NOW ON NETFLIX: "Snowpiercer"

By Robert Weil on October 30, 2014

http://teaser-trailer.com/movie/snowpiercer/

It took me quite a while to realize that the Reitz Union has a movie theater that has weekly free movies, let alone take advantage of it.

But now that I’m in the know, I take advantage of it quite regularly and one thing that I’ve learned is that sometimes free is a little too pricey for movies.

So that’s where I come in. This week’s feature is yet another dystopian look at the future of Earth and the class struggles that inevitably follow in Bong Joon-ho’s (The Host) “Snowpiercer.”

Unusual name, but an exciting cast including Chris Evans, star of the hit film “The Perfect Score,” Tilda Swinton, and Ed Harris sell this farfetched concept.

Pay attention to the static-laden radio transmissions that accompany the opening credits or you’ll miss an important plot point. Global warming and human meddling has forced the remnants of humanity on to a train that is forced to constantly circle the planet.

Proximity to the engine is representative of one’s station at life, with the poorest living in the caboose under the worst conditions. The film starts with the lower-classes already at their breaking point and the filmmaker does a great job of portraying the conditions that brought these people to the breaking point.

A very novel concept full of clever devices regarding the almost religious view and fervent need for order on the train guided by the “Sacred Engine.”

Future “Fantastic Four” cast member Jamie Bell teams up with F4 alum Evans and serves as the comedic yet frustrated relief to Evans’ solemn humble leadership, which quickly turns to hardened man on a mission.

But Swinton steals the show with her odd and eerie performance and Ah-sung Ko is enigmatic and full of wonder as the young Yona. The movie progresses at a good pace with the mystery of each train car keeping you involved and fights scenes that are not too long or unnecessarily gory keep it moving forward.

An emotional soliloquy by Evans is forced at best and accompanies an overall melodramatic performance, but it’s not enough to spoil the entertainment factor of this dark and utilitarian story.

Overlong, yet somehow leaves you wanting more answers at the end, but not in the thought-provoking mirror-to-society way you would expect. Worth the time and price the Reitz Union is charging, but probably little more than that.

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