'Moon' review

Sam Rockwell (Credit: Mark Tille/Sony Classics)

Astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the end of a three-year contract as a solitary miner based on the moon. His only companion is the computer system (nicknamed Gerty and shrewdly voiced by Kevin Spacey) that plans his routines, takes care of him and occasionally provides him with taped messages from his family back on Earth. An unexpected visitor crashes this lonely lunarscape in the form of a mysterious man (also Rockwell) who looks and acts just like Sam—only younger and more vibrant. But is this second Sam real or imaginary? Human or…something else?

The buzz: It has already been a good summer for sci-fi, with the reenergized “Star Trek” leading the box office pack. The challenge for “Moon” is to extend that heat to the indie arena—not always a friendly environment for genre films, but hopefully a receptive place for a movie that’s more about ideas than action. Taking charge behind the camera is first time filmmaker Duncan Jones, a British commercial and music video director who also happens to be the son of David Bowie.

The verdict: No disrespect intended to the terrifically enjoyable wind-up toy that is “Star Trek,” but “Moon” is the greater artistic achievement. A thrilling throwback to thoughtful sci-fi films like “Blade Runner” and “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Moon” makes the most of a low budget and provides a striking showcase for the always intriguing Rockwell. Far from a cheap gimmick, Sam’s close encounters with himself supply the film with suspense, humor and surprisingly resonant emotion. Jones’ accomplished debut is elegant and ambitious—especially considering his budget and the predominant belief that sci-fi has to be flashy to find an audience. He sets out to reclaim the humanity in a genre that’s been overtaken by special effects and the opportunity to spin-off toys and videogames. He succeeds. You don’t have to be a sci-fi fan to appreciate that.

Did you know? Jones conceived this idea specifically for Rockwell, who he had met for another project, and then turned to writer Nathan Parker to craft the script.

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