Moon

Reviewed by:
Eric Alt

Directed by: Duncan Jones

The Skinny: In the near future, the answer to Earth's energy crisis is found in mining resources from moon rock. Astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the end of his three-year run alone on a mining outpost with only computers and recorded messages from home for company. That's all you should know going in—the less that's spoiled for you, the better.

The Good: Moon reminds you that science fiction isn't all space battles and aliens—it harkens back to those 70s films like Silent Running that were about mood and ideas rather than CGI explosions and pointy ears. It's amazing what director Jones does with a tiny budget, and Rockwell is fantastic as the lonely space miner just barely hanging on to his last shred of sanity. This is the perfect antidote to Michael Bay.

The Bad: The movie asks for your patience. It's a slow-build and it may have you tapping your foot, but it's worth staying with it. Again, this is a quiet movie, and shouldn't be judged against the usual summer sci-fi fare.

"I Can't Do That, Dave": Yes, the voice of GERTY—the HAL-like robot that assists Bell—is provided by the aptly named Kevin Spacey.

Theater, DVD or TNT in Five Years: This is an off-the-beaten track theater experience worth taking. Home viewing would provide too many distractions.

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