Danny Boyle’s SUNSHINE

Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

What I liked about this film were its gorgeous production values, its nonstop action, and its reverence for classic predecessor sci-fi films. These factors got me through this film which flags at the end with fuzzy story themes but, overall, it’s a fun and engrossing ride.

There are some annoyances. I find it hard to believe that we’ll have artificial gravity on deep space missions in 50 years, and I seriously doubt we’ll have paperback books. I also doubt that a mission such as this wouldn’t have remotely operated robotic maintenance machines to go outside to face the Sun. 

Plus, I was not overwhelmed by character development. The cast is serviceable — I always enjoy Michelle Yeoh — but once you realize we’re in for a “10 Little Indians” countdown, emotional attachment becomes less likely.

Finally, if it’s really true that Boyle made this film for $40 million, a lot of other film makers need to take notes. Interior and exterior views in this film as we follow a giant spaceship and its doomed crew to the Sun are just amazing and look like, well, something that cost $100 million.

Review copyright (c) 2009 by Dennis D. McDonald