Monday, May 14, 2018

Movie review: Beyond Skyline

 
 A suspended cop retrieving his son from an L.A. jail finds himself smack in the middle of an alien invasion. Teaming up with other survivors, Mark's only thought is of rescuing his son from captivity inside an alien warship.

Frank Grillo (Mark), Bojana Novakovic (Audrey), Jonny Weston (Trent), Callan Mulvey (Harper), Antonio Fargas (Sarge), Pamelyn Chee (Kanya), Jacob Vargas (Garcia), Iko Uwais (Sua). Lindsey Morgan (Capt. Rose).

Beyond Skyline is not really a sequel, but rather a parallel storyline to the original. The film begins well introducing some characters and the main storyline; an alien invasion. From there Mark steps up to save the world, and his son, from aliens. Teaming with other survivors, they fight back against the aliens in a long cat-and-mouse story of action interrupted by some less than entertaining dramatic moments that are never fully explained.

Acting was disappointing compared to the original. Grillo does okay but I doubt anyone could believe him as a cop for very long. Weston played the angry child well but just didn't feel he fit. Novakovic was okay but again, didn't feel like a fit for her role. Nor did Vargas. The remainder of the cast was tepid at best.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds feel fairly consistent with the original, and realistic. CGI, action scenes, and aliens were enjoyable and over the top only infrequently. Dialogue was choppy and left more than a few holes. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Sadly Beyond Skyline doesn't quite measure up to the original. The plot lacked originality and had more than a few holes. Acting was lacking while technical work just made the grade. Those who enjoyed the original may be slightly disappointed, along with those who like a solid Sci-Fi Action flick.

With foul language, violence, mild sexuality, and disturbing images, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 4.23.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Action

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

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