not for kids
Relentless, intensely violent sci-fi chiller isn't for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the intense violence in this dark, scary sci-fi movie is apparent in every scene, even if it's not specifically presented in terms of fighting or gore (though there's plenty of those, too). There's a constant, unrelenting feel of terror, tension, and dread, thanks mainly to the movie's overwhelmingly dark, metallic, deliberately unsettling sets. Alien creatures threaten to jump out from every dark corner, and the soundtrack's alarming use of screeching noises adds to the general unease. Likely it will be too much for most kids to handle. Despite that, and despite the characters' severe trials and tribulations, the movie has a solid ethical core and a generally hopeful outlook. Characters set aside their differences and team up for the greater good, and despite his potty mouth (expect plenty of "f--k"s and more) and initial disorientation, the hero ultimately behaves bravely and selflessly.
- Families can talk about the effect of the movie's very intense violence and terror? How does it make you feel? Is it really necessary for the plot?
- The film's prologue charts the future explosion in the Earth's population and mentions a severe shortage of water and food. What causes overpopulation, and why is it bad? What are some of the ways to curb it?
- What's the difference between social order and rules and chaos?
- What would it feel like to be away from your loved ones in deep space?
The good stuff
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Messages: Despite the movie's unrelenting violence and dark tone, the characters actually behave in an admirable way; characters from different backgrounds team up to strive toward a common good. They choose hope over despair and order over chaos. They show bravery and selflessness (the hero tries to go back to rescue fallen comrades). They also choose not to inflict violence on an alien child.
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Role models: The hero overcomes some initial disorientation and terror to embark upon a dangerous mission that will save the lives of thousands. He sometimes succumbs to anger and frustration -- and has the worst potty mouth in the movie -- but as the story progresses, his bravery and optimism win out.
What to watch for
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Violence: Sudden attacks occur throughout, complete with stabbings and slashings with sharp instruments. An eyeball is pierced with a needle, and a character's stomach is sliced open, with guts visible. Blood, muck, and slime are plentiful. Since the story takes place mostly in the dark, in twisted, sinister-looking corridors, and using a terrifying array of screeching sound effects, there's a constant state of tension and dread. Characters engage in several lengthy fights, with grabbing, punching, hitting using blunt instruments, and shots from a "non-lethal" wrist ray gun.
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Sex: Not much of an issue. The hero appears wearing only underwear in one scene, and the heroine displays ample cleavage throughout, but there's no nudity and no suggestion of sex.
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Language: Not a constant barrage of foul language, but many uses of "f--king" and "f--k," as well as "s--t," "hell," "damn," "ass," "oh my God," and "goddamn."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not really an issue. A sedative is given to a hysterical character against his will, and other characters are rendered unconscious with knockout gas.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
PANDORUM - a serious case of red herrings. Grade: B-plus. (Based on a advance VIP press preview that was projected onto the silver screen at a theater) by MOVIES REVIEWER
Thurs. Sept. 24.
Pandorum's run-time is 108-minutes. This high-quality production was tightly-scripted with plenty of suspense and chair-gripping action.
Although I wished that the characters were better developed, I really enjoyed this movie because it sucked me right in with its premise of a mystery; bizarre 'monsters'; intense action; and its sci-fi setting.
The make-up and costumes were top-rate.
Fascinating set-design provided the appropriate mood/ambiance/creepiness.
The 'scares' were visually-striking and did not need to rely on gimmicky loud soundtracks. Most of the scary scenes were tautly suspenseful.
Above-average directing/editing/cinematography.
Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster successfully immersed themselves in their respective roles. And the supporting cast members gave competent performances.
I especially LOVE the unpredictable ending.
VERDICT:
I would definitely watch this movie again.
Highly recommended.
Pandorum might be too scary for kids.
5
Tons of Fun! by vertigo1061
Was great. From start to finish, an excellent combo of suspense, sci-fi, action, and some fun gore :)
4
Never trust fan reviews..except mine by The_Next_Ebert
Pandorum was a well made, exhilirating, suspenseful sci-fi thriller. I read an earlier review that mentioned something to the extent of "I usually like scary movies but this one sucked." Well frankly so did their opinion. This movie is not meant to attract the same audiences as SAW, it is a sci-fi thriller. The story line alone was very creative, the acting (especially Ben Foster's) was better than average. Dennis Quaid, as old as he is, provides some intense dialog adding his unique style to the film. The work put into the CG could have been better, but still acceptable. Make-up and costume work make for some intense, sometimes scary visuals. The first half of the film the audience is thrusted into darkness, which can become a bit of a chore to keep up with the action on screen.
Overall this movie surpassed my expectations, I predict it will continue to go under-rated shadowed by Surragates. A poor-release date along with minimal advertising will make this film go unnoticed.
