Despite a few breathtaking snapshots en route, it can't quite figure out the aesthetic itinerary -- where it's heading and why.
Mission to Mars (2000)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
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
Get This Movie
Rent DVD
Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.
Buy DVD
Release:
Sep 2, 2003
Reviews for Mission to Mars
Bears the distinct imprint of helmer De Palma, still one of the best visualists to work in the action/adventure genre.
The film just doesn't offer anything new to the genre, so why bother making it?
Silly, turgid and devoid of even the hints of original thinking, Mission to Mars is a testament to shameless creative theft.
The special effects are terrific, but as the dialog and plot veer into 2001 and Close Encounters territory, Mission misses.
Mission to Mars establishes a new gold standard for embarrassing alien encounters.
A very long voyage to nowhere -- a dull, overly sentimental and derivative film that accomplishes little other than remind us that science fiction can be a whole lot better than this.
Like milk or a musical chord, a movie script is most noticeable when it is spoiled.
The script is so awful I have trouble believing it was not written by actual Martians.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Mission to Mars at Rotten Tomatoes
- Mission to Mars at IGN
Fresh Links
Featured

Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.

What were your favorites? Least favorites? The funniest and scariest? Moviefone wants to know!

Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.

TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


