Review of Sunshine (2007) by Julian T — 30 Sep 2011

This is a terrific sci-fi/suspense film. Danny Boyle has a great eye for cinematography, and creates a visually engrossing style, which is clearly a step above his previous efforts.

The concept is interesting. Not completely original in its devices, but orginal enough in its delivery. Borrows from alot of sources. '2001', 'Alien', and 'Solaris' foremost among them. In fact, it took me about 20 minutes to get past the overwhelming set likeness to 'Alien'. I would swear the dinning room set is designed after it on every level.

The actors all do a fine job, although this is definetly not Murphy's finest performance. I have to give Chris Evans some credit here, as I have never held in in very high regard, but he is quite good in this. The pacing is slow and deliberate, but definetly spins out of control in the last 20ish minutes. It goes from being a suspensful sci-fi movie to a horror/slasher without any real warning. I do enjoy the horror elements that are interjected, but I find them a little out of place and a little repetitive. However I can say that it does create some seriously scary moments.

The real climax however has nothing to do with slasher horror, it has to do with the rational and scientific mind VS. the irrational aspect of religious fanaticism. Another thing that is impressive is the films (and actors) ability to convey such a level of humanity while dealing with cold, calculated, inhuman decisions of ultimate sacrifice for the greater good.

Overall, a very well crafted peice of sci-fi with good acting and writing, good FX and some genuintly creepy and claustrophobic moments.