The Last Days on Mars

When watching the trailer I couldn't help but feel intrigued. Although it gave you a basic idea of what the film was about (the title is a massive clue), it didn't give any sign of the problem that would occur. I liked that, normally it is just standard procedure for a newly released movie to throw its cards on the table and show the inquisitive audience what to expect. "The Last Days on Mars" doesn't exactly follow in that tradition and leaves you guessing up until the moment the horror is realised.

Although location and purpose is completely different i couldn't help but associate it with "Sunshine"; of course with a less stellar cast. Just the crew falling apart, and mentality being tested in such environments. Not to take anything away from this, it does have its own display of originality, the location (mostly Jordan) was simplistic but effective; not needing Transformers to take away from the scenery. I thought Liev Schreiber played his part well, he gets a lot of flack, but he produces a solid display of acting. Everyone else just did their job; no-one really stood out.

Now although I enjoyed this film, there where several things that bugged me. Acting left a lot to be desired. The little flashback back-story was very, very anti climatic. Some of the characters where in need of a slap and the story lacked certitude.

First of all its a low budget Sci Fi but its very well done for its budget.

The premise is there is a team of scientists on Mars carrying out research until they make a discovery that will jeopardise their mission with just a few days left till they return home.

The tension and feeling of the crew going a bit stir crazy is very well done in this film. They also capture the moments of having to make choices very well and this is what drives the film.

Its not the greatest film I have seen but for what it is, its pretty decent. Don't expect loads of action e.t.c as the film is based on tension and mental anguish.

The SFX is actually really good as well as the sets and the backdrops, it does everything that is required to make it realistic enough to enjoy .

I give it a 7 out of 10 and well made effort. xx

I remember when this came out having absolutely no interest, though the solid cast appealed nothing else did. Now I've seen it I see that I was wrong, mostly.

Starring Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas and Olivia Williams the film has no issues with it's cast. The premise being of the horror sci-fi type was not what I expected and I certainly mean that in a good way!

The film was interestingly constructed, had my attention and when the first encounter took place it had me gripped. This was good! This was really good and I couldn't wait to see where this adventure was going to go.

Sadly shortly after the quality starts to dip, the potential I saw gets thrown in the trash and the incredible movie I foresaw faded away. Gone was the premise, gone was the tension, gone was the interest.

Sure it doesn't get bad, but it doesn't retain the same quality and it certainly doesn't utilize its potential. I was fascinated by this concept so why did they have to drop the ball so badly? There are so few movies that deal with such subject matter so when one comes out and wastes it's opportunity it's heartbreaking.

The Last Days on Mars is still a watchable affair but damn it should have been so very much better.

The Good:

Starts strong

Great cast

The Bad:

Quality dips hard

Disappointing ending

The above description just about covers it,though it's nicely shot, and the cast includes Liev Schreiber, Romola Garai and Olivia Williams, it's a nothing special tale where an alien and or infection takes the crew down one by one, lotsa running down corridors and opening and closing air locked doors, you know the drill!

My overall enjoyment of the movie was pretty decent, its nothing something I'd watch numerous times, but it was alright for a one time view.

The acting was pretty good, as were the sets, makeup etc. They also captured the tension in making on the go/tough decisions quite well.

The downside, for me personally to the movie, was that it quickly turned into a 'zombieish' kind of movie: Infected trying to infect non-infected, non-infected trying to survive. Now I like the occasional zombie movie, but I've only read the brief description on IMDb before watching,and I personally expected something different, something a bit more original. There was no real 'reason' the whole movie is based on Mars. You could replace Mars with an island, the infected with zombies, the bacteria with, well, a bacteria and the rescue pod with a rescue ship for example, and basically have the same movie.

All in all, if you're like me, and enjoy watching some low budget sci-fi, this is a movie I'd give a try.