#JustaQuickiePlease: Passengers (2016) Review

The director of the Imitation Game brings us his first attempt at the Science Fiction genre with this Chris Pratt vehicle that is an enjoyable and engaging mix from start to finish.  Lawrence is okay, her range being limited to Mystique and parts not related to Mystique.  For the lion's share, her performance is deeply homogenized but Pratt is still able to bring out the best in her, although there isn't much to work with.   The remaining but limited supporting cast is solid.  Fishbourne is more subtle than normal but it is Sheen's android bartender that steals the show.  Somewhere between the Shining's Barkeep and Sam Malone, his portrayal is quiet but potently entertaining.   The special effects are top shelf, believable and yet awe-inspiring at the same time, highlighting, not overwhelming, a compelling story about isolation, fate, and resolution.  In the end, this film delivers an interesting, albeit not necessarily original, take on the lost in space concept.  And, I must admit, I wasn't exactly sure how it was all going to end up, so any flick that can still surprise me earns extra kudos in my book.  3 out of 5 Kernels; Starlord meets Castaway, of sorts, with a hint of live action Wall-E blended in for good measure.