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Reviews
Crater (2023)
CRATER has much more story to tell,
Negative remarks about CRATER appear to fault factual science knowledge of its behind-the-scenes creatives. You know, like rocket powered fighter craft banking in a vacuum the same as winged planes in an atmosphere or the entire crew of enormous starships not being smeared all over the interior bulkheads when the captain gives the helm an order to "...pivot at warp two." But those examples are of no concern. I'm sure those stories are long forgotten.
I enjoyed CRATER the first time I watched it - the fifth time and - I'll probably enjoy it the 60th time. The filmmakers immediately demonstrate their knowledge of Kid Stories. First, ditch the adults. Second, ditch the internet. I would love to see a prequel series explaining the operation of the mining colonies and the Omega Planet settlement program. Lots to unpack here.
There are obligatory, intended or unintended, homages to other films in the genre. Bits of imagery in the rover's cockpit for Star Wars fans. Avid Trekkies might enjoy a line of dialogue from a character who talks in his sleep. The Clarke/Kubrick contingent are included with a TMA-1 type mystery object in the title location.
CRATER has five main characters, all in their mid teens. Recently orphaned, Caleb must have one last adventure with his friends before his 75 year cryogenic trip to Omega on the next transport. Each has a significant issue to deal with concerning their family's life under the lunar helium mining operation's control. At one point they do attempt some fun and games actually reminiscent of Alan Shepard's Apollo 14 golf outing. (By the way, NASA Apollo lunar and command modules didn't have airlocks either, they simply weren't necessary.)
But life isn't all fun and games in the 23rd century. Youthful mistakes are made that threaten obtaining their goal. Individual circumstances bring suppressed animosities to light. Here, the cast's performances shine, working through their problems with anger and cooperation. Being a kid doesn't mean always being happy. The Road-Trippers' realization that the CRATER means home - for all humans, no matter where they are in the galaxy - is a powerful message for their time and ours. And again, a couple of sequel stories could unpack a lot there.
The Writer and Director have fashioned a great film. The young actors accurately portray the excitement of the adventure and the acceptance of their impending death when all hope is lost. Set decoration, costumes, and special effects are all worthy of recognition.
Side note: when the main characters prepare to exit the rover for what will be all of their first steps on the actual lunar surface, they pause a moment to decide who should go first. Being 65 years old and having witnessed Armstrong's first step live as it happened, it was fun to see that it still has some meaning.
The Sandlot 3 (2007)
Wonderful, Fun, Family Film
The Sandlot 3 Heading Home is a great follow up to the original 1993 Sandlot Feature. Many fans of that first movie seem to be in a snit over the idea anyone would trifle with its memory and a few are down right livid over the phrase "time travel" in the synopsis. So, having seen Sandlot 3, let me put your minds at ease. Are there holes in the time travel plot line big enough to hit fly balls through? You betcha! Just like all the time travel holes in science fiction movies big enough to fly starships through. Honestly; it in no way detracts from enjoying the story. Two of the original Sandlot ball players return for this story, set in 1976, as men. One of them is played by the original actor. Their interaction with each other and the new group of kids on the team helps to recall a bit of the summer of '62. The main character of Sandlot 3 has been transported back to 1976 when he is accidentally hit with a pitch at batting practice. The adjustment from his adult life back to his childhood life is accomplished with a minimum of annoyance and the story progresses smoothly. All the kid actors do a terrific job. Watch for Cole Heppell as the catcher, DP. The Writers and Director tell a story about second chances, trust, friendship and fun. That they chose to set it in the field behind Old Man Mertle's house makes it familiar and pleasant as well. The production values are on a par with theatrical releases of this type. The rear of Mr. Mertle's house is recreated perfectly. Sandlot 3 Heading Home does what it sets out to do, give the viewer an enjoyable experience, and it doesn't pretend to be anything else.