The Invasion

It's a new version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, or rather an adaptation of Jack Finney's book. I must say, I really love both previous films (from 1956 and 1978), and I appreciate how they convey a strong sense of something happening that also affects the viewer. From this latest film, I simply didn't have that feeling. Instead, I felt it was just an okay thriller where Nicole Kidman didn't particularly stand out. She does have quite nicely framed shots of her behind in some scenes, though. However, that shouldn't be the main takeaway from such a film. (2014-03-31)

For fans of the genre, The Invasion offers a decent dose of spookiness with the still beautiful Nicole Kidman. Casting Daniel Craig as the male lead was a bit strange, but interesting. The biggest failing of the movie is its unoriginal script, which just recycles what we’ve seen in all those “invasions of body snatchers” and The X-Files, without throwing anything original into the mix. On the other hand, I wasn’t bored for a single second. Of course, Spielberg’s War of the Worlds is more exciting and powerful, but The Invasion doesn’t lack some decent tension. This tension is doled out gradually, in a more intimate way and with more subtle emotional nuances. (2007-10-19)

Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig are certainly not the ideal dream couple, although two attempts were made. Besides, it's a shame to cast Kidman in action movies. But in terms of being average, The Invasion can be tolerated. It's nothing we haven't seen many times before, but why bother despising a relaxing genre? There's going to be another version of this so enough anyway. (2009-02-04)

There is nothing left for me but a little comparison - Invasion and the newer The Box. Both films are sci-fi with elements of horror and thriller, played by likable blondes, well-known and famous actresses with likable counterparts, both movies feature crowds of people marching through the streets without emotions and with washed brains, Invasion has a faster and more action-packed plot, but lacks the presence of the fascinating Frank Langella. From the aforementioned it follows - both films are rather mediocre and I would rather focus on other things than watching such stupid stories. (2009-11-24)

A slightly unfortunate combination of two creative approaches that allow neither for a full connection to the psychological level of the premise, nor for the film to be a gripping dark thriller. The material, however, is promising; there are parts where the film irradiates hopelessness and we root for the female lead, but the last act only telegraphs the main ideas of the story, which can’t develop in an interesting way and ultimately lead to a trivial finale. The previous versions managed to give this smart material a far more subtle and distinctive touch. (2019-09-24)