Review of The Invasion (2007) by Josh G — 19 May 2010

This movie represents everything I hate about Hollywood. Jack Finney's novel had already been brought to the screen THREE times previously! Successfully in 1956 by Don Siegel, bettered in 1978 by Philip Kaufman and a rather average 1993 version by Abel Ferrera. In this 2007 adaptation, they take the basic premise and dump all over it. Throwing in subplots about politics, terrorism, pandemics, domestic issues and a load of other dross which serves little purpose. And don't get me started on the kid who's immune, that plot twist was just as ridiculous in 28 Weeks Later! As for the acting... I'm baffled as to why anyone think Nicole Kidman is a great actress. She struggles to cross a road convincingly.

Veronica Cartwright cameos, presumably so the producers can pay homage to the 1978 version, which in turn cameoed Kevin McCarthy in a chilling reference to the ending of the original. The wink wink nudge nudge here though is nothing short of pretentious.

To be honest there's nothing recommendable about this. I'd rather watch either the 1956 or 1978 version. Even the 1993 version has a handful of decent performances from Gabrielle Anwar & Meg Tilly. Even 28 Weeks Later delivers more suspence & thrills.