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Reviews
Magellan (2017)
Impressive results from a minimalist approach
Don't be dissuaded by some of the deeply negative reviews. It seems many either lack attention span or weren't focused as the narrative is absolutely logically consistent. As an example, one reviewer complained about the bit where it has been indicated the wife was distressed being a plot hole, but this was absolutely explained in the movie. Everything laid out was realistic, including the behavior by China (which, frankly, is a direct match for *how China behaves today*), the astronaut himself, and by the bureaucrats at the DoD.
It's a small story with a small cast but a large concept. A hand picked senior astronaut accepts the most important mission in human history, one that necessitates leaving a chunk of his old life behind even assuming he survives, in exchange for the opportunity to make the greatest discovery imaginable.
What he finds is far more Contact, than 2001 (don't be fooled by those lazy comparisons that are based purely on the superficial look and the "AI buddy" with no other similarities to be found), and we are left with a cliff hanger.
I'm hoping they make enough to give us a sequel!
Ink (2009)
A gem of a film
Ink is a rare thing. Is it high budget? No. Is the acting phenomenal? Not at all. But what Ink may lack in technical execution, it more than makes up for in something far more important and far more difficult to realize - it's spirit. The creators have accomplished something truly rare in terms of world building and narrative. Ink presents a setting that is immediately compelling, and that leaves you wanting more. This film isn't likely to see sequels, but this is a world that is begging for more exposition.
The tale is an old one. A story of self destruction, redemption and parental love. The message is uplifting and will stay with viewers a long while.
Far more successful in its mission than so many films with much higher budgets and much higher profiles, Ink is a film that any film buff should sample. Look past the surface flaws and you will find a true gem.