Sputnik

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source: Sputnik

This movie starts off well enough with an intriguing, if a little slow account of the aftermath of a Russian space craft's return to earth. There is a good deal of suspense throughout the movie and its well acted and reasonably well directed. The problems stem from the failing plot that surfaces about an hour into the screenplay where the focus shifts from the extra-terrestrial and scientific aspect of the events, to one of inter-Soviet self interest, coupled with professional ambition, deceit and posturing. This is all done fairly badly and is incongruous with the preceding story line. The result is a sudden and very disjointed feeling from what was a quite immersive film experience. I'm not sure why this was done, but I suspect it was a foolish attempt to add depth and dimension to a plot that really needed something quite spectacular to successfully bring it to conclusion given the topic at hand. Though this isn't Alien, or anything like a number of other titles involving extraordinary beings unwittingly being present normal life, It is s subject that has been breached numerous occasions. Finding a unique path for development which is successful isn't always easy. Here, the plot becomes messy, the scenes and dialog delusive, and progression of the story becomes dependant on the characters making unrealistic decisions, poor choices, and atypical behaviour. I definitely liked it initially, but sadly I began rolling my eyes with the later developments and by the end I was fairly disappointed with what really should have been a good film. Old Hollywood movies always had romance in them. It didn't matter if it was a Spy film, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Thriller or some other genre. There was always some romantic subplot thrown in for good measure. Bollywood films necessitate scenes where the cast dance around in the street like some enactment of national pride. This movie had aspects of this dated approach included for reasons I can only guess; the Soviet posturing, the vying for prominence and position why engaging in political skulduggery. The results made it feel stilted and hackneyed, especially because it was done so obtusely. It really spoils the film. I can't recommend it in all honesty, though I think a six is a fair enough score given it did have some good aspects.

Sputnik delivered a authentic picture of the post cold war era with its attention to location, set up etc. I felt like traveling back in time. So great Job on building the right atmosphere & production design. Talking about design, aka the creature, I also liked it. Of course the Oscar crowned H. R. Giger Alien is and will be unmatched but they're found an interesting aspect of parasite vs symbiotic which was a fairly new aspect in this genre. Overall Sputnik is not your usual crash boom bang flick but more on the slow paced side (this said, there are still some intense moments). So if u re up for a well told sci-fi story without fancy effects every two minutes u might enjoy it.

A wholeheartedly agree with the Wall Street journal's review of Sputnik, which describes it as "a creature feature with flare." It is essentially a combination of The Quatermass Experiment and Alien. Production values are high, the actors give very solid performances, and there is more character development than you might expect from this kind of movie, but not the kind of melodramatic character development that can bog down an action movie. I found the very ending to be a bit confusing and am a little embarrassed to admit that I had to turn to the Wikipedia plot description to understand what happened in the closing moments. In any case, far, far above average for sci-fi horror direct to video, and an entertaining genre flick by any reasonable standard.

Usually you don't expect much from non American sci fi movies. But this one is a good find. It's like seeing those movies of the 80's or 90's that still weren't that formulaic and doesn't try either to lecture you on morals or is totally devoid of any moral standing. The pace is slow but not boring (something American movies have lost the ability to keep) and the story evolves naturally and never fails to its own logic (there is no "you gotta be kidding me" moment as it all matches and fits without foolishness or absurdity, given the preset premises). Maybe it needed a little more or a little else to excel but it's quite a good product and the special effects are perfect (on par or even surparssing the American CGI's).

Home invasion, but a different kind. And "home" being something different than what the original thought was behind the saying. Then again, while we have some cliches here, we also have certainly interesting characters. At least to a degree. Especially the female lead is very interesting (not just because of her looks), the way she acts and how she holds herself up against a male driven force. But later on in the movie she gets a bit two dimensional, almost irratically "helpful". While there is an explanation to that at the end of the movie (with a "twist"), it does not warrant all the things she does. Good deeds never go unpunished? For whom you may ask ... and that would a valid question. But that is nitpicking and would be a bit of disservice to the movie. A movie that is visually also stunning (talking effects here) and does turn it up a notch when it comes to violence, so not for the faint of hearted. Science Fiction friends will love this ...