Moon

In the end it just doesn’t have what it takes for the legendary status enjoyed by milestones in intelligent sci-fi such as Space Odyssey or Blade Runner (the screenplay holds it together, but there are a couple of screaming lapses of logic), but a few times while I was watching it did occur to me that it isn’t that far off. Plus, Moon has huge potential to mature with time. And who knows, maybe there will come a time when I will have to change my comment at the beginning. P.S.: Lots of those lapses of logic may be solved by the theory about radiation sickness, but not all of them by far... (28/10/2009)

I don't know, maybe it's my mood at the moment, but Moon disappointed me more than anything else. It can't be said that it was downright boring, certainly not (although it is slow, but I don't mind that most of the time), I "just" found the plot to be terribly empty. It’s almost about nothing at the beginning, then predictable again towards the end. There were no surprises, nothing that would make me sit up and pay attention. On the other hand, it features a fine performance by Sam Rockwell, a great Mansell score, the work of a director who did the best he could for the little money he had, and a few 2001 references. Yes, it's above average, but Moon doesn't get four stars yet. Maybe next time I see it... But that's still in the stars. (23/09/2010)

A captivating and very gradual flight through loneliness and lost identity. A soft camera, sensitive directing, dreamy music and Sam Rockwell, whose performance of the schizophrenic "mind-fucking" (as he called it) looks like an air ballet. Moon may not be philosophically or deeply spectacular, but with all the imperfections and indie smudges from tar, this is a film that is easy to fall in love with. (16/01/2010)

Danny Boyle is often thought about, but in my opinion wrongly. Jones’s story could easily have been set on Earth, but then it lacked the "Cameron-esque" detachedly cool industrial setting that perfectly supports the film's events. The story isn't rocket science but instead rides along a strong emotional level of a lonely man, which was a challenge accepted by Sam Rockwell, who did his job with incredible grace. Not to be unfair to the director - especially the opening paranoia and the schizophrenic feel of the second half do make us think - but Rockwell's acting, backed by Mansell's excellent score, actually "made" this film. It’s an unconventional film experience, though probably without a significant audience response. (09/11/2009)

This series of monthly walks is clever, at times even surprisingly sophisticated, but it really lacks emotion in the last twenty minutes. Although the plot takes an unexpected turn, the thought processes are rationed and mechanized. What bothers me the most is the excessive stretching of the main idea. As much as it is likable and original, a short film format would suit Sam Bello much better. The pleasant feeling after watching mainly stems from the lunar environment itself. The hypnotic and immersive atmosphere is the only thing that truly sticks in my mind. (22/05/2010)