What started out looking like a cool sci-fi about man's spiritual need to be connected to nature quickly became a sophomoric granola tree-hugging "Give a Hoot" commercial. (Complete with an awful Joan Baez soundtrack.) ****Spoiler Ahead**** What kind of botanist doesn't know that plants need sunlight? An eight year old could have written a better plot twist.
Very disappointing. Considering the talent involved (co-written by Michael Cimino and Steven Bochco!!), I was expecting better. The story actually is about someone who loves trees and plants more than human life. He is willing to take the lives of human beings to save his "forest" -- OK, I'm the most least ardent conservationist around, but that's way overboard! --, and he is presented as an otherwise nice guy. Unfortunately, because Bruce Dern plays him, he comes off whacko. About the one thing worth watching this for, is the silly waddling droids, which actually contain real-life double amputee monkeys. Aside from that, this film got sillier and more boring as it journeyed slowly towards its ending.
Despite its contemporary message that we have to preserve the world around us, the film shows its 1970's origin rather obviously. Maybe its the orange carpenting in space, or the fluffy hair-dos. Maybe its the racing around in little Go-Karts. Who knows? Having read Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' I could see that book's influence all over this pretentious movie. The idea itself is interesting. The Valley Forge, along with several other ships, is transporting pristine natural environments to a new home. This is the last of earth's destroyed ecology. For an unknown reason, a voice over the radio tells the crew (who all but Bruce Dern inexplicably seem to hate their assignment, nature, trees and natural food) to destroy their cargo. Dern's character rather lamely wrestles with the issue before killing the rest of the crew (not as exciting as it sounds) and hijacking the Valley Forge. Like the spaceship, the film really gets nowhere. It's an education in how the times can influence a movie and how we used to have small people/monkeys work tiny robots rather than use CGI. I was glad when this film ended. Perhaps it would have been mildly enjoyable on Mystery Science Theater. It's that type of movie. Probably made a good short Sci-Fi story. Only for those who love Bruce Dern (not I) or have an interest in film and social history.
Although it doesn't hold a candle to 2001 (which preceded it). Sappy acting, miserable soundtrack (or is it the other way around?), and a "botanist" who doesn't understand the very basics of plant maintenance...what's to like?
Very disappointing. Considering the talent involved (co-written by Michael Cimino and Steven Bochco!!), I was expecting better. The story actually is about someone who loves trees and plants more than human life. He is willing to take the lives of human beings to save his "forest" -- OK, I'm the most least ardent conservationist around, but that's way overboard! --, and he is presented as an otherwise nice guy. Unfortunately, because Bruce Dern plays him, he comes off whacko. About the one thing worth watching this for, is the silly waddling droids, which actually contain real-life double amputee monkeys. Aside from that, this film got sillier and more boring as it journeyed slowly towards its ending.
Despite its contemporary message that we have to preserve the world around us, the film shows its 1970's origin rather obviously. Maybe its the orange carpenting in space, or the fluffy hair-dos. Maybe its the racing around in little Go-Karts. Who knows? Having read Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' I could see that book's influence all over this pretentious movie. The idea itself is interesting. The Valley Forge, along with several other ships, is transporting pristine natural environments to a new home. This is the last of earth's destroyed ecology. For an unknown reason, a voice over the radio tells the crew (who all but Bruce Dern inexplicably seem to hate their assignment, nature, trees and natural food) to destroy their cargo. Dern's character rather lamely wrestles with the issue before killing the rest of the crew (not as exciting as it sounds) and hijacking the Valley Forge. Like the spaceship, the film really gets nowhere. It's an education in how the times can influence a movie and how we used to have small people/monkeys work tiny robots rather than use CGI. I was glad when this film ended. Perhaps it would have been mildly enjoyable on Mystery Science Theater. It's that type of movie. Probably made a good short Sci-Fi story. Only for those who love Bruce Dern (not I) or have an interest in film and social history.
Although it doesn't hold a candle to 2001 (which preceded it). Sappy acting, miserable soundtrack (or is it the other way around?), and a "botanist" who doesn't understand the very basics of plant maintenance...what's to like?
