Andromeda Strain
Synopsis: After an errant satellite crashes to earth near a remote New Mexico village, the recovery team discovers that almost everyone in town are victims of a horrible death, with the mysterious exception of an infant and an old homeless man. The survivors are brought to a state-of-the-art laboratory descending five stories beneath the ground where the puzzled scientists race against time to determine the nature of the deadly microbe before it wreaks worldwide havoc.
Rating: G
Run Time: 2 Hours 11 Minutes
Director: Robert Wise
Dvd Extra’s: The making of, A portrait of Michael Crichton, Theatrical trailer.
Nudity Factor: A dead women that is topless, males butts as they walk down the hall, naked male but all his privates are covered.
Of Note: Michael Crichton was invited to take a tour of Universal Studios during the production of this film. His guide was none other than Steven Spielberg, who went on to adapt Crichton’s most successful novel, Jurassic Park (1993).
Recommendations:
This film is quite possibly the best adaptation of a book that I have seen as of 2018. Back in the 1970s, filmmakers had to get creative without the help of CGI, and they certainly succeeded with this one. The story revolves around a satellite crash landing in a small town, sparking a chain of events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The scientists in the film are faced with a mystery that could have catastrophic consequences if not solved in time. The film stays true to the novel, utilizing some impressive filming techniques for its time. Sci-fi films from the 70s always found a way to make things work, and I applaud their dedication to staying faithful to the source material.
Now, I must warn you – this is not your typical G-rated movie. There are some scenes that may not be suitable for younger viewers, including some graphic content involving dead bodies and animals. This film would definitely earn a PG-13 rating if released today, so proceed with caution.
Despite its dated feel, the effort put into the sets and production design is truly commendable. However, like many films from that era, there are moments where the pacing may test your patience. Adapting a book to the screen is no easy feat, and while they did a great job overall, there are still some areas that could have been tightened up.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of classic sci-fi and don’t mind a bit of 70s charm, this film is definitely worth a watch. Just be prepared for a few quirks along the way – after all, sometimes a little nostalgia can be a good thing.