5
Pandorum is a must see if you appreciate the genre by xanawolf
I am not going to go into detail about the plot; I don't want to ruin it for you if you don't know anything about the film. I am 35 years old, and my wife and I are fans of all things science fiction, horror, thriller, suspense, drama, etc. If you dig those kinds of films, then go see this now. This movie blew us away. We weren't expecting much as so many recent films of the genre seemed to be missing that certain something, but we both came out of the theater just gushing about how much FUN this movie was and how well it was written, directed, and acted. There were no ever ample "missing plot holes" or cheesy "no way in *expletive* he/she could have survived that" moments.
The acting was great, the way it was shot was great, the pacing and STORY were great, and the movie only left us wanting more. If you want to see more great sci fi films made, then support the genre and GO SEE THIS ASAP.
5
One of the better 3 Sci-Fi flicks of 2009 by Makato Reviews
Unfortunately for Pandorum it's Fandango rating suffers tremendously from the pre-release anti-hype haters, without deserving to. This film delivers exactly what you'd expect from a good, not fantastic, Sci-Fi flick. But let's be fair, not every movie set in the future/space can be Aliens, Blade Runner or Planet of the Apes. Pandorum splits its time between "What did I just see" bump-in-the-dark thriller (first half) and run-for-your-life "Who's going to make it" action movie (second half). Are there a few glaring Sci-Fact gaps in the plot concerning time tables, evolution, food supply and psychology? Sure, but none of them hamper the viewing experience as you watch it. They're questions that you pose to yourself after you've left the theater and certainly don't detract from the satisfaction of the film.
The plot twists at the end are a bit transparent and the wrap-up a bit too sudden but Pandorum delivers where Star Trek did earlier in the year and Terminator did not.
5
One of the best thriller/horror movies this year!!! by acroman
i watched it last night and i went in excited to see it which is rare for me watching a horror movie and i was not let down. The acting was spot on and the scenes are super intense. the plot is good and the twists are amazing, its a definated must see if u like sci fi movies. This definately goes up there with something like Event Horizon
4
Pandorum by jrein
This was a great movie, but not excellent. The plot was interesting. Some of the directing choices I questioned initially were resolved by the end of the movie. In fact, I ended up pleased with some choices I first wondered about - such as the quick separation of the two main actors. I felt the actors did well (although it is difficult to judge ability in this type of movie), and the writing was good. The external graphics are impressive for the most part, but fade in the last two minutes.
Sadly, the movie is very intense. There is no down time or comic relief. The intensity starts high after the intro and builds throughout the movie. Also, you need to dig deep after the movie ends to resolve all the issues. Most answers are there, but they are illusive and may need a commentary to explain.
This is an adult movie. Aside from the violence, the intensity is so high I left the theatre tired. While this is clearly sci-fi, it has more horror than the Alien Trilogy.
5
PANDORUM IS WORTH ALL THE HYPE & MORE!! by TinkaKalinka
Definitely a movie you will spend discussing & dissecting an hour after it ends. I can see how some people wouldn't be able to keep up with the storyline if they weren't really into it. Either way you can't deny this story is visually stunning w/very graphic scenes (keep the itty bitty ones @ home) & a creative storyline. The actors were believable & heroic. An unquestionably entertaining movie that does have enough amount of depth to it to make it realistic!! I recommend to anyone in the mood for some entertainment...this is what going to the movies is about right?! Especially if you enjoy a great Sci-Fi thriller!
5
Scary Fun by 1954lovesmovies
I saw this at a TEST screening weeks ago. (Some of the CG had not been finished.) I had to sit at the very back because of the crowd. Even then I still jumped at some of the intented moments. I've seen all the Alien movies muliple times. I LIKE this type of movie. This is one of the BEST! I'm going again and spend the $10. That is the true measure of how enjoyable a "scare-the-crud-out-of-you" movie can be. Listen to those that have SEEN the show. If you like being scared AND a great story, you'll have fun.
4
Very good movie, way better than some of these reviews by ritecros
This is more sci fi suspense than horror. Could have been more explanations for why things happened but that's a minor gripe. This movie was more like The Cube, Sunshine, and Alien mixed up. I don't understand the comparisons to Event Horizon, this movie has better actors and s/fx. Is the plot/story derivative? Yes, but there are enough ideas to make the movie original and fun to watch. If you want to complain about people on spaceships, aliens/monsters, crazy crew members, genetic mutations, earth being destroyed, small group is the last hope hope for humanity and all that crap, etc. Don't watch sci fi movies! Think about it, how may ways can you tell a story about a spaceship? Story elements are going to get recycled in a movie that involves space, a twist here and there, but basically these types of space movies follow established "movie rules" (star fields, finite amounts of air/food/power, space suits, psychotic crew members, etc). So why complain, you know what your getting