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The Invasion [2007]
![The Invasion [2007]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IUukmWpDL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £15.99
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk
The Invasion deserves a second chance on DVD. This ambitious sci-fi thriller represents a flawed yet worthy attempt to bring contemporary vitality to Jack Finney's classic science fiction novel, previously filmed as Don Siegel's 1956 classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Philip Kaufman's suspenseful 1978 remake, and Abel Ferrara's highly underrated Body Snatchers from 1994. And while those earlier films are superior in many respects, The Invasion is not without strengths of its own, particularly for those who prefer action and suspense. Unfortunately these strengths were compromised by the unpredictable misfortunes of production: Original director Oliver Hirschbiegel (hired on the strength of Downfall) was eventually replaced by James McTiegue (V for Vendetta), and the Wachowski Brothers (of Matrix trilogy fame) added high-octane action sequences to the original screenplay by David Kajganich. Perhaps the movie had a curse on it (star Nicole Kidman was almost seriously injured in a stunt-car mishap during last-minute re-shoots), but it's really just a matter of disparate ingredients that don't always fit together, resulting in a slick-looking film that can't decide if it's a sci-fi mystery, action thriller, or political allegory. It tries too hard to be all things at once.
Despite this, Kidman rises to the occasion with a solid performance as Carol, a Washington, D.C. psychiatrist who's convinced (with the help of costars Daniel Craig and Jeffrey Wright) that a flu-like virus is spreading throughout the population, its alien spores turning victims into soulless "pod people"... only in this case without the pods. The idea is that you'll be fine if you don't fall asleep, and especially if you don't let anyone sneeze or vomit on you. (There's a lot of vomiting; don't say you weren't warned.) With a crashing space shuttle to deliver the alien threat, cute tyke Jackson Bond as Carol's threatened son, and a nod to Kaufman's film with a small role for Veronica Cartwright, The Invasion will surely fare better on DVD than it did in theaters. If nothing else, it proves the timeless relevance of Finney's original premise, which continues to inspire a multitude of variations. --Jeff Shannon
I found this film quite exciting, not boring at all. 8/10
Review date: 2008-10-14 Rating: 8 out of 10
The whole film is nice since the start, but the ending part is a bit thin. may be it is because the film time is limited. over all good film!
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Reviews
Worth it.
Review date: 2008-10-10 Rating: 8 out of 10
I don't understand why people don't like this film.
Okay, so it isn't as good as the orignal, but what remake ever is?
Nicole Kidman is very realistic as the phycologist and single parent who must save her child from emotionless clones.
Daniel Craig is the doctor trying to find the cure.
The film has two big actors and they both did well in their roles. I was interested all the way through and there were a couple of scenes which gave me the shivers.
I have heard reviewers comment on the ending of this film and I will agree with them there, but you can't hold that against it.
Overall, this film, all though won't keep you talking about it in twenty years time, is defianetly worth seeing.
Why?
Review date: 2008-06-06 Rating: 4 out of 10
What might attract people to this film? It's a sci-fi story of good heritage, Kidman, Craig and Northam in lead roles and everything seemed to be in place for a riveting watch.
But it's not. It feels thin and unfulfilled throughout...the plot builds and builds and then it seems like the producers got bored with their own movie and brought the story to an abrupt end. I gave it two stars because Ms Kidman is always very watchable, but with Daniel Craig it reminded me of some of the naff films Roger Moore did alongside his tenure as bond. I'm sure Craig will shortly redeem himself in the next 007 outing.
There is some good atmospheric cinematography and stunt work, but everything considered it's a bit of a disappointment. And a waste of a good Jag...
Good solid performances, shame about the end!
Review date: 2008-05-16 Rating: 6 out of 10
A fast paced, creepy movie with a huge tense build-up (the moment Kidman has a salesman call at her front door is very scary) with top notch performances from the main characters and then... a rushed, disappointing ending which leaves you feeling cheated. A shame, could have been a real classic chiller if this had been addressed. A special credit should go to Kidman's on screen Son who acted the role in a non-slushy way as usually happens in similar American movies.
"I'll get you and your little dog too"
Review date: 2008-04-26 Rating: 6 out of 10
The Space Shuttle returns with a vinous that take over people when they sleep.
Sound familiar? Yep it is the second "popular" remake of the 1950's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." And based on the book "The Body Snatchers" by Jack Finney. With the exception that it is more up-to-date with technology they have brought back the old time suspense build up as apposed to just gore. It is almost flawless with the exception of the exception of the cell phones. First thing aliens would take over unless we are already subjects of automation invasion. Oh no that is a different movie.
The production is a vehicle for lots of old popular actors as cameos in this film. However the main actors, including Nicole Kidman are still good at their craft.
Music by John Ottman so permeated the movie that we do not get any down time to think.
Visual effects supervisor Boyd Shermis show the only bad CGI scene of a helicopter; other than that they do not let the graphics overwhelm the story as is the tendency today.
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For those interested in Blu-ray, it nether adds or subtracts from the film. There is an advantage that you can fast forward with sound. Oh yes and lots of DVD extras including an advertisement for the latest Warner Blu-ray.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Nicole Kidman
Jeremy Northam
Jackson Bond
Daniel Craig
Creators:
Nicole Kidman (Primary Contributor)
Daniel Craig (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900701389
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-02-25
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2007
Language: English (Unknown)
Language: English (Original Language)