"OUTLAND" (1981) (Sci-Fi/Western Video Risk) A worthy spaghetti western set on Io, one of Jupiter's moons. Directed by Peter Hyams ("Capricorn One" ring any bells with anyone?) and starring a rather robust Sean Connery (yes, I am a fan), this film is an above-average thriller. Although sometimes mean-spirited and cliche, it should meet the exacting standards of the ATARI generation. Not recommended for younger viewers, under age 14, unless the edited for television version is being watched. The "High Noon" theme is familiar to most audiences and coupled with the science fiction landscapes makes for solid entertainment.

The Story - Sean is sent to Jupiter's moon Io where serves as a Marshall dispensing justice over a group of rather horny, drug-abusing miners. What they are mining for is not important and the fact that machines in the future should be able to do their jobs is not discussed. Much of the action takes place in the narrow passageways and small compartments of the insulated pressurized station built on the moon. The feelings are claustrophobic and more than one miner flips his lid, literally and figuratively. Sean has a family and wishes to join them on a trip to earth, but first, he has work to do. Duty calls, and Sean answers regardless of need or reason. Its a somewhat corny but worthwhile romp.

The Review - Liked it! I saw this film on video in the mid 80s and thought that it was the coolest. One writer on IMDB called it a precursor to "Blade Runner" released a year later. To me, "Outland" is almost as good as "Blade Runner." Of course, "Blade Runner" contained a terrific performance by one of my favorite actors Rutger Hauer which provides a little more depth than anything present in "Outland." Still, "Outland" is a great shot-em-up.

Where "Blade Runner" played up a man vs. thinking machine story reaching allegorical levels, "Outland" just plays it pretty straight and gives us violence without any heavy handed morals. Any attempt at stretching the story in "Outland" would have been too much.

Of course, this is like saying the "Blade Runner" of the 90s, "The Matrix," was just another kung fu flick. "The Matrix" had a chance to transcend the science fiction genre more than it did, but something was lacking. I plan to watch it again on DVD and report my thoughts back to you. I liked the special effects in "Outland" that hold up even today. Nothing really looked cheap or fake--not that I would have any idea what the moon Io really looks like or what technology will look like so far into the future. The technology in "The Matrix" could be anything, this has intriguing possibilities, discuss.

The closing sequence in "Outland" is a good payoff and satisfied me. On the whole, I would recommend it as a weekday afternoon video risk. Besides, any movie where Sean Connery wields a shotgun in space can't be all that bad, can it?

Jonjathan Hickman