up with the end of this movie. It left me shocked, but not in a good way. It wasn't something thought provoking. Watch the movie and you'll see what I'm talking about. The "ailen" in the movie is laughable. We see all these wonderful effects in this movie ( which is the ONLY good thing about this film!) and then we see this "ailen". Where did they go wrong! The ending is one of the worst I've ever seen, not THE worst but one of the worst. It's completely stupid! Now, if all this doesn't seem bad enough, I have to talk about De Palma's directing. The movie "feels" like he wasn't even there. I can't imagine him directing this. It doesn't have his touch. All in all my opinion on this film is, while it's not the worst movie I've ever seen, it's certainly is far from one of the best. Good special effects, decent acting, and no memeorable scenes. If your looking for a good sci-fi movie get the obvious, "2001:A Space Odyssey". ** 1\2 out of *****
Rating:
Summary: Good Film with a Bad Rap
Review: Brian DePalma's "Mission to Mars" may not be brilliant, but it is better than the reviewers who claim it doesn't have realistic aliens, as if any of them have actually seen a real space alien. Gary Sinise does a nice job of feeling sentimental over the loss of his wife Maggie to cancer. Kim Delaney is good, albeit underutilized in the flashback sequences as his wife. Tim Robbins phones in a fair performance that makes one conclude he must have really wanted to work with DePalma. Connie Nielsen as Terri Fisher is as gorgeous as she was seductive in "Devil's Advocate." Don Cheadle has some interesting levels as the one who goes a bit crazy from being stranded on Mars. The spacewalk sequence is gripping with good effects as Robbins plummets to Mars. I enjoyed the ending sequence with the lost tribes and Sinise's spirit of adventure to hop a starship to the unknown. That would have been an interesting midpoint for the film. What I really liked about the movie is the upbeat ending. This is a good evening's entertainment; although it will probably not change life as you know it. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable movie despite what the critics say
Review: This is a great film despite what the critics say. Gary Sinise puts in a good performance as the washed out astronaut Jim McConnell who heads a rescue team to Mars after the mysterious death of three of the four astronauts already on the planet. Okay, so this quite is a slow moving film but it has superb special effects, pretty good acting, and a great cast all round. The plot isn't too complicated either; it follows the rescuers as they head for Mars and the trials and tribulations they face on the long and monotonous journey to the Red Planet. There is a fantastic space walk scene with Tim Robbins, some fun moments in the form of a "perfect" woman's DNA made entirely of sweets, and the occasional gruesome part such as the freezing to death of Tim Robbins character when he commits suicide outside the space craft in order to save his wife and crew. The rescue mission has now become a fight for survival for the three remaining astronauts who finally land on the Red Planet after loosing most of their space ship to a fuel leak. They do however find the only survivor of the previous expedition played brilliantly by Don Cheadle who has gone "native" for want of a better description. Together the four astronauts try to find out what killed Cheadle's friends and in doing so come across Mars incredible secret; once long ago Mars was inhabited, and its legacy lies deep underground, but earlier disturbance by Cheadle and his now dead companions (look out for the great whirlwind that effect that wipes out the first expedition) has bought it to the surface and it is a gigantic carving of humanoid looking face. It is this face that will led the Astronauts to the most breathtaking discovery of all; the origin of life on earth. This film is well worth seeing though you wouldn't believe it after the panning it got. I have fast come to the opinion that many critics aren't interested in intelligent science fiction anymore, but rather want blockbusters like "The Phantom Menace" which is great fun but don't exactly put a strain on the little gray cells. Mission to Mars is intelligent whilst still being enjoyable, fun whilst still being serious. So come on folks so many of you liked "2001 A Space Odessey" when it came out so why not give Mission to Mars a chance? You never know, you just might enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: Worst movie I have ever seen
Review: This is definetly the worst movie I have ever gone to go see in the big screen. I remember I kept wishing for the movie to end and I almost got up and left. Im not going to spoil the ending for you but I am going to say that in movie aliens do exist. This movie isnt worth seeing and definetly not worth buying. Which is why I give it 5 out of 5 stars for the worst movie ever made!
Rating:
Summary: a movie for someone with nothing to do
Review: I want to start off by saying that i like this movie. Sure it wasn't very realistic, but hey i don't watch movies for realism; i watch documentaries for that. The movie is very drawn out, it seems like a long movie. I like to watch this movie when i'm beyond bored, as with any other movie i feel like watching, its interesting, has great special effects, and good actors. The only problem with the movie is the side-story, it was entirely unneeded. I believe the side-story brought the whole movie down. I can't even figure out why they had that in the movie to begin with; i guess for the ending... but, they really didn't need so much flashbacks. And another thing is, why is every mars movie i've seen something goes horribley wrong, its entirely un-realistic... i'm starting to rant. I think this is a great movie to watch when your bored of the world, have nothing to do, and are somewhat depressed.
Rating: 
Summary: Numbingly horrible...
Review: In an imaginary contest for ultimately bad films "Mission to Mars" would walk out with a bunch of precious awards. Let's check out what it would scoop: -Award for incomparably bad dialogue: anytime a film of this genre starts out with a barrage of astronaut cliches until your brain tilts you know you're in for a major disaster. There's so many hilariously bad lines already in the first 5 minutes of the film that the rest of it (equally bad) wont harm you. You'll be well numb by then. -Award for stunningly bad acting from otherwise good actors: Oh yes, they'd win that with a vengeance. What on earth (or on Mars) is Tom Robbins doing in there butchering his very own talent?? Or Gary Sinise for that matter? Or anybody involved who (tries to) acts in there??? The notion that these actors couldnt do anything better with such a poor script is moot because you get the script to read BEFORE you decide on your involvement in a film or not. -Award for surreally braindead script: the flaws are so many you'd need a small book to list them all. Sci-fi buffs musta had the worst time sitting through this (if they managed). Man oh man, i'd heard that they're in dire need for competent script-writers in Hollywood but this was emphasizing that need in the most spectacular manner... -Award for torturingly bad music: if you somehow survived all the above the "music" will surely get ya. It will, in fact, hunt ya down and get ya. That bad. While the soundtrack as a whole should qualify as a lesson for those needing to learn what seriously bad music sounds like, there's one particular moment where, and remember this was supposed to be taking place in the year 2020, an astronaut is rocking away with an 80s type ultracheesy song. Sorry lyrics included. And i hear Ennio Morricone was the creator of this horror? Wow. No wonder he's drifted to complete irrelelevance... -and speaking of cheese, Award for alarmingly high cheese-factor: yep, the cheese is practically oozing from the spaceship out into space and onto Mars and basically anywhere the protagonists put themselves. It's truly unbelievable but one moment you think (with the utmost certainty) that "man, surely they cant get any cheesier than that" only to get cheesed-out the next. Scary. All in all, this film doesnt even quailfy for the proverbial "it's so bad that it's actually worth watching". I for one, couldnt make it through and i know many others didnt complete the (overly) difficult task either..To think that $75 million were wasted on this is genuine proof for human perversity. Or Idiocy. Or both. Avoid at all costs. Give as a present to someone you hate, or use it as an experiment and give it as a present to someone you'd want to test the IQ of. Having mentioned that, i find it even more frightening that some reviewers found enough in this catastrophe of a movie to give it more than one stars. Let alone those that went as high as 4 or 5...Incredible.
|
