The end of August brought a head-to-head horror battle between The Final Destination and Halloween II. We all know how that turned out — it wasn't much of a battle (as far as I'm concerned, the wrong film won). This week brings a pair of science fiction films into head-to-head competition in a battle I believe is over before it begins. The deciding factor? One is rated R and the other PG-13. Logic dictates the lower rating will bring bigger crowds, thus more tickets, thus higher box office.
Fame. (2009, minutes, PG, dance/drama) In 1980 the world fell victim to the Fame phenomenon. It was a box office hit and spawned a television series and now it is being reinvented for the big screen. Frankly, I am surprised how little advertising I have seen for it. I saw a trailer for it in the theater maybe once and an equal number of commercials. I guess I must be watching the wrong channels or shows. The film follows a group of students in a performing arts high school and the pressures that come with discovering your identity.
Pandorum. (2009, minutes, R, science fiction/horror) From the producers of Resident Evil comes another science fiction/horror hybrid. This one takes place in space and looks pretty good. Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster play a pair of astronauts who awaken from hyper-sleep, alone, and without their memories. Together they begin to explore the ship and uncover its secrets. What they discover may kill them. It certainly looks like fun to me. I am not expecting anything very deep, but I am expecting to enjoy it. It was directed by up and comer Christian Alvart.
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