Reviews

Potentially an excellent film is spoilt by being a bit too clever.

The problem is that the story is told in a very confusing fashion. It is hardly the first film not to be told chronologically. Indeed, just about every film has flashbacks and is out of strict chronological sequence. Usually this is not a problem, but somehow the makers of Europa Report wanted to make a special effort to confuse viewers.

OK, I might not be the sharpest pencil out of the box, but I am not the dumbest. However, I had to read a synopsis of the film AFTER I had seen it to understand what exactly had happened to all the characters.

Sure, some of the 'smart' readers of this review will be sniggering and thinking "what an idiot', but I think a film is flawed if it alienates people and I am sure I am not the only one who felt confused.

Having said all of that, this is nevertheless an intense, intelligent and enjoyable hard science fiction film that kept me interested (despite my confusion). I found it atmospheric and believable and in the end quite thrilling.

I am glad I did not see this at the cinema — I really would have felt cheated. Having it on Netflix means I can watch it again, which I might just do. On the other hand, I might get confused all over again....

Having watched up to episode four of the first series I would have to say — so far so good. This is quirky but has a ring of truth about it (not that I would know, I admit). It has some similarities to 'Community' and fans of that show should definitely check it out.

The characters are not quite caricatures, nor are they wholly rounded human beings — just quirky enough to be funny and convincing. The storyline follows a start-up tech company, which does not sound promising as material to get you excited, but it is intriguing enough to keep you wanting to know 'what happens next'.

Given all the great TV around at the moment, this show could end up getting lost, which would be a shame. It is good natured, funny and intelligent — certainly worth a watch.

If you like detective or crime drama, I would certainly give this a watch. It is a solid noir with plenty of atmosphere, good acting and a plot that keeps you hooked.

As always with IMDb.com, if a film shows even a morsel of intelligence it gets hammered in the user reviews.

Sure, we can all love a dumb movie, but even a junk addict needs something to get the mind engaged from time to time.

It is not as if this is way out left-field, it is a traditional thriller which the average person can enjoy.

I really worry they will stop making films like this if no one appreciates them.

I saw this film first time round and, going by the date is was made, I must have been about seven years old. Our cinema in Lochgelly was rather lax about age restrictions.

Scenes still stick in my mind and its themes are still very much with me — the horror and dehumanizing impact of war and the futility of revenge.

I have since seen the film again and I was glad not to be disappointed. Being older and wiser, one is inevitably more critical, but there is so much to enjoy in this film. The performances, setting and story all work together to draw you into its dark and dangerous world.

Most notably of all, the U-boat commander and his men are portrayed as human beings. Efficient, determined, ruthless, but they too have feelings and hate the whole damn war just as much as Murphy. This was unusual in war films up until then, and its progressive, enlightened approach to the war enhances the story. We understand and even feel for Murphy, but we too must understand that sometimes we need to let go, accept our losses, be glad we survived and realise that our enemies are human too.

A true gem.

This is one of these films that just slipped in and out of the cinema without getting much notice — ironic given the subject-matter.

Ben Affleck, as the dissatisfied George Reeves, gives s deep and believable performance.

The period is recreated with great attention to detail, but the themes and the emotional reactions of the characters are truly modern and relevant today.

An intelligent examination of our need to succeed and what matters is our satisfaction with ourselves, not what others regard as success.

Rent it, watch it and enjoy an excellent piece of cinema.