Review of Sphere (1998) by Kai82 — 27 Feb 2022

I think this is a good but somehow forgotten science fiction movie. I like the ideas, cast and story. It is based on the book Sphere by Michael Crichton who is mostly know as the guy who wrote Jurassic Park.

I said it is a science fiction movie but it has also elements that I can describe as thriller or psychological drama / horror. The story starts when a cross science team is assembled to an examination of a plane crash in the Pacific Ocean.

To everyone surprise there is no plane and it is far more serious. A spacecraft was found that crashed there approx 300 years before. The scientist are tasked to gather all information they could. However there are many surprises, twists and the ship is not what is seems.

I am heavily avoiding spoilers here so I am sorry to be vague. I liked the story as it was completely different from anything I expected and I must add in a good way. After Rian Johnsons mess with Star Wars the term “Subverting expectations” has become equal to make **** stories.

Back to the review. The story works and with the great cast it is an enjoyable movie. There is also a lot of interesting ideas and stuff to discuss. For the cast they have Dustin Hoffman, Samuel Jackson, Lieve Schreiber and Sharon Stone in the lead roles.

All deliver a great performance and work well together. The good cast aka chemistry improves the movie. Also they have some good special effects for its time. I was satisfied but hesitate in making a statement if those hold up well today.

The sets however look still good. The rest is history. It flopped at the box office and was not well received by critics. However the audience liked the movie far better. Overall I see this movie as a hidden gem.

Not a masterpiece but worth watching for the idea and cast.