2010 Movie Review

This is a movie review of 2010: The Year We Make Contact.

Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 is considered close to a perfect film. Masterpiece is tossed about, too. In 1968 it set the bar for special effects and space depiction. The movie was based on an Arthur C. Clark novel, 2001, so when the book sequel, 2010: Odyssey Two, was released everyone thought another Kubrick movie would come. It didn’t. Instead, 2010 was directed by Peter Hyams the horror and sci-fi director.

2010 takes the cerebral path of 2001 and turns into an action/thriller. Starring Roy Scheider and based in a 2010 where the United States and Soviet Union are still enemies, it begins with the goal of trying to go to the ship from 2001 and rescue it.

Scheider has to convince the United States to allow him and a team (Lithgow and Balaban) to join a Soviet ship and team to travel to the 2001 ship and research what has happened.

2010-movie-review-photoWhen this was created in 1984 the cold war was still going on, so the idea that the United States and Soviet Union would team up for something like this was unheard of. The United States boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, while  the Soviet Union  boycotted the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. The tension in the movie is carried off perfectly and culminates to the crews splitting apart when the countries teeter on the bring of war.

As the movie goes forward the scenes get better and better. Really, the scene where they find what appears to be life is just well done. The suspense, action and reactions are spot on. Another favorite scene is during the slingshot phase of the Soviet space ship when Scheider finds himself comforting a member of the Soviet crew.

What you’re going to like about 2010

Scheider and Lithgow: Great acting by the both and very relatable characters. Lithgow’s bonding with the Soviet crew is natual and very telling.

Story: Yes, 2001 die hard fans won’t agree with nor like the story, but the casual viewer will understand and get behind it. It is simplistic, but enjoyable.

The Soviet team: All great actors, including Helen Mirren, comprise the Soviet team.

The ending of the movie is pretty basic and a stark contrast to 2001, but overall the movie is enjoyable. If you’re looking for a light SciFi movie for a night 2010 won’t disappoint.

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