Another year, another tentpole sci-fi flick. Wait, what do you mean this is an original idea? It’s not based on a book? Or a sequel? Is that even legal anymore?
Like Gravity, Interstellar and The Martian, Passengers features a stellar cast and slick effects in a package that looks exorbitantly expensive. The film follows Jim (Chris Pratt) and Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence), two space-tourists who wake up from hypersleep about a hundred years too early. Naturally, being the two most attractive people on the ship (sorry Michael Sheen), kissy stuff is sure to follow. Also, explosions.
Ok, all snark aside, the movie looks pretty good! Although it has moments that look more “perfume ad” than “sci-fi adventure,” the trailer sells the concept fairly well (even though it gives way too much away). The script for Passengers has been on the Black List since 2007 and has had a variety of talent such as Keanu Reeves, Reese Witherspoon and Emily Blunt attached at different points over the years.
Written by Jon Spaihts (Prometheus, but not the version you saw in theaters) and directed by Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game), the movie boasts some genuine behind-the-scenes talent. The real test will be to see if the emotion they’re trying to sell will work with mega-stars like Pratt and Lawrence as the leads.
Passengers arrives in theaters on December 21, 2016.
