Pandorum: Film Review
I was having a really bad day and didn’t think things could get any worse. Looking for a lifeline I slipped director Christian Alvart’s 2009 film Pandorum into my Blu-ray player….
Not a smart move…..
The problem with Pandorum is multifaceted. Strip away the poor acting and uninspired storyline, and you’re left with a film not sure of its own identity.
In space, no one can hear you scream….
Centuries in to the future two astronauts – played by Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster – awaken in a hyper-sleep chamber aboard a seemingly abandoned spacecraft. As fate would have it, they’re not alone. Unfortunately for them, their new companions turn out to be a band of blood thirsty Adam and The Ants look-alikes.
Pandorum makes no bones about its lack of originality, but Alvart’s clunky handling of the material means it is perpetually stuck in the shadow of films it strives to emulate.
It makes perfect sense that Alvart would want to pay homage to Alien, for example – it is after all a true classic of the sci-fi genre.
But when your own film isn’t that great to start with, he should be advised against undercutting it further by reminding the audience of how good Alien is.
Director Ridley Scott’s slow burn sci-fi drama only becomes a full-blown horror film in the final act. The pacing and characterisation is such that when the payoff comes it is worth it – Scott deliberately turns the screw slowly.
Alvart, conversely, reveals his hand faster than an overexcited poker player.
High Card…
Before the first act comes to a close all hopes of suspense and mystery are shattered as we catch full sight of the poorly conceived antagonists.
Alvart to his credit does opt for make-up and physical effects over CG, but the creatures roaming Pandorum are as scary as a troupe of ice-skating ducks.
And while the set design is impressive, the constant need to get from one boring action scene to another detracts from the environment.
Not absolutely terrible, but far from great, I’d rather wash my face with thumbtacks than sit through this hyper-sleep inducing film again.
Al
11:19 am, March 30, 2010
Think i’ll avoid this one. Especially since i love the first two alien films so much!
Matt Pattinson (copywriter)
12:45 pm, March 30, 2010
Hi Al.
Each to their own of course. But unless you like thumbtacks in the face it’s probably best to steer clear of this one!!
Thanks
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8:11 pm, July 31, 2010
Good