65

When "Jurassic Park" was released in 1993, little did we know the number of films that have been inspired by that film that have been released since. I don't mean this as a negative, but I can't help but think that "65" wasn't influenced by "Jurassic Park". This is certainly a plus for me considering I am quite the fan of 'Jurassic'.

After a catastrophic crash on an unknown planet, pilot Commander Mills (Adam Driver) quickly discovers he's actually stranded on Earth...65 million years ago. Now, with only one chance at rescue, Mills and the only other survivor, Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), must make their way across an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures in an epic fight to survive. The ship separated on impact and the only working pod was on the other side of this terrain, so it was either wait for the distress call to kick in or take their chances with confronting these beasts. Will they make it?

Others to round out the cast are Chloe Coleman as Nevine, Mills' daughter, Nika King as Alya, Mills' wife and Brian Dare as the voice for the Zoic ship.

This was directed with heart-pounding intensity by Scott Beck ("Lost/Found" '03, "University Heights" '04, "The Bride Wore Blood" '06, "Spread" (TV movie) '12, "Nightlight" '15, "Haunt" '19) plus TV and shorts and Bryan Woods ("For Always" '04, "Her Summer" '04, "The Bride Wore Blood" '06, "Spread" (TV movie) '12, "Nightlight" '15, "Haunt" '19) plus TV and shorts. These filmmakers definitely pulled out all the stops in this gripping, intensified sci-fi thriller that, through their intense direction of extracting the correct amount of fear and determination out of these actors, were able to provide the audience with that one two punch in the gut. This film was also grippingly written by Scott Beck ("Lost/Found" '03, "University Heights" '04, "The Bride Wore Blood" '06, "Spread" (TV movie) '12, "Nightlight" '15, "A Quiet Place" '18, "Haunt" '19, "A Quiet Place Part II" (based on characters created by) '20) plus TV and shorts and Bryan Woods ( same resume as Beck). After a point, these filmmakers became a team and that is a plus since it shows continuity. This script put the 'I' in intensity, in that it being basically an hour and a half running time, it clearly cut to the chase, which I can certainly respect. The premise is a tightly interwoven story in which Mills' mission is in conflict with the fact his daughter is sick and he will be gone on a two year mission, so he's amazingly conflicted. It has that tendency to resemble a sci-fi version of "Jurassic Park", but with an entirely different story, however with attempting to avoid the dinosaurs, it definitely has its similarities, but I look at that aspect as more of a homage than anything. 

If you like "A Quiet Place" or even "Jurassic Park", you will love this. There is another slant to the premise of this that the trailer doesn't actually provide. So, in case some haven't figured that out, I encourage you to go see this and you'll see this huge twist in the film. Anyway, to really appreciate this film, you must experience it on the large screen to revel in the full impact. It's a nail biter from almost first frame to last. Enjoy this thrill ride--I know I did!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG-13                                      92mins.