I'm not massively into sci-fi but the trailers for Moon hooked me immediately. I'd heard it described as the thinking person's sci-fi. Now I wouldn't necessarily classify myself as a thinking person - I like mindless entertainment and trash telly just as much as something that stimulates the grey matter but I do have a preference for sci-fi that is a little bit clever and not too far removed from where we are now.
It is set on the dark side of the moon, I know it sounds corny but put that to one side, where there is a company mining materials to create energy for the earth. The mining operation is run from a space station on the moon which has a staff of one, Sam Bell.
Sam has two weeks left of a three year contract before he returns to earth and his life with his wife and daughter but one day when he is out investigating a problem with some machinery he discovers a body that is his double.
Can't say any more than that about the story or the central issues because that would spoil it. But what I will say is that Sam Rockwell who plays 'Sam' is superb. He's one of those very good actors who seemingly goes about quietly making very good films and presumably this is why first time film maker Duncan Jones wrote the part especially for him.
I also liked the fact that the space station is spacey enough to be futuristic but not so clinical and full of whoosing doors and gadgetry as to make it unbelievable. Imagine Blade Runner crossed with Star Trek.
Shame on Empire Magazine for giving it one less star than Public Enemies because it is far more deserving of top marks. (Public Enemies should have been given three stars not five in my opinion)
Other reviews for Moon:
Guardian
Wired
Telegraph