Massive spoilers hide on the moon!
Set in a dystopian future far too close to reality for comfort, a team of astronauts heads to retrieve mysterious samples known as “lunar water” from an abandoned research space station!
Based on a 2014 short film called ‘The Sea of Tranquility’ written and directed by Choi Hang-yong, who also directed the Netflix series, the show wastes no time diving right into a complete lack of water planet-wide, due to something collectively known as desertification. Everyone now lives on a class system of colored badges to obtain their water; no pets are allowed pretty much anywhere anymore; food is dwindling, greens are almost unheard-of, meat is gone too. The class system that humanity has reluctantly settled into generally reserves the high echelons of water rations for the big-brained scientist types going bald trying to figure a solution to the water crisis, and that’s where we meet our central character for the first time – Doctor Song Ji-an (Bae Doona), an astrobiologist that the Ministry of National Defense insists absolutely must be part of this mission.
The lead of the team of astronauts headed to Balhae Base Research Station is Captain Han Yoon-jae (Gong Yoo). With the safety of his crew as the primary concern and limited information on the supposed “accidental radiation leak” of the station, Captain Han has an inevitable secret set of orders concerning the “lunar water” too. So does Lieutenant Ryoo Tae-suk, head engineer and former elite of the Ministry of National Defense, as well as main ships pilot Lieutenant Kim Sun (Lee Sung-wook), co-pilot Lee Gi-su (Choi Yong-woo) who switched with the real guy at the last minute, even mission Doctor Hong Ga-young (Kim Sun-young) has secret motivations for being here. And Dr. Song has purely personal reasons for wanting to investigate the “accidental radiation leak” that killed her sister, which never actually was. So what were they doing out in Balhae Base Research Station?
So basically, a kind of water was discovered on the moon, and Balhae Base was being used as a trial run for human-fish hybrid experimentation involving the “lunar water”. The last surviving person on the station after the horrific purge when the experiments inevitably got out of hand happens to be someone connected to Director Choi (Gil Hae-yeon), boss of the entire Space and Aeronautics Administration, and she wants it hushed up tighter than a dolphins butt, stat. The poor girl known only as “Luna 073” (Kim Si-a), a monster hybrid that resulted from the greed and utter foolishness of humanity is understandably, justifiably, enraged at the treatment forced upon her, and wastes no time making her stance on the whole “lunar water” debacle known to the surviving members of the Balhae Base rescue mission.
But is it a rescue mission, after all? The crew each came to Balhae Base with darker motivations, mostly “hush it all up with murder” type orders, and yet the one person who seemed to hold onto her stoicism throughout the mummification of humanity back on Earth, Dr. Song, finds the strength to grasp onto shreds remaining of human feeling and save Luna.
A bleak and depressingly real potential take on the evils humanity does to each other when the things we take for granted as rights, like water, are scarce enough to be considered nonexistent, The Silent Sea serves as a fine viewing and reminder to not let damp secrets fester into soul rot!
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‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
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Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
Movie
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.