I.S.S Review

The new R-rated space thriller I.S.S is in theaters starring Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, and John Gallagher Jr.. It is a decent watch that might play just as well on the small screen. A thin script and lack of character depth keep this one from soaring very high.


Synopsis: Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station as a conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling, the U.S. and Russian astronauts receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary.

The International Space Station (ISS) was created after the Cold War when American and Russian Astronauts decided to work together in space to study and learn. Everything was going fine in this story until a war breaks out on Earth. As the synopsis explains, some tension creating orders are received aboard the ISS.

For a film taking place in space this one took little use of the arena. If the film makers were more concerned with utilizing the claustrophobic living conditions instead of the vast beauty of the heavens, they did achieve that. The thought of living and working in a confined area where everything literally just floats around is scary enough.

These six astronauts get along well and work with little aggravation. The language barrier is there but minimal. They have a job to do and the days of the cold war are a distant memory. Once they get word of their new orders it is not easy for some to simply take up arms against the other. For the most part they are scientists not soldiers.

The acting is decent with the script they are given. I am a fan of Ariana DeBose but felt that this was not the best role for her. She is strong, powerful, and talented no doubt. But seeing her as a stand offish, quietly reserved scientist was hard. She is normally very vibrant and out going. I can’t fault her performance, just didn’t like the character for her.

Few twists and turns in this one. In fact the decisions and reactions of the characters make little or no sense in the moment. After it is all said and done the viewer can sort of look back and put the pieces together, but even then there is not a complete or well thought out picture.

I want to root for somebody. I want to feel the emotion of their action. Nothing in this film helped with that. The concept was too interesting to play out in this fashion. Someone had a stellar idea with no formula for success.

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