Spectral

#StokerScore 8/10

Whatever your feelings are regarding Netflix, you can't accuse them of niche programming. Through their Netflix Originals brand, they have given us critically acclaimed shows such as House of Cards, Orange Is The New Black, and a variety of Marvel comic characters for television whilst they've also released a number of movies of which Spectral is the latest. I wasn't particularly impressed by the last Netflix Original movie that I saw, I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House was a bit too ponderous for my taste but as I said at the beginning, they do seem to be trying to provide something for everyone.

Before watching Spectral, I vaguely remembered reading about it on IMDB earlier in the year and reminding myself to look out for it. However, this vague memory was challenged somewhat by the other movie poster I saw recently. In it, it looked to be more like a nod towards Aliens (this film does seem remeniscent in parts) or maybe even Starship Troopers, that was the vibe I got from seeing it. Certainly the tech looked less like a standard military battling ghosts, which is what I had been led to believe from an earlier synopsis.

In the end, Spectral is a mixture of things which I certainly won't go giving away here. The lead actors all do their jobs but James Badge Dale who I last saw kicking Robert Downey Jr's arse in Iron Man 3 didn't seem to be cast correctly as the Macgyver-esque engineer. It was definitely good to see Emily Mortimer again, I still love her role in The 51st State, and Bruce Greenwood always brings gravitas to whatever part you see him play. 

The 51st State

Sure at times it's a bit formulaic but I also liked the originality in the story too. It could have gone in a number of different directions but the one it chose was interesting, even if the bad guys were defeated a little too easily in what felt like a rushed third act. 

Spectral is an enjoyable movie with what seems to be a big budget to provide cast and effects. The story is so nearly perfect were it not for the at times predictable events.