Latest Space Flick Could Use A Bit More Propulsion

Mon., March 20, 2000

Tyler Wilson, Coeur D'Alene Kay

HE SAW

Brian DePalma, a director known more for his visual style than his clever storylines, remains in his same form with stunning visuals, but loose storytelling in “Mission To Mars.”

Though the film reaches new limits with visual effects, it seems to stay in orbit when it comes to epic storytelling.

The great cast does outstanding work, considering how little they have to work with. Most of the dialogue seems to have been borrowed from other space films.

The film’s visual style is what holds the plot together. Nothing in “Mars” is boring, and most parts are entertaining to watch.

“Mars” offers outstanding camera angles, especially those used to show the feeling of weightlessness and visual effects.

Though “Mission To Mars” is not out of this world, it at least gets off the ground, unlike many movies out now.

Grade: B-

SHE SAW

“Mission to Mars” lacks both direction and a decent script. It’s about a group of people who have been planning a trip to Mars for a long time and finally get to go.

After they reach Mars, tragedy hits when some other being kills three members of the crew. A rescue mission is sent up to find out if one of the men survived, but by this point in the movie, you couldn’t care less.

The movie seems unbelievable, probably because of the bad script. Some visual effects are neat, but it isn’t enough to keep the movie exciting.

Even the cast isn’t strong enough to bring this movie to life, although they do a great job trying.

Gary Sinise and Jerry O’Connell both do well in their roles, but this movie isn’t worth spending the money to go see it.

Grade: D

This sidebar appeared with the story:

`Mission To Mars’

The stars: Gary Sinise, Don Cheadle, Connie Nielsen, Jerry O’Connell, Kim Delaney, Tim Robbins.

The plot: When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors.

Kaylin Greene, East Valley

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