The Man Who Fell To Earth..."The Space Between Us"

The Space Between Us (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Asa Butterfield, Gary Oldman, Carla Gugino, Britt Robertson,

Directed by Peter Chelsom

The Story:

Gardner (Butterfield) was the first human born on Mars. His mom died during childbirth, and there was no clue who his father was. Inquisitive, the astronauts that have been at the Mars facility have helped raise him, and he is very smart and inquisitive, but a tad socially awkward. Thanks to technology, he has been in contact with one girl, Tulsa (Robertson) on Earth. What Gardner wants more than anything is to come home to Earth and find his dad, meet Tulsa, and feel what it's like to be human. Unfortunately, since he was born in space, his body and organs are not used to Earth's gravity, and the trip very well may kill him.

Not your typical coming of age storyline, but one that I found enjoyable to watch, cliches and all.

Gardner has pretty much learned anything and everything in life from NASA engineers and technology at his disposal, but he has to still learn what it's like to be human.

He has found a kindred spirit in Tulsa, who longs for a life that is anything but the life she currently lives.

Of course how can a boy who cannot live on Earth come home, find his father, find true love and survive all in the span of 2 hours?

While not perfect, for the most part the movie works just fine from start to finish.

The cast does a fine job, and it's always a pleasure to see Oldman and Gugino in just about any movie.

The ending really works for the film and ties up the narrative nicely

Final Grade: B-

Your Life Could Change "At Middleton"

At Middleton (2013)

Rated R for language and drug use

Starring Andy Garcia, Vera Farmiga, Taissa Farmiga, Spencer Lofranco

Written and Directed by Adam Rogers

The Story:

George (Garcia) is bringing his son, Spencer (Hartman) to Middleton for the day tour.  Spencer has no desire to attend Middleton.  Edith (Farmiga) is bringing her daughter, Audrey (Farmiga) to Middleton.  She's super-stoked, it's the only college she's been dreaming of for years.  All four are going to experience Middleton, and it is going to change their lives.

Forever.

Here's an unusual little film.  I had no idea what to expect when I rented it, but hoped for the best.

It was interesting.

Not great. Not earth-shattering.

But for the most part, engaging.

I'll leave that mostly to Garcia and Farmiga who played their roles as ordinary parents with a little bit of fun, and much less drama than they usually have to bear in their chosen profession.

It's the closest to comedy you might see from either!

That's not to say there's not some dramatic tension.

Naturally the oil and water first meeting disappears over the course of the day and the two bond in the most remarkable way.

When they finally are forced to "act" onstage, it is some pretty good dialogue, and you can feel the years of anger and pain coming from them.

Good stuff.

Meanwhile, the kids storyline which brought them to the college sort of gets the short end of the stick, but in a way, it's for the best.

They end up having their ideas of adult life changed and shaped forever after a simple day in the life of a college.

Final Grade: B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it, but I wouldn't be opposed to watching it again.  Garcia really made this one work for me.  Good job.