Skyline

Synopsis: Strange lights descend on the city of Los Angeles, drawing people outside like moths to a flame where an extraterrestrial force threatens to swallow the entire human population off the face of the Earth.

Release Date: November 12, 2010     MPAA Rating: PG-13

Genre(s): Science Fiction, Thriller

Film Review

“RUN!” – every character at some point in Skyline. After a night of partying a small group of people are awoken in the middle of the night to blue lights filling the sky. The iridescent light looks like signal beams reaching down to the ground below. One direct look into the light and it takes hold of you, drawing you in, until suddenly it literally takes you; if the initial light does not get you then one of the flying alien vessels will by scooping you up into an orifice that resembles the female vagina. This is an alien invasion and survival does not appear to be part of the plan. The entire film deals with the invasion and the decisions the group must make to try and stay alive, and escape the aliens. There is a definite feel and tone of an older generation science fiction/monster movie as the deaths are exaggerated, there are lots of gooey substances, and the dialogue is of course full of over the top nonsense on occasion. But Skyline is enjoyable to watch for a science fiction fan and the special effects alone will keep you glued to your seat. The aliens are strong and without weakness; they merely regenerate and become even more pissed off. This is a go for it all take on alien disaster movies where nothing is sacred and human life an unbearable nuisance for the aliens who have only one purpose: to harvest everyone.

*May Contain Minor Spoilers* Setting aside dialogue, as it is as common and forgettable as it can be, let’s focus on change. The story concept behind Skyline, written by Joshua Cordes and Liam O’Donnell, is at its rawest similar to that of a myriad of alien invasion movies. Lights appears in the night sky, the city is attacked by an alien race, humans are killed at will, and no matter what type of weapon goes up against the aliens they are stronger and more advanced. Keeping with those basics the film makes some surprising, and refreshing, changes to the generic science fiction tome these films live within.

To begin, there is a military response but do not expect to see the military making any decisions. The typical address to the nation by the President has been obliterated also. There is in fact absolutely no media coverage of the event or alternate storyline throughout the entire film. When the television is turned on to the news broadcast all you see are empty anchor chairs and the emergency broadcast signal. It is every man for himself. Everything in the film revolves around the very small group of people living, or visiting, the Penthouse of a Marina Del Rey high rise. If you crave the melodramatic woes of citizens as they stand before their television screens seeking comfort from a grand speech you will be disappointed. This is a bare knuckle fight where the time for showy antics or grand gestures does not exist. The invasion is quick and dirty and over within three days. Yes, it has an ending, but expect the unexpected — I do not want to give away the greatest spoiler of all — but I do think anyone who enjoys a good science fiction story will find the end fitting to breaking out of the glamorized mold.

Cast and Crew

• Director(s): The Brothers StrauseThe Brothers Strause
• Producer(s): Joshua CordesLiam O’Donnell
• Screenwriter(s): Eric Balfour (Jarrod)Scottie Thompson (Elaine)Donald Faison (Terry)
• Story: David Zayas (Oliver)
• Cast: Brittany Daniel (Candice)Crystal Reed (Denise)Neil Hopkins (Ray) Nicholas Wayman-HarrisMichael WatsonDrew Dalton
• Editor(s):
• Cinematographer: Matthew Margeson
• Production Designer(s):
• Costume Designer: 
• Casting Director(s): 
• Music Score: 
• Music Performed By: 
• Country Of Origin: USA