Director: Duncan Jones
Writer: Duncan Jones
Screenplay: Nathan Parker
Producer: Trudie Styler, Stuart Fenegan
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kaya Scodelario, Matt Berry, Kevin Spacey (voice)
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 97 min.
Year of release: 2009

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[By request of the studio, we’ve agreed to keep this review at a minimum size. As the actual release date nears, we may be posting a more thorough (and lengthy) review.]

Without getting too heavy into the intricacies of the plot, which would be a bit on the spoilery side (the trailer already gives enough away), the best way to look at Duncan Jones’ Moon from a critical standpoint is to pick apart its influences from other pictures and look at its overall theme. Plenty of workable ingredients from other classic and new-classic films can be tasted all throughout Moon. Friends of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey should feel right at home in terms of set design and aesthetics. The director likes to take his time showing off his set designer’s work, but not so much that the time spent within the confines of this small lunar colony (crew of one) becomes tedious.

In terms of the tone and theme, Steven Soderbergh’s Solaris appears to have lent a lot of its feelings of loneliness and longing for loved ones as well. There are some mysterious turns taken in Moon that really make it stand out as not so much of a realistic, space exploration film, but more of a psychological mind fuck for our protagonist.

Sam Rockwell shines here (as always) and his comedic timing and ability to keep the mood light in a lunar colony with a crew of just one makes for an arguably more entertaining watch than even Tom Hanks offers up in something like Cast Away . Of course going with the 2001 reference, there is an onboard computer available night and day to help with ship’s maintenance and provide somewhat limited help with recreation and conversation. Though just a computer with “Yahoo!-like” emoticons that make an attempt at representing some sort of feeling, “Gerty” makes for a superb crewman; made all the more of a comedic co-star by the soft soothing voice, provided by none other than Kevin Spacey – which at first is actually a little bit distracting, but as the film wears on, it’s not quite as noticeable and Gerty is just another lovable character.

The movie has a fascinating premise that doesn’t go as deep as it could with the exploration of overarching social and ethical implications. Rather, it focuses on one man and his ability to deal with the situation at a personal level. An easy watch and a fun watch, Moon gives the audience plenty to chew on for the drive home and quite a spectacle to marvel at during the viewing. Damn fine work for a first time writer/director; this is one to watch for most certainly.

Trailer is below the seats, or over HERE

Moon trailer [ 0:01 | 32.58 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup