The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

Orbiting a planet on the brink of war, scientists test a device to solve an energy crisis, and end up face-to-face with a dark alternate reality. (IMDb)

Cheesy expository dialogue and a chemistry-less cast of characters get things off to a rough start, but it sort of morphed into an enjoyably campy sci-fi romp with an appreciably eclectic cast when there was just a bunch of super weird/gross things happening (“What are you talking about, arm?”). But before long, uber-serious and unintelligible science-y plot-speak, bland character drama, and a distant-in-every-way side plot on earth take over and ruin the film’s chances of being decent.

5.5/10 (Poor)

 

Colonia (2015)

A thrilling premise fails to dig in for much of the film: The central couple has little chemistry, providing a weak foundation for the adventure to follow; Lena’s journey into Colonia is lazily written (it’s much too easy); and the initial scenes at the colony feel cliché. As the story dispenses with its contrived plot set-ups and dialogue and entrenches itself in the creepy cult setting, however, the tension starts to build with chilling discoveries and escape excitement right until the end.

5