Skyline (2010) – Movie Review
Introduction
“Skyline,” released in 2010, is a science fiction thriller directed by Greg and Colin Strause. The film explores an alien invasion from a unique perspective, focusing on a group of friends who find themselves trapped in a high-rise building as extraterrestrial forces descend upon Los Angeles. This review will analyze the film’s plot, performances, direction, and overall impact, while also providing information on where to stream or purchase the movie in America.
Plot Summary
“Skyline” follows Jarrod (Eric Balfour) and his girlfriend Elaine (Scottie Thompson) as they travel to Los Angeles to visit their friend Terry (Donald Faison) for a birthday celebration. What begins as a festive weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when strange blue lights descend from the sky, drawing people outside and up into the air.
Jarrod, Elaine, Terry, and the rest of the group—Candice (Brittany Daniel), Denise (Crystal Reed), and Oliver (David Zayas)—must find a way to survive as they witness the city being overrun by monstrous alien machines that harvest human beings. The film captures their desperate attempts to evade capture and find safety, even as the odds grow increasingly bleak.
Performances
The performances in “Skyline” are a mix of earnestness and intensity. Eric Balfour leads the cast with a solid performance as Jarrod, balancing vulnerability and determination. Scottie Thompson as Elaine provides emotional depth, especially as her character deals with unexpected revelations about her future.
Donald Faison brings a relatable charm to Terry, while Brittany Daniel, Crystal Reed, and David Zayas offer strong supporting roles. Despite the limitations of the script, the actors manage to convey a sense of urgency and fear that is crucial to the film’s tension.
Direction and Cinematography
Greg and Colin Strause, known for their work in visual effects, bring their expertise to “Skyline,” creating visually striking sequences of alien invasion and destruction. The film’s special effects are its standout feature, with the aliens and their ships rendered in impressive detail.
The directing duo effectively uses the high-rise setting to build claustrophobia and tension, although the film occasionally suffers from pacing issues. The cinematography captures the chaos and devastation of the invasion, with the nighttime scenes and blue lighting adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Critique
“Skyline” excels in its visual effects and concept, but it struggles with execution in other areas. The plot, while intriguing, lacks depth and coherence, leaving many questions unanswered. Character development is minimal, and the dialogue often feels clichéd and stilted.
The film’s reliance on spectacle sometimes overshadows the need for a compelling narrative. The ending, in particular, leaves viewers with a sense of incompleteness, as it sets up a sequel rather than providing closure. Despite these shortcomings, “Skyline” offers an entertaining experience for fans of alien invasion stories and visual effects-driven films.
Streaming and Purchase Options
For those interested in watching “Skyline,” there are several options available in America:
- Streaming Services: The film is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Starz. Subscribers to these services can watch the movie at no additional cost.
- Rental and Purchase: You can rent or purchase the movie on digital platforms like Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple iTunes, and Vudu. Prices for renting typically range from $2.99 to $3.99, while purchasing the film can cost between $9.99 to $14.99 depending on the platform and video quality.
Conclusion
“Skyline” is a visually impressive film that offers an intense, action-packed depiction of an alien invasion. While it may not satisfy those looking for deep storytelling and character development, it delivers on spectacle and thrills. The film’s unique perspective and special effects make it a worthwhile watch for sci-fi enthusiasts and fans of disaster movies. If you’re in the mood for a high-stakes survival story with extraterrestrial foes, “Skyline” is readily available on various streaming and rental platforms.
