The Space Between Us

22 January 2018

The Space Between Us 2017

• Director: Peter Chelsom
• Based on the novel: no
• Cast: Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Carla Gugino, Britt Robertson, Janet Montgomery,
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Gary Oldman – The Dark Knight Arises, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Harry Potter, The Book of Eli, The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, Friends, The Fifth Element, Immortal Beloved, Léon, Romeo Is Bleeding, True Romance, Dracula, JFK, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Prick Up Your Ears, Sid and Nancy, Meanwhile
• Asa Butterfield – Hugo, Merlin, Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Son of Rambow
• Carla Gugino – Every Day Life, This Boy’s Life, ALF
• Britt Robertson – Dan in Real Life
• Janet Montgomery – Dancing on the Edge, Merlin, Black Swan
• Why? Gary Oldman
• Seen: 21 January 2018      

       Six astronauts are being sent to Mars to establish a permanent colony. The captain of the expedition, Sarah Elliot (Montgomery), just happens to be pregnant. The baby is born on Mars and survives. Sarah dies.

       The project leader and head of the technology company behind the expedition, Nathaniel (Oldman), argues convincingly that the child, who could not survive the trip back to Earth, must be kept a secret.

       Sixteen years later. The Mars colony has a dozen or more inhabitants and is thriving as a research centre. Gardner Elliot (Butterfield) resents being a secret and wants to go to Earth. He has a chat friend Tulsa (Robertson) on Earth who doesn’t know he’s trapped on Mars. She has been raised in a series of foster homes and is now bullied in her high school.

       Medical treatment makes it possible to bring Gardner to Earth. His health there is uncertain. Afraid that he will be sent back to Mars he escapes. He heads for Colorado to find Tulsa. Nathanial and Gardner’s foster mother Kendra (Gugino), who returned from Mars with Gardner, are hot on his trail.

       Gardner’s total nerdiness in encountering the people and life on Earth is touchingly funny. The whole premise is credible and fascinating. the chase is dramatic.

       Gary Oldman is always 5*, at least. The whole film almost gets there too. A bit soapy at times but still

4 ½ * of 5