Review of The Andromeda Strain (1971) by Paul S — 18 Nov 2007

I rate this movie high for both the actual film itself and because it's significance as a sci-fi production; i.e. do the following plots seem familiar? - group of scientests and military try to contain a potential world plague; a bug from space that threatens earth; a secret subterranean research facility with several isolated levels; a hero who must climb a 'central core' beating several security systems to reach a higher isolated level; a last minute dis-arming of a nuclear weapon which requires the use of a special key. Lots of 'modern' games and films use these plot devices but this film has them all - done in 1971! And of course its all wrapped up in the '70 morality that was ingrained in so many sci-fi films of that time - humanity facing doom by enviro- disaster; bio-war etc. etc.; basically poking around in places we shouldn't.

Of course with the old technology the film does look dated and because so much has been taken from this film it has lost a lot of the originality of its story - but for any sci-fi affectionado it is a must piece of history to be watched.