Rating: ★★½☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 08-30-2024
Watched 10-03-2024
Reviewed 10-17-2024
Rented from Apple TV+
"Gentlemen, we have been in space for nearly two years."
Slingshot (2024) is a sci-fi thriller that will likely fly under the radar for most moviegoers, and perhaps that’s not entirely a bad thing. Directed by Mikael Håfström, the film stars Casey Affleck, Laurence Fishburne, and Emily Beecham, delivering solid performances but not enough to save the movie from its flaws. The premise of astronauts on a perilous journey around the Earth’s orbit had potential, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
One of the film’s biggest downfalls is its lack of promotion, which is surprising given its star-studded cast. Many casual viewers will likely miss this film entirely due to minimal advertising, which is unfortunate but also telling of the film's overall appeal. The story sets up an intriguing survival scenario, with the astronauts facing both personal and physical challenges in the isolation of space. However, despite these high stakes, the pacing feels slow and often fails to build the suspense one would expect from this genre.
The film’s surprise ending is a saving grace for some, but seasoned movie watchers might find it predictable if they pay close attention to certain clues sprinkled throughout the plot. While the twist adds some much-needed tension in the final act, it’s not enough to elevate the film beyond a one-time watch.
Slingshot is the type of movie best enjoyed on a rainy day when you’re not expecting too much. If you're looking for a fun diversion with a bit of sci-fi action and solid acting, it does the job. However, the film struggles with plausibility at times, and the slow pacing makes it difficult to stay fully engaged. It’s entertaining enough, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression on its audience.
Ultimately, Slingshot is an OK movie, but it’s not groundbreaking or memorable. Most people will forget about it as soon as the credits roll. If you go in with low expectations, you’ll likely get exactly what you expect—nothing more, nothing less.
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