Well, now you know what else I did over this past weekend… Actually, I went to see the movie on opening day. I’m a sucker for anything “Post-Apocalyptic” and when I saw the trailer for this film in November, I’d been counting the days until January 15th, so I could get a look at it!

 

I thought I would be one of the first to see and report back on this one but I was foiled at that attempt. I began to see reviews as early as Friday morning. I didn’t end up getting to go to the theater until a late showing Friday night and I invited a friend to come along… He met me there and never let on until we had our seats that he had indeed already seen the movie that morning. I guess I’m becoming slow on the draw or something, it can’t just be opening day but if you want to get the jump, it has to be the first showing… Anyway, my friend had already decided to see the film a second time and was happy to come along… Crazy! The price of the movies these days keeps me from going to things twice and I usually don’t even see something unless its really going to be worth the price. I’m getting cheap in my old age!

 

Well, what you’ve all been waiting for… YES, this one was worth the price, probably worth twice the price! It was obviously a big budget film, in so  much as it was done very well but the whole thing felt real grounded and the sci-fi elements were kept to a distinct minimum. Other than a few guns that went a little long on the ammo capacity, it was fairly realistic.

 

Our primary character, Denzel Washington, was quite believable and it was easy to identify with him. The world that we found him in wasn’t over played either. There weren’t any souped up motorcycles carrying gender confused skeletons wearing dirty loin clothes, sorry to disappoint all of you that were hoping for a preview of the new Mad Max film we’ve all been waiting for!

 

The disaster was described only as the “FLASH” and had occurred 30 years prior. Apparently mankind had blown a hole in the sky that allowed the suns rays to come through and cook most everything. As we followed the path of Denzel through this wasteland, everything was a virtual desert. The world was now short on food, water and all the usual accoutrements.

 

In the opening scenes, Denzel was show harvesting an emaciated feral cat that was attempting to feed on a recently deceased body. A bit on the grizzly side but true to the times. Everything was being recycled and a premium was offered at the trading post for chapstick. Denzel offered to trade some of his “Cat Oil”, we had seen him saving this from a recent meal, as this was just as good!

 

As I’ve mentioned in the past, I always like to see or read about the trading posts and barter fair scenarios. This movie had a couple of occurrences where our guy had the opportunity to do some trading. Once as he was attempting to get some fresh water and a second time at the trading post for the services of the owner in recharging a battery he carried. It appeared to be an old gel cell sealed battery that he used to power a distant cousin of an IPOD. We all know that tunes will be highly important in the post war future… I jest, a means of escape will probably be more important than any of us realize!

 

As per the formula to any action genre movie, we have to have a damsel! Our’s is played by Mila Kunis and she did a great job! Other than seeing her on “That 70’s Show” years ago, I have never seen her anywhere else. Obviously since I don’t watch a lot of TV, she may be everywhere these days but she was somewhat of a fresh face for me. I was surprised at the acting job she did, if this is any indicator of her capabilities than I’m sure we will be seeing more of her!

 

I’m sure you would all like to know about the “Book”… All I’m going to say is yes it is a bible and one that most of would recognise, not some strange bastardized version we might expect from Hollywood. Additionally, the religious element to this movie was fairly portrayed and I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t anything overtly done to be offensive to Christians. I’d say more but it could give away enough to be considered a spoiler!

 

The film was rated “R” and it could only have been for the action scenes. There was plenty of gun play to keep it interesting and a slightly different twist on the whole cannibalism element, not graphically though. I noticed a little language but nothing in the way of overt sexual content or even gratuitous violence. I wouldn’t categorise this as a family friendly film but depending on your younger teenagers interests, I wouldn’t rule it out just because of the “R” rating!

 

If you’re prone to spending your hard earned money in such a frivelous way, it’s alright I am too, then go see this movie! Many movies over the years have been a big let down when they finally come out and I get a chance to see them. This one wasn’t, I got my moneys worth and I’m sure you will too!

 

Prepper