Spectral

It is amazing how much you can find on streaming services as Netflix. Films in all genres, for all ages, and they make a lot of tv series, documentaries and films on their own. In fact, i have seen some really good tv series on Netflix, such as Daredevil and Better Call Saul. I did also see the documentary Amanda Knox, where we got more information on the brutal murder case in Italy. Interesting documentary, with a different perspective surrounding the world famous case. Of course there is much more to check out, and i could mention much more. But i think this would be the perfect time to mention a Netflix produced film called Beasts Of No Nation. A very disturbing look into how young children become soldiers in Africa, with absolutely brilliant acting. Especially from Idris Elba as the brutal Commandant. This film really proved that Netflix could make their own films, on a very high quality level of film making. Since the big film studios are having problems with certain films, with bad box office numbers, it looks like streaming services might be a good way to reach out to film lovers. Of course we need to keep the cinemas going worldwide, because they are needed. But it is always good to give films a chance to be seen, in easier ways. I recently read that Netflix is working on more new films, so i suppose we should be happy. I wonder if they will make a remake of Critters one day ? That could be interesting. New titles are always interesting, especially with talented actors included. I recently logged in on Netflix to look what have been released lately, just to keep updated. And i discovered that i have not seen some new tv series and films. So i decided to check out Stranger Things, What a lovely tribute to the science fiction of the 80´s, great casting, great looking special effects and love the intro tune. Really pleased to see Winona Ryder do a really strong performance. As i finished the 8 episodes, i came across a Netflix film called Spectral. I have never heard anything about this film, so i had to check it out. One of the first things i noticed in the cast, was Emily Mortimer and Bruce Greenwood. Two actors who have been in several great films in the past. Since i have always enjoyed the combination of science fiction and action, could Spectral be a film that delivers high quality, or is this just a plain and simple story that will be forgotten ?

In Virginia, DARPA researcher Dr. Mark Clyne ( James Badge Dale ) is sent down to Moldava. As he arrives on the US Military Air Base,  in the outskirts of Chisinau, Dr. Mark meets General Orland ( Bruce Greenwood ) and CIA Officer Fran Madison ( Emily Mortimer ). Mark is shown why he have been brought to this base. A team of troops in the field, have been mysteriously killed in battle. At first Mark belive that this could be members of insurgency ( former soldiers loyal to the previous totalitarian regime ), who could be wearing advanced camouflage suits. Washington D.C. gives order to send in a Delta Force team, led by Major Sessions ( Max Martini ). The Delta Force team is supposed to find out what happened to the Utah team, who went missing the day before. The Delta Force team finds out that the Utah team was not killed by ordinary soldiers, but what seems to be some kind of mysterious translucent appariation in a humanoid form. Who are they, and why are they killing people ? This mission will be more complicated than the team ever could have expected.

Since it is christmas time, and you might have been watching classic christmas films, or classic tv shows, you might want to turn into something different.

You want explosions, big guns, and see soldiers kick ass ?

Well, then you will most likely enjoy Spectral, because this is sort of a throwback to classic army movies. I would like to say that Spectral reminded me of two films, Battle Los Angeles and The Darkest Hour. But the difference is that this film is much better than both of them. Both from an acting perspective, but also because it delivers a lot more entertainment in the sci fi action genre. You might think that this is all about killing each other, and being macho. Actually, no. There is much more here. We have soldiers in battle, but they are ordinary humans, with emotions. And in hard times, especially for those who are in war, they need to support each other, no matter what happens. Spectral is sort of a classic story, but combined with a futuristic view on the world, where nothing seems peacefull. Emily Mortimer and Bruce Greenwood show once again that they are actors who know what they are doing. The lead role of James Badge Dale shows that he knows this genre. He was good in the tv series The Pacific, and he also gave a descent performance in 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi. In Spectral he may do his best performance yet in a motion picture. Not in a Oscar nomination way, but still solid enough to make you surprised. Director Nic Mathieu have made a really impressive directorial debut with Spectral. This film is really good looking, have plenty of cool action scenes, and we also get pretty strong characters included. If he can continue making films as solid as Spectral, he will guaranteed have a future as a film maker. I don´t know if he have been influenced by James Cameron´s film Aliens, but somehow you get the feeling that he might have been, while filming Spectral. The CGI actually looks really good, and that does not happen very often in sci fi action films these days, i also love the locations of the military team. Everything is dirty, and hope feels lost, just the way a film like this needs to look like.

I am surprised to say this, but Spectral is actually one of the better action films of 2016. It is rough, dirty and just the way we want a solid action film to be. I suggest you log in on Netflix and gather the family next to the christmas tree, this is without a doubt a film for a white christmas. Anyone happen to have a big gun in their woodshed ? Would be fun to fight some humanoids, now when i have seen all the episodes of Gilmore Girls. What else am i supposed to do until a new season comes ?

Rating: DDDD