Is Moon the Best Low-Budget Sci-Fi Movie of Recent Years?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the film "Moon," a low-budget science fiction movie released within the last few years. Participants share their opinions on its quality, thematic elements, and comparisons to other sci-fi films, exploring both its merits and shortcomings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enjoyment of "Moon," highlighting its atmosphere and emotional quality, particularly praising Sam Rockwell's performance.
  • Others compare "Moon" to films like "Silent Running" and "Sunshine," suggesting it has a similar feel but with a unique edge.
  • One participant argues that "Moon" is not the best sci-fi film of recent years, suggesting that the medium of film is not ideal for science fiction.
  • Another participant found "Moon" boring and less psychologically thrilling than expected, recommending "Europa Report" as a more engaging alternative.
  • Some acknowledge the slow pacing of "Moon" and clarify that it is not intended to be a psychological thriller.
  • Participants mention other low-budget sci-fi films like "Cargo," "Elysium," and "District 9," discussing their qualities and impact on the genre.
  • A detail about the film's company being Korean is noted, with speculation about its relevance to contemporary issues in cloning research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions about "Moon," with no clear consensus on its status as the best low-budget sci-fi movie. Some appreciate it while others critique its pacing and psychological depth.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the challenges of producing sci-fi films, including budget constraints and the balance between special effects and narrative quality.

solar71
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Anyone else seen this somewhat low budget Scifi movie?

Its not that old, say maybe 3-5 years. Called "Moon"
Very cool with a lot of atmosphere.

If you haven't seen it yet, do yourselves a favor and do so.

Anyone else a fan?
 
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It's pretty good yeah - similar in feel to Silent Running and Sunshine only more bite.
There is a lot of good stuff at the lower budget end.

Also see event 16 and Monsters for what can be done at the ultra-low budget end.
 
It's not bad, I wouldn't consider it the best science fiction of recent years by a long shot (unless you are only counting film, a poor medium for science fiction IMO).
 
I'm sorry, I disagree. It's not terrible, but I found it to be boring and much less psychologically thrilling than I had hoped.

I would recommend "Europa Report" which is another low-budget film (it's idependent) about a crew that goes to Europa to probe the icy waters and report back. It's made in documentary form so you get a realistic feel. With moon, I just couldn't buy it.
 
I found it to be boring and much less psychologically thrilling than I had hoped
Well it is slow paced and not actually intended to be a psychological thriller so fair comment.
 
I really enjoyed it. And what's not to like about Sam Rockwell?

Cargo is another relatively unknown sci-fi film.
 
Funny, just before logging to PF I was listening to



IMHO music is the best part of the movie, but the movie is not bad. Just not convincing.
 
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ref Best SciFi in a long time. Moon

Sadly true IMHO

I went in expecting little but came out pleasantly surprised..worth watching that's for sure.
 
@Fermifaq:
Welcome to PF;
It just got eclipsed by Gravity though didn't it?

Note: sci-fi is quite difficult to get made ... producers seem to have the impression that they don't do very well for the outlay. That is slowly changing as CGI gets cheaper - but you still have costumes and physics to get right without turning it into a college lecture.
 
  • #10
Yes, the best thing about Moon - but the special effects are pretty good for a low-budget production - is its emotional quality. I.e. the music, and Sam Rockwell looking even worse than usual.

Right now, you should review Elysium and District 9 side by side. As not-bad as Elysium is, District 9 was probably the most original SF in a decade.
 
  • #11
Did anyone else pick up on the little detail that the company was Korean? I don't think it was coincidental - I believe it was to capitalise on Korean researchers being in the limelight for mammalian (and human embryonic stem cell) cloning (including the Hwang scandal, etc.).
 

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