Review of Event Horizon (1997) by Johann M — 15 May 2014

Disappointing. Takes one step forward, and two steps back throughout the entire film. There isn't a main character in this movie to the extent that no-one in the entire film is relatable. The tone can change drastically, and it doesn't give leave any sort of an emotional impact after certain scenes. It climaxes weakly, and in the end, the movie ends up being entirely like a textbook failure of someone trying to imitate Alien [a successful 'haunted house' story in space]. The story tries to be as realistic as possible by including some weak science for certain elements [which is fine for this sort of movie IF it didn't complete ignore it at other parts]. In other words, the universe isn't consistent with itself, and you can't figure out if this is supposed to be an action movie or horror movie mixed with comedy [which doesn't work because it's tempts screwball instead of playing it subtle]. Basically, I could've sat through with this and enjoyed a sci-fi horror with some nice visuals and set designs but instead was bored and somewhat annoyed with everything else.

The acting is subpar, but that has more to do with the plot that hopes to ride via cliches rather than actual talent.

In the end, the director tries to make this more of a video game instead of a movie, and that doesn't work. If I wanted to play a good version of this, I'd have played Dead Space 1 and 2. Not this.