Review of Sphere (1998) by Joshua H — 03 Nov 2010

6.1/10.

Not nearly as terrible as everyone seems to remember, I get the impression that had "Sphere" not been released at a time when films like this were so common, that it might have done considerably better. You know, despite the slapdash directing style, the films inherently cheap look, and the fact that it overlooks the best aspects of the novel that it's based on. That is, the film focuses narrowly on what the nature of the spacecraft and the sphere is, rather then speculate on the possibilities of what they might be, effectively sucking out all the mystery. There's also the disconcerting absence of a certain giant squid, but I chalk that one up to lack of budget. Acting is good; dialogue is a mixed bag. Overall, not bad.