Primerfan
I realize that different people have different reasons for watching science fiction films. What matters to me is the plot, not the budget for special effects, sets, and costumes. The plot of this movie is suspenseful, well-paced, and thought-provoking. A refreshing change from the proliferation of movies that consist of nonstop, mind-numbing battle scenes and explosions.
dianadiehl
One of the best science fiction movies I've seen in a long time! I'm so glad I ignored the ratings on Amazon.I have always been fascinated with the psychology of a person who would face the unknown. What kind of person sails off to find the Northwest Passage, explores the Amazon River Basin, takes a bathyscaphe to the deepest ocean trenches, or sails around the world in the face of skepticism and great personal risk? Through the story of one man's expedition into space, "Magellan" explores the driving curiosity and quest for significance that has sparked humankind to spread across the planet.What "Magellan" is not: this movie is not an action or suspense movie. It's not a space opera. Despite a few attempts at creating a sense of urgency through restricted launch windows (this is not a spoiler--it's a space movie, so it's expected), this movie does not contain nerve-wracking countdowns to self-destruct sequences or chase scenes. It is not a big budget, eye candy extravaganza. The minimalist sets and straightforward production values may not meet the expectations of your average movie-goer who is habituated to breath-taking environments or mind-blowing special effects. (I will go see movies just for the CGI & effects.) Nonetheless, the starkness and simplicity added to my enjoyment. I kept catching myself thinking over and over, "Hey, this is really different--and I like it--a lot!"Who might like this movie: Anyone who ever wanted to be an astronaut. anyone fascinated with the possibility of life--any life--out there. Anyone interested in the uses of AI in space exploration; serious science fiction readersThe acting of the part of the protagonist, a NASA astronaut and scientist, is exceptional in an understated way. I felt as though I were watching the personal odyssey of a real astronaut and not a Hollywood celebrity playing an astronaut. His behaviors were relatable. His focus, sense of duty, and determination define the kind of quiet hero I expect in real life and real exploration. Plotwise, I railed at some of the his actions, but they are well within behaviors of some (not most) scientists in real life and consistent with the development of the character. Curiosity is a compelling motivation. The story arc is convincing, and the hero is a likeable every-man--with some higher academic education.One reviewer was dismayed about the jargon in the movie. However, I found the use of a little biochemistry and physics terminology refreshing. It was not very complex--just enough to make it feel real. It's nice to see a movie not dumbed down to a sixth-grade education level. And the ability of the actor to portray the simple joy of being "onto something" in the lab made me feel as though I were right there.The movie proposes more questions than it answers about the possibilities of extra-terrestrial life. So if you are expecting "Alien" monsters or "Star Wars/Trek" aliens--or even "Contact" mysticism, this is not your movie. This is a subtle story about what makes humans explore and the effect on the families explorers leave behind, not about creatures from outer space. It is about the desire for humans not to be alone in a universe that is inconceivably huge.The cast is small. Although the protagonist's performance was very strong, the supporting cast could have been a little better, perhaps through editing. Nonetheless, I was mesmerized by the story and never bored for a minute. Great movie to come from Kickstarter origins.Movies this one brings to mind (could be because of music, dialogue, structure, plot, premise,): Contact, 2001 Space Odyssey, Castaway, The Martian, any movie with a talking computer.
dego_dave
Yes it's low budget and the special effects aren't great but passable. It's not J.J. (I ruined Star Trek & Star Wars) Abrams lens flare rubbish, it's all about the story. A good hard science fiction story that is executed well. So give your support to this movie so we can get more good sci fi from film makers stepping outside the big studio, Chinese money, corrupt system. I also want to give a heads up to "Europa Report". If you haven't watched it yet please do.
