Invasion

Plot: Based the Jack Finney novel, an alien epidemic that spreads when you fall asleep is unleashed on earth, rendering humans emotionless. This film is a version of the films Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), & Body Snatchers (1993), but it is not based on any of those scripts. It is only based on the novel mentioned above.

Starring: Oscar Winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours & Australia), Indie Spirit Nominee Daniel Craig (Infamous & Quantum of Solace), Jeremy Northam ("Miami Medical" & "The Tudors"), Emmy Nominee Jeffrey Wright ( "Angels in America" & Cadillac Records), Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films award winner Veronica Cartwright (Alien), Indie Spirit Nominee Celia Weston (Dead Man Walking & How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), Emmy Nominee Roger Rees ("The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" & "Warehouse 13").

Review: Smart if not terribly original scifi film that makes social commentary about how our society's violent tendencies are tied to our emotions. Why did this film not do well in the theater? My only guess is that it was too smart. The plot had a lot going on, but I mean that in a good way. It was intriguing, smart, thought provoking, well-acted, and kept me on the edge of seat. The only negative things I have to say about this film are that the editing seemed a bit jumpy to the point where it seemed to skip time without any warning and the infamous car accident scene that caused Kidman to break three ribs on set was left out of the final cut. She was hospitalized. Leave the scene in, otherwise she was injured for nothing. This is especially bad because they showed the scene in the trailer. Bad form.

Rating:

Writing-B

Acting-A

Directing-B

Music-B

Cinematography-B

Editing-C

Costumes-B

Art Direction-B

Hair-A

Makeup-A

Visual Effects-A

*** Stars