Event Horizon

I missed Event Horizon in theaters in 1997, and ignored the film based on the reviews I'd seen, which pretty much savaged this film like Sam Neill on a Satan bender in space.  Spoiler alert?

About two years ago, I happened across the Amazon listing for the DVD.  I'm not sure how; I probably was surfing and clicking on Amazon recommendations or something.  I saw gobs of 4 and 5-star reviews.  I couldn't figure out where all these positive reviews came from because I only knew this film as a steaming turd.

But I was feeling adventurous, and in the mood for something messed up, maybe.  I decided to buy this one blind (ironic?), so away I went to Fry's Electronics while the wife was away on a trip, and a short time later, I was watching Event Horizon for the first time.

I can understand why people's opinions are so split.  The film is slow to start, with only some loud noises and a weird dream prior to the 24:00 mark, when actual people go inside the Event Horizon.  Madness ensues not long after that.  We get creepy lights, a floaty glove (or is that a hand?), and lots and lots of blood.  And we're only at the 28:00 mark now.  The obvious Alien parallels are here, along with the Hellraiser ones.  There's not much earth-shattering here in terms of plot.

Event Horizon deserves kudos for set design, makeup, and cutting-edge special effects (for 1997).  The premise is ludicrous, some of the acting comes up lame, and I get a little tired of the loud noises-as-scary moments in lieu of a plot.  But the film doesn't quite deserve all the ripping.

My father-in-law calls this film boring and slow, while my brother-in-law really enjoys this one, even if he admits Event Horizon is "messed up."  I'll admit the film could move a little faster, and could go even further into "messed up" territory, but then again, go much further and you might drive the audience mad.  What is seen cannot be unseen.

Judging from the split reviews, they might not be far off.  This film goes into some seriously dark territory.  (See what I did there?  Space?  Dark?  Anybody?  Hello?)  Although this one doesn't quite become a classic film, or even a classic B-movie, damn, Event Horizon sure tries.

I respect that.  That's why I keep this one.