Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Red Planet (2000)
Director: Antony Hoffman
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
The portentous opening voice-over by Moss - about an ecologically ravaged Earth and the terra-forming colonisation of Mars with oxygen producing algae - does not bode well. Nor does the interminable journey to the planet itself, during which we learn precious little about Moss's mission commander and her motley crew of pragmatic systems engineer Kilmer, arrogant geneticist Sizemore, truthseeking philosopher Stamp, macho flyboy Bratt and terra-forming expert Baker. Once the male crew's exploration module crashlands on Mars, though, destroying most of their equipment, we're on familiar, inhospitable ground. Alone aboard their orbiting, damaged spaceship, Moss makes repairs and finally establishes radio contact with her stranded crew. If they don't make it back, Earth and its inhabitants are doomed. The pedestrian script lurches from dull exposition to large scale action and low key exchanges of dialogue. But Peter Suschitzky adds texture and atmosphere with his stunning cinematography. One for diehard genre fans in a forgiving mood.Author: NF
Cast & crew
Director: Antony Hoffman
Producer: Mark Canton, Bruce Berman, Jorge Saralegui
Cast: Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Carrie-Anne Moss, Benjamin Bratt, Simon Baker, Terence Stamp, Jessica Morton, Caroline Bossi full cast
Genre(s): Science Fiction
Duration: 106 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
London Children's Film Festival
Read our exclusive reviews of films playing at the 2009 London Children’s Film Festival
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations












What do you think?
Post your review now