Terrarium (2003)

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

TERRARIUM is an indie-budget science fiction thriller that was shot in somebody's back yard, so you get an idea of just how cheap it really. The story has a bunch of astronauts crash-landing their spacecraft on an alien planet, where they're trapped and attacked by an alien with glowing red eyes. This single location outing contains laughable production values, cardboard sets, and actors who never have a chance. It's painfully slow to boot, and really has to be seen to be believed.

Twelve astronauts who volunteer to pioneer a colony on a newly discovered planet are awoke from fifteen years of cybersleep after their spaceship crashes on a mysterious planet. Moreover, there's a ferocious and carnivorous simian humanoid beast on board their vessel with them. Writer/director Mike Conway relates the engrossing and entertaining story at a brisk pace, milks plenty of nerve-rattling tension from the claustrophobic opening act, delivers a decent smattering of gore, and stages the thrilling action in the lively and exciting last third with flair and skill. The game no-name cast give acceptable performances, with especially nice work from Tim Daley as the stoic Captain Carl Halsey, Jason Hall as the sarcastic Leonard Parks, Shae Wilson as the feisty Dena Warren, and Conway as the optimistic Wayne Bower. In addition, the plot keeps you guessing throughout about what's really going on, the alien creatures look pretty cool, and the CGI effects are surprisingly passable. Both the fairly polished cinematography and the rousing synthesizer score are up to speed. Plus it's done with a genuine go-for-it enthusiasm and sincerity that's impossible to either resist or dislike. Considering the modest budget, this one's really an impressive piece of genre filmmaking that combines horror and science fiction elements into a solid and enjoyable whole.

I had been waiting for so long. I planned on buying it when it was Terrarium. Waited too long and found out it was no longer for sale and the movie title had changed because it was bought by Lionsgate. Rented it yesterday and finally got to see the movie. And while not a big budget/Hollywood extravaganza this movie is great. I'm glad the movie didn't have big effects. I think it would have taken away from the movie and what the director accomplished with the budget he worked with. Also how many nobudget films can you name that are scifi besides CL.one, Primer etc; and nobudget films that aren't zombie flicks or slasher etc.? The acting wasn't Oscar winning, but they were believable. I like the ending. It keeps you wondering what will happen next; instead of being told.

Terrarium (aka-War of the Planets) is an awesome movie. Especially if you know the story behind it! Mike Conway did an incredible job with such a small budget and limited time. It's truly an awesome success story for someone who works primarily as a banquet captain to write/produce/direct/score/act,etc. in a movie like this.I love the DVD and the fact that it contains the short "Roadkill". Roadkill will easily be the best 14 minutes you spend EVER. That may be going a little far, but seriously for a short film, to pack as much action, suspense and sheer fun, Mike Conway should be lauded.Although, I might be a little biased...I happen to be one of the stars of "Roadkill". But seriously...it's a great DVD...Terrarium, Roadkill and all the extras...Nice Job, Mike...keep it up brother!