Moon

8/10 Dropps.

Rated: R
Runtime: 1hr 37 mins.
Genre: Sci-fi, Mystery, Suspence
Theoretical Release: 12 June 2009
Box Office: 4.8 Mil.
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey
Director: Duncan Jones

When a film contains the performance of an actor or actress’ career, that film
deserves recognition. Thus is the case with 2009’s stand out Sci-fi thriller, MOON,
staring not only one, but two Sam Rockwell’s. The film follows Sam Bell (Sam
Rockwell), through his last three weeks of a three-year contract with Lunar
Industries; a moon based drilling company harvesting Helium 3, an alternative
energy source found on the far side of the moon. As the only occupant, besides
GERTY (voice of Kevin Spacey), Sam is lonely, and eager to return home. With his
only contact to Earth being through pre-recorded messages due to a long-standing
communication malfunction, we find Sam irritable and talking to himself. When Sam
has an accident that takes place outside the lunar station, he wakes to discover his is
no longer alone.

One major aspect of this films strong delivery is Rockwell’s performance
(performances? I don’t really know how to word that one.) The film finds Rockwell
paired opposite himself, and delivering his strongest performance since Confessions
Of A Dangerous Mind. Being a big Sam Rockwell fan (despite some questionable
releases, I’m thinking of you Glory Daze), I think undoubtedly he is an underrated
actor that will one day receive an Oscar for his work. After watching MOON, I found
myself wondering, “Why isn’t it going to be for this?”

Where most sci-fi films and films in this general genre play heavy on the ideas of
suspense, and shock, MOON’s big twist comes early in the film and it works. Instead
of a big plot shaking twist, Duncan uses his twist as a jumping off point to drive the
movie forward. This aspect alone makes for an interesting and original film that can
stand above a lot of its peers.

Written and directed by Duncan Jones (Zowie Bowie. Yes, David Bowies son), MOON
is an impressively strong debut. Duncan immerses the viewer into a world all his
own with an utterly stunning and creatively beautiful film. With big name, sci-fi
space films like Star Trek, also being released in 2009, it can be easy to see why
MOON could get overlooked, but it does not mean that it should be. MOON is original
in its ideas and delivery.
-Hunter Freiburg