DrMilind Ovalekar

My kind of RomCom for the Christmas season, 21 years after it was released way back in 2001.

Sci-Fi/ Horror genre mix; though the Horror is somewhat understated in its gore. Lots of positives about this film. Go have a look, you won't regret it. Speaking of looks, the getup of Karolina Wydra does seem to have shades of should I, dare I, say: Audrey Hepburn! Yes, you need to definitely have a look.

Would've done with much hefty editing to excise large swathes of the film and keep it under two hours. While all that exposition built into the news reportage might have been thrilling in the nineteen nineties; today, it just comes across as rather bland. The script could've done with some, or much, polish. Parts came across as somewhat preachy. So, to sum up: Two stars actually, but one star extra because let's admit it, the sci-fi parts are okay. And, one more star for Jodie Foster's acting chops!

Aesthetically pleasing insights into the process that went into Jodorowsky's abortive attempt to film Dune, way back in the 1970s. The effort, the hope, and the tragedy, all are presented in empathetic detail. It is nice to realise that it was not all in vain; as the final minutes of the film showed film clips from a veritable Who's Who of sci-fi blockbusters from that time on, that drew inspiration from the artwork and shot-compositions of this stalled enterprise. Star Wars, Blade Runner, Flash Gordon, He Man and the Masters of the Universe, Contact; all of them, among many others, derived sustenance from Jodorowsky's unrealised vision for Dune; and this cross-fertilisation in a way ensured the realisation of his vision to that extent. Worth a watch for students of Film-making; as well as for sci-fi afficianados.

Meh! Unfortunately, there was no underlying tension. Seemed very weak.

Film noir set in a post-apocalyptic, submerged Miami. Does try hard, picking up tips and tropes from this film and that, [I could notice shades of Chinatown, Vertigo, among others]; but, this is one instance where the story is let down by its noirish substance. Would this film have 'tasted', [and been reviewed], better if there were a non-noir, 'standard' Hollywood ending? I can't find fault in the acting, or the direction, or the special effects. So, 5 stars, [I am easy to please when it comes to film, for I like them all, except the utter trash, and this ain't that latter]!

Every frame in this movie infolds 'on-screen' a digital device. Immensely enjoyable. It's definitely a must watch movie. Now go watch it in the big screen before the spoilers spread and ruin all the first viewing fun.