Moon ~~~~

A very interesting, low-budget, psychological, post-apocalyptic thriller starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey and directed by Duncan Jones, son of David Bowie (irrelevant point, as it happens!)

Nearing the end of his three year stint harvesting energy on the dark side of the Moon, Sam lives and works alone in a space station accompanied only by the slightly creepy, and in no way reminiscent of any other space odysseys electronic character, base robot.

We follow Sam's last few days on the job awaiting pick up from Earth until something extraordinary occurs rendering both Sam and his robotic pal at odds with both the ever nearing rescue team and each other. Yes, this is a riddle for I cannot divulge the rest of the plot without ruining the entire film.

The actual story is quite simple as are the sets and script but this does not belie the clarity and deftness of its presentation.

Jones is a superb director on all levels whilst Sam Rockwell is given the opportunity to outshine even himself. The use of Spacey's voice, within the context of an historical nod to space films of past is quite amazing. If you know anything about absolutely any other films set in outer space (many of which undeniably borrow from films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey) you will, by the end, have picked up on the reason why he was cast. Unsettled? Oh, yes!

This is a really beautiful film. Not one for guns and bombs and blood and guts but still requiring an element of thriller, mystery and action - choose 'Moon'. It also provides subtle but sympathetic characters, a great script and fabulous moon buggies which can only be described as one up from school-made space projects but lovely, nonetheless.

Actually, a film for the entire family. A bit of a tear jerker on the side with lots of love and laughs in between.

A must see of 2009.

(Pity I had to travel 20 miles to go and see it - my local mega multiplexes are seriously missing out on a potentially big hit of the year. More fool them for regurgitating the same, usual blockbusting crap.)

Viewed: 11th August 2009