Skyline Review

Skyline – (15)

Director: Colin Strause, Greg Strause

Cast: Eric Balfour, Donald Faison, Tanya Newbould

Colours to the mast – Independence Day is one of my favourite all time films, and so, unlike the rest of the world, I was quiet excited about Skyline. So imagine my disappointment when it turned out to be a load of tosh.

In fairness, the odds were stacked against it; a relatively unknown cast who previously made their pay in the likes of Scrubs and 24; a media embargo until the day of release, usually a good indication that bad press is inevitable; and worst of all, the directors are the Strause brothers, best know for the AVP (Alien vs Predator – shortened to save space) debacle, and sadly this sees a return to form.

Opening with a scene of mysterious luminous blue lights landing in LA in a very ominous manner, the promise from the trailer of a special effects laden apocalypse-fest seems to be justified.

Promising indeed.

Until, fade to black, followed by the words “16 hours earlier”. And downhill we go…

Cue scenes of an LA thus far unaffected by alien invaders, and cue also efforts to introduce a series of boring, uncharismatic yuppies, none of whom possess any kind of empathy. The appearance of the alien invaders is most welcome, if only for the opportunity to see as many of the key cast have their brains removed as possible. The aliens do attack in spectacular fashion, giving the film it’s one redemption, in that the special effects employed are top drawer.

The Strause brothers show little flair - witness the comical use of slow-down/speed up shots to add “drama” - or awareness of character development, or even a logical script. The initial intriguing premise of alien ships abducting humans via a hypnotic blue light is soon sidelined, while the final scene is ludicrous, firmly planted in the region of sci-fi channel, low budget dross. Skyline is a depressing, meaningless affair which would be best served on the small screen at some ungodly hour.

Rating: 3/10