The Obsessive Viewer

Release Date: August 2^nd, 2013

Director: Sebastián Cordero

Writer: Philip Gelatt

Stars: Embeth Davidtz, Sharlto Copley, Michael Nyqvist

MPAA Rating: PG-13

This movie came out of nowhere for me. Tiny posted it on Facebook last week and I have to say I am very intrigued. It’s about a manned mission to one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa, in the hopes of finding evidence of extraterrestrial life.

The trailer looks like an inventively slick sci-fi horror movie. These days this brand of movie comes a dime a dozen. This year is especially replete with its share of high budgeted science fiction fare. So why should Europa Report be on your radar?

Well, look at it! It looks like the special effects establish a hyper-realistic atmosphere. The trailer isn’t modest either, as it flashes blurbs filled with high praise from a variety of outlets. The movie appears to be have more in common with 2001: A Space Odyssey than Prometheus when it comes to scientific accuracy. That’s a plus. I’m a Prometheus apologist but I have no trouble agreeing that the scientist characters in the movie rarely did anything a real scientist would…like use logic and reasoning.

Check out the trailer for Europa Report below. It looks like what Apollo 18 should have been (sans the gimmick of found footage). It also reminds me of a personal favorite movie of mine, Danny Boyle’s Sunshine. You can currently check out the movie on iTunes or on demand. It has a theatrical release date next month as well.

As much as I want to see this movie in the theater, I wouldn’t be surprised if I broke down and grabbed it off iTunes soon.

Share your thoughts on Europa Report in the comments. And, of course, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @ObsessiveViewer and like The Obsessive Viewer on Facebook. Also, be sure to check out The Obsessive Viewer Podcast and subscribe to it on iTunes.