Passengers

THE GIST: A 120-year journey to a distant colony on a new planet ends prematurely for Jim Preston, an unlucky passenger whose hibernation pod malfunctions after just 30 years. Faced with the heartbreaking and psychologically devastating certainties of never getting to see the new world nor having any company to interact with for the rest of his life, he starts to ponder the choice of waking another passenger from hibernation.

Passengers poses some very interesting questions that don't necessarily have easy answers. Sure, ethics and morality would point to the same result, but what would you do if you were stuck in space with no way out, nor back, nor even forward really? How long before desperation would kick in?

Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, two good and very likable actors, are perfectly cast in the lead roles. Michael Sheen also has a pretty interesting role.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The sci-fi aspects of this movie, while very well produced, are secondary to the dramatic and romantic facets. A very good film.

Grade: 8