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Mission to Mars (2000)
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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
De Palma has reached out to embrace a larger audience and seemingly sacrificed those traits that drew us to him in the first place: his singular vision, his clinical stylistics, and the palpable sense of dread that his best films engender.
The script offers no help; it's so poor that you'll pray it's all a dream sequence.
God only knows where they put all the money, because I can't seem to find it on the screen.
For an adventure film, M2Mis shockingly slack in the tension department.
This film is mind boggling and stupid, a derivative piece of doo-doo that's an embarrassment for all involved.
It's disappointing that the filmmaker didn't place greater emphasis on storytelling or character development.
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.
The film is a montage of showy effects, blatant product placement and ideas lifted wholesale from much better films.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
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