serialteg
Sadly, this TV-series is nothing like the book. I mean, that's an exaggeration, but a mild one. I just recently finished reading the Crichton novel, and it's a sad homage to what is a fine piece of sci-fi literature, at least to me. I enjoyed reading it. I did not enjoy watching this tear to shreds what is a very good story. Do yourself a favor, and read the novel instead.There is also a movie from the 70's which I have not yet seen, but have downloaded to watch. I sure hope it's better than this modern version, which to it's tribute, has good visuals. Pretty good CGI. But please, writers please, producers, those on top who dictate, do NOT get in the way of great authors. Respect, please.
Gerry Nelson
I have enjoyed watching the 1971 Move "The Andromeda Strain" Starting Arthur Hill, James Olsen, Kate Reid, Mark Jenkins. many times. I read the book years ago, and I have watched the movie every few years and, though I know the plot and a lot of the dialog, it is an interesting and engaging story which had been nominated for 2 Oscars. It was an interesting, thought provoking film with some fairly tense moments in it. I found the 'new' version yesterday, recorded it, and my wife and I watched it today. As the plot of the film is being developed, somewhat differently than in the original, it becomes clear that something is likely to happen to greatly influence the progress and outcome of this version. Just when the excitement and interest start to ramp up, the story switches gears, A related incident in a town near the affected area of the virus/bug/whatever we are fighting escalates the problem. An unwise decision to proceed with an nuclear weapon meant to 'wipe out the bug' is prematurely instigated. Then the attack appears to be stopped just in the nick of time and in a few seconds, the movie is over. It was just as if there were to be one or more sequels to finish or redirect the story to conclusion, but it just quits, leaving the viewer asking 'Did I fall asleep and miss the ending? I cannot think of a single movie ever that I saw where the movie quit rather than ended. I don't think this was an ending that was supposed to send you home discussing the outcome for days.....Perhaps there is/are sequels I do not know about. If there is no sequel or followups, there are a number of side issues developed that have no meaning at all now.
captainterror-801-260878
This TV-movie had a lot of promise, but failed for three major reasons:1. Horribly heart-breakingly bad story writing.2. Stupidly implausible(and numerous) scenes at key moments of the movie.(One of the main cast has a seizure at the end of the movie, and unknowingly "breaks" a single panel (in a whole room of panels) that prevents the team from disarming a self-destruct device. In almost the same scene, the same cast member Drowns in a tiny pool of water for no apparent reason, cutting Rick Shroeder's thumb off(don't ask)) 3. Rick Schroeder was cast for this film. (Seriously, really?) Everyone involved in the re-making of this movie should be smited. NOT worth a watch nor even a free download: AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
ELOrocks17
After reading many reviews (about 100 of them) on this site, it seems like we have reached a consensus on this junky remake:1. Zero suspense 2. Rainbow cast 3. Ridiculous sub-plots 4. Nonsensical science 5. Shamefull ripoffI would agree with everything above. I too saw the original movie many years ago. It was masterfull in drawing you in to the confines of the plot. The suspense, the isolation, the last best hope of mankind to solve the riddle. Never once did my mind wander as to who theses "actors" were. They were so believable as Top scientists, you left the movie thinking they were real Doctors. The story did not require stupid lame subplots to fuel the movie, the main storyline was more than enough. The end result was a suspenseful, edge of your seat, clock ticking away type movie that left you exhausted at the conclusion, allowing yourself to finally swallow that lump in your throat that has been there the last hour. Bravo!Having said that, lets now examine the remake:This movie (if you can call it that) suffers from what most re-makes do. The times are changing. Gone are the thoughtfull, well made, movies that inspire viewers to use their imagination to think things out. Most movies today are about money, not about accomplishment. This crap is just another excuse to dip into that well of good movies to see if they can squeeze a few more dollars out of it. Instead of making a straight science-fiction movie, the producers no doubt formed a focus group of drunk and stoned college students to see what they want in a movie. Of course, Hollywood has to make sure it offends no one except white people, and of course make every opportunity to bash America. This movie succeeded very well on both counts. The result, more PC/anti-American garbage that plays well in foreign countries. Skip this junk unless you are the type that think SCI-FI original movies are good.
AD
