(This review may contain spoilers).
I can’t really remember the first time I watched this movie… but I know I enjoyed it before; and I did again this time.
The concept was a particularly intriguing one. I liked the idea of having the actors mistaken for the characters they played. It was good to see the actors jaded and trying to make ends meet by attending conventions and making appearances… but to see them so disillusioned with the show and with the fans.
I liked the Thermians. There was a lot about them that seemed really innocent and naive. While they clearly had the technology to build things, the fact that they kept looking to the actors for help and guidance was really sweet. Mathesar in particular was a character I felt able to empathise with and I could understand his need to have someone save them… even though he is capable of acting under his own steam by the end.
Sarris was a thoroughly awful villain with no redeeming qualities… though that did make it clear who the bad guy was. I would have been interested to know where the Thermians took their inspiration for the human guises they wear.
I especially liked Quellek’s character. His eagerness to be accepted by Alexander is very endearing and it’s good to see that the friendship is eventually reciprocated. I also liked the fact that Fred Kwan and Laliari developed feelings for each other… even though I did think their interactions could have been developed to make it more realistic.
There were some nice elements of foreshadowing and it was particularly cool to see some of the fans play a big part in this movie. While there weren’t loads of special effects, there was a lot about this film that was entertaining. It was amusing in parts… but it was good to see that there was a more serious element to the film as well.
I recognised quite a few of the actors in this movie and have seen and enjoyed their work in other roles as well. I’m sure I would enjoy watching this movie again in the future.
Ink of Blood 