Review of Snowpiercer (2013) by Jeff B — 06 Nov 2015

Amazing that people are raving about this movie like it's the next Matrix, Fahrenheit 451, or Blade Runner. Please! When I first read the plot I thought "Why a train, and why a train that can't stop?" Was this some kind of Speed scenario? And where is Keanu? Then I got the explanation at the end of the film and it still didn't help.

Couldn't we find a platform that was more realistic and less, well, claustrophobic? And as for those saying this is the thinking man's sci fi, well for those who think little, maybe. The only thought being provoked is at the end of the film when Wilform gives his little spiel to Curtis, but there's no great revelations of human nature here.

So what of the rest of the movie? The previous hour and a half? It's just your basic dystopia oppression of the masses (yet this time within the claustrophobia inciting and limiting train--a kind of sci-fi Phone Booth, if you will).

I guess if you like the cliche morbid control of your average dystopia film and can't get enough blood and the treatment of humans like so much dog meat, or should I say human meat, then this movie is for you.

Overall, nothing of great revelatory insight here about humankind gone bad that hasn't been said before and said so much better by more important, entertaining, and epic dystopia films.