Review of Solaris (2002) by Zebunker — 13 Jul 2015

George Clooney plays an ordinary psychologist who ventures into space to solve the mystery of why the crew of a space station and their rescue party have disappeared. Cause that seems like the logical choice for a space rescue. Why not just hire an oil rig worker instead? And why not go alone why you are at it there George. That’s smart. Great setup writers.

Enjoy mesmerizing scenes of what could be improv dialog as Clooney slowly discovers what’s been going on. Things start to happen, scenes change locations from darkly lit corridors, to darkly light rooms! It’s epic!

Just when the action picks you might be thinking “Hey, this is like The Abyss and 2001 but only if those movies sucked.” And you’d be correct. While the film does have some nice scenes and tries to create a slower paced movie there is much to be desired. From super close camera angles and a lack of scope or space that’s included in other similar space tales. It makes this sci-fi tale rather void of fun and magic.

Clooney being a psychologist has no meaning in this film. That aspect was not explored, nor was his backstory or his character. Having career training in mastering human dialog and interactions it’s strangely bizarre and out of character the way Clooney’s character behaves to mysterious new people aboard the space station.

Sci-fi fans might want to steer their space ship away from this asteroid of a movie.

Their Tag Line - “There are some places man is not ready to go”.

- Ya, Into the theater to see this movie.

Alternate Tag Lines.

1. “You don’t need to be a psychologist to figure out this thriller.”.

2. “Reasons why people find real space boring. Check.”.

3. “Rouge space station, cool effects, missing crew. No way can they mess this movie up. Right? ”.

Hits.

- Nice concept, if a bit worn out.

- Naked George Clooney.

- The title sounds cool.

Misses.

- Character development & plot.

- George Clooney’s butt shown.

- Earth scenes don’t look futuristic enough.