Thursday, 30 January 2025

65 (2023)


 













So first off, stupid title for a movie, and a lost opportunity to boot! What we have here is a cute little story that could have been plucked straight out of the classic TV show 'The Twilight Zone'. The title refers to the fact that the plot is based 65 million years ago in Earth's history. You think it might be a tale from the future but no, and there's the rub. They could have made this into a neat little moment where we the audience suddenly gets the message that the story is actually about Earth, the monsters are actually dinosaurs, and this all happened way way back in time. They could of had a really good eye-opening moment in this movie for first-time viewers, something a bit unique. Of course this revelation wouldn't have lasted over time but it still could have been a thing reflecting positively on the movie.

So 65 million years ago space alien Mills crash lands on the mysterious planet Earth. His entire crew has been killed apart from one little girl. Together they must try to survive this new planets harsh monster-filled environment and find a lost escape pod. Even worse, Mills discovers that this planet is due to get obliterated by a massive incoming asteroid which appears to be on a collision course. Talk about bad luck and having a bad day!

So many questions! So Mills has a daughter back on his home planet who is very sick and this is why he decides to take this long workload in space to earn money to help her. Unless I missed it, what exactly was this long tour in space he was doing? Mining? Transportation? His ship has a crew which are in hypersleep, but why? How long have they been out in deep space? Why does he need such a big crew? And why did the crew include this little girl and how come this little girl can't speak his language?? Also, why can't Mills speak her language?? I assume this race are much like Humans with different groups of people that speak various languages? But wait, are they actually supposed to be Humans?













I also found it rather stupid that the little girl initially runs away from Mills upon discovery. This just came across like a really annoying trope in my opinion. Why would she run away? Yeah sure I get that she's scared but Jesus Christ use your brains a bit kid. You're crashed on a dangerous alien planet and the adult pilot is your only hope, maybe stick with him and don't be such a moron?

Now I get that Mills has many important things on his mind when he ends up crashing on Earth, but surely he would be in absolute awe at the fact he's crashed on a planet with a breathable atmosphere and is teeming with life?! Yes I get that his life is in danger and he wants to get home but surely he would be maybe trying to record some information about this wonderful new planet. Yes it's a dangerous planet but look at the lifeforms! Look at the plant life! I just think the character of Mills needed to be shown to acknowledge the fact he landed on such a lush vibrant planet. 

There were other aspects that found to be rather silly. Mills futuristic weapon looked very cool and all but boy did it take a long time to run out of 'ammo'. Not too sure what it supposed to be, obviously very hi-tech futuristic don't question it type technology with lots of flashy lights, and it had some good batteries in it. Also, the way Mills manages to kill off one of the apex dinosaur predators with a geyser? I mean, yeah sure but...I don't think that would kill the dinosaur so quickly and violently and there was hilariously zero splash back on Mills apparently. On a quick note, didn't the asteroid that killed off the dinosaurs hit the sea? In this movie it seems to show hitting land.













So I did quite enjoy this silly sci-fi romp as it did indeed remind me of that classic black and white Rod Serling show. The plot is easygoing and engaging whilst at the same time actually being somewhat more effective than another Steven Spielberg related dinosaur franchise. The dinosaurs here actually come across threatening and unpredictable plus they are kept somewhat hidden which does add to the atmosphere. I did have to keep reminding myself that the characters are on Earth. Unfortunately just like that other dinosaur franchise this movie also resorts to using large apex predators for the big finale which now feels rather cliched and boring as it's been done to death. Heck they even used similar epic-like shots with the dinosaurs. 

Good CGI and visuals across the board though, it all looked highly effective and authentic. The technology presented was nicely done with some solid concepts. Lots of nice CGI HUD displays, lots of nice scenery clearly boosted with CGI, and the dinosaurs all looked excellent.

Overall this movie does work and keeps you engaged. Plenty of opportunities for a better movie for sure. The plot is sketchy but intriguing, and in the end I did end up feeling sorry for the dinosaurs as we see the inevitable unfold. It was actually quite a sombre moment as I watched my home planet take its massive asteroid hit, killing off almost all life, whilst Mills rockets off back into deep space. There was something kinda sad about that, in that moment I really wanted this story to be true, I wanted this history to be real. It also kinda left me wanting a sequel to see more, dunno why really, I guess the story got to me.

6.5/10


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