Bears the distinct imprint of helmer De Palma, still one of the best visualists to work in the action/adventure genre.
Mission to Mars (2000)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:109
Fresh:26
Rotten:83
Average Rating:4/10
Consensus: Beauty only goes skin deep in this shallow but visually stunning film.
Runtime: 1 hr 53 mins
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Synopsis: In 2020, a group of astronauts headed by Luke Graham (Don Cheadle) set out to be the first humans on Mars. After they've landed, they investigate a strange noise near an unusual rock formation, and... In 2020, a group of astronauts headed by Luke Graham (Don Cheadle) set out to be the first humans on Mars. After they've landed, they investigate a strange noise near an unusual rock formation, and an unpredicted storm conjures up a living tunnel of sand that wipes out everyone except Graham. His pals back on a space station near Earth spring to his rescue despite the concern of their stodgy Russian captain (Peter Outerbridge) that in the year it will take to reach him, Graham will likely die. Nonetheless, they have to try it. Manning the spacecraft is Jim McConnell (Gary Sinise), a shaky but brilliant space cadet mourning the death of his wife (Kim Delaney); newcomer Phil (Jerry O'Connell); and married astronauts Woody (Tim Robbins) and Terri (Connie Nielsen). After various catastrophic setbacks, they make it to Mars in time to discover some shocking secrets, including the very origin of life in the universe. Highlighted by staggering special effects, this ambitious Brian De Palma film straddles the void between Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and Cameron's THE ABYSS, with imaginative results. The music is by Ennio Morricone. [More]
Starring: Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, Jerry O'Connell
Starring: Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, Jerry O'Connell, Connie Nielsen, Kim Delaney, Elise Neal, Armin Mueller-Stahl
Director: Brian De Palma
Director: Brian De Palma
Screenwriter: Jim Thomas, John Thomas, Graham Yost
Producer: Tom Jacobson
Composer: Ennio Morricone
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Release:
Sep 2, 2003
Reviews for Mission to Mars
It's hardly an original movie ... But its cinematography is literally dizzying at times, proving that De Palma can still put on a good show even when his material isn't the freshest he might have found.
Mission to Mars' redemptive coda opened the door for the subsequent film's continuing figurative and literal sanguinity.
Though unapologetically old-fashioned and corny, Mission still has its share of nail-biter moments.
The sci-fi elements, in both imagination and visual execution, are excellent and occasionally awe-inspiring.
It may not make you ponder the meaning of Man’s existence, but you should still be entertained.
Whatever's shoddy or limp about Mission to Mars, however conspicuous while the film unfolds, all becomes admirably pale as the full viewing experience recedes and the good stuff emerges in proud bas-relief.
An exceptionally tasteful and erudite popcorn spectacle, thanks in large part to a great cast and to director De Palma, who is in top form.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
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