Rating: ★★★ 1/2
Released 3-10-2023 Watched 3-24-2023 Reviewed 4-6-2023
Viewed in Theater - Using Cinemark Movie Club
"Emergency transpondence, this is Charter 3703! Our ship has been hit and is going down!"
"65" is a 2023 American science fiction action thriller that takes the audience on a thrilling journey through space and time. Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the film stars Adam Driver as Mills and Ariana Greenblatt as Koa. While it delivers some action and an engaging and somewhat heartwarming storyline, "65" struggles to stand out among the plethora of sci-fi films in recent years.
The film follows Mills, a pilot who convinces his wife to allow him to take a two-year space mission to fund the treatment for their daughter Nevine's illness. Tragically, during the flight, Mills learns that Nevine has succumbed to her illness. Before he can process this devastating news, he crashes on an unknown planet, which turns out to be Earth during the Cretaceous period. Now, Mills must fight to survive in the dangerous prehistoric environment while grappling with the loss of his daughter.
Adam Driver delivers a powerful performance as Mills, skillfully portraying the character's anguish, determination, and resourcefulness. His ability to convey complex emotions adds depth to the film, making the audience genuinely invested in his journey.
Ariana Greenblatt's performance as Koa is a pleasant surprise. Her character adds an emotional core to the film, as her innocence and vulnerability are juxtaposed against the bleakness of the world around her. Greenblatt's chemistry with Driver is evident on screen, and even though they struggle to communicate, their evolving relationship becomes the beating heart of the movie.
The film's visual effects are somewhat less than impressive. Blending the prehistoric landscape with the futuristic technology of Mills' space mission works well, but the dinosaurs could use a lot more attention.
"65" certainly has its shortcomings. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on. Additionally, the film sometimes relies on familiar tropes and clichés, causing it to lose some of its unique appeal. As a result, the movie occasionally feels predictable and derivative of other sci-fi films.
In conclusion, "65" is an enjoyable science fiction action thriller that takes the audience on an adventure through space and time. Bolstered by strong performances from its leads and a visually stunning portrayal of the prehistoric world, the film manages to entertain while exploring themes of loss, survival, and hope. Despite its flaws, "65" is a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre and those seeking an action-packed, emotional journey.
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