Władcy marionetek

With a threat that does not express real danger, unnecessarily exaggerated extraterrestrial atmosphere, cliché conversations in tense moments, and a few good ideas that, however, come from the original, a good and suspenseful adaptation cannot be made. Sutherland is just a one-eyed among the blind. (31.07.2007)

This adaptation of one of the most significant and famous novels by Robert A. Heinlein, a renowned classic of the sci-fi genre, unfortunately did not turn out well. It desperately lacks atmosphere. Heinlein wrote his novel during the Cold War as a certain parallel to the hysteria of that time concerning spy mania, and the novel can be understood as a metaphor for the witch hunts. This theme had much more potential, and even some cheap, yet professionally made B-movies come out better in comparison. The main characters lack charisma, and the biggest star here is Donald Sutherland, who, by the way, is not that dazzling of an actor. In terms of script, direction, and acting performances, it's a bland affair that is mostly boring. However, Greg Cannom's special effects are decent. Overall impression: 50%. (18.06.2006)