Moon

Moon

2009 dir: Duncan Jones star: Sam Rockwell Kevin Spacey Dominique McElligott

Once ten minutes in the film, it is evident that Duncan Jones pays homage to sci-fi classics such as Apollo 13, Alien, and THX-1138, all three very successful science fiction films. Despite this, Moon is very refreshing to watch. The viewer is compelled to watch Sam Rockwell's character (or should I say characters?) face his personal crisis as he deals with both of his selves when so close to the end of his three (3) year stint on the moon by himself with the company of GERTY, his robot assistant. After three (3) years, of talking to your plants and building miniatures, anyone is likely to begin to hallucinate.

The compelled viewer quickly becomes engrossed half and hour in, once the two Rockwell characters realize that something is not quite what it's cracked up to be on the moon base. The 70's sensation grows stronger as the film continues, as in the earlier sci-fi films, the white walls of the bases become claustrophobic, and moody for the viewer as well as the character. Outside the base, the landscape of the moon is instantly recognizably desolate, and increases the anticipation of the plot and what's to come.

"Moon is a superior example of that threatened genre, hard science-fiction, which is often about the interface between humans and alien intelligence of one kind of or other, including digital." - Ebert.

After I finished Moon, I had to think about our technology, and how it may seem far fetched to believe that this scenario could ever happen. (The reason I'm so vague is on account of me not having to type SPOILER ALERT! all over this review, this may happen with future reviews.) But as this may happen in the future, and plays with the emotions of humans, Moon has found a place in the pantheon of "Science Fiction."

What I loved about Moon is that every scene has a reason of being there, there's nothing worse than watching a film and going, "Well, that scene was pointless!" But with Moon, each scene has some vital information that develops character and pushes the plot. In my opinion, the length was perfect, there was no climax and then a dragged out conclusion just for directors to be able to brag: "My film was pushing three hours!" (cough, cough, *James Cameron!* cough, cough) Moon ended where it was supposed to end. Thank you, Duncan Jones.

All in all, this film is very refreshing, and a definite classic. I find it a shame that not too many people have seen it. This was a good film to start this 500 series off with.

For those who have read this and have some ideas of how to make it better, please comment! But please keep your language acceptable.