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Written by Sacha Fernandez
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Wednesday, 09 January 2008 |
 To start off with, the title of the movie is a give away. Science fiction which morphs into a thriller . The Invasion is the third remake of the 1956 classic of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig are more than a decent one two, to attract movie goers. Any lesser actors and The Invasion may have struggled. For me The Invasion may have been a good movie 40 years ago, but it just doesn't cut it today with what has preceeded it. The Invasion relies on a tried formula but with a remake you want the movie to go to the next level instead this installment is really jumpy and looks like it was hastily put together, with such a sudden ending, it had me going "What, that's it!?" I think the movies cause was not helped by the fact that there were two directors who were in control at different times during productions.
What I find fascinating is the path that Nicole Kidmad has taken since her Academy Award success. A superstar she is, but from my standpoint, she seems to be cashing on her golden man. Bewitched and now The Invasion are hardly movies with a lot of depth, nor do they draw on her immense talents. Perhaps she needs to seek out fellow Aussie Cate Blanchett who seemingly is there or there abouts every year as the awards season begin.
Daniel Craig who until landing the 007 role, coasted along the periphery of super stardom, is now is a major drawcard. I Iiked his work in this movie. He plays the supporting role Ben Driscoll, who is Kidman's love interest.
The quick and simple premise of The Invasion is a super viral infection has landed on earth and attacking humans in their sleep specifically when they reach REM stage of sleep. Already difficult husbands become uncontrollable. Kidman's character Carol Bennell a Washington DC psychiatrist has to fight to stay awake and rescue her son Oliver in order to save the world. There is political undertone throughout the movie which suggests conformity leads to peace, as the epidemic turn humans into emotional-less drones.
While my review thus has been far from glowing, there are elements which will have you jumping, some really chilling sequences, and visual effects in parts are excellent. Parent car company Ford would be happy that their Jaguar was put through it's paces and exuded a sense of indestrucibility. The cynics may suggest that a few cars were used, and you would most probably be right, but those car chase sequences got my attention.
If you have shelled out big bucks for a widescreen plasma or lcd, and a home theatre system well, this movie is for you. Wait a couple months for the DVD or High Definition DVD to hit the stores and take home The Invasion for a cheaper night in for you and a bunch of friends on a Friday or Saturday night. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)
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