Rent Outland (1981)

High Noon In Space - Outland review by Big Bob

This film has a reputation for rather obvious High Noon references, and they are indeed immediately apparent. There is an underlying conspiracy plot in the film, but not a very obscure one, and it is revealed quite quickly.

Having said that, this is quite a well made and enjoyable film. Not particularly complicated to watch and not needing too much concentration, and I enjoyed it for the acting.

One bafflement exists in my mind though. Given Connery's accent and his screen wife's accent, why does their son have a broad American accent when he hasn't yet even been to Earth, let alone the USA?... Miscast.

'High Noon' set in space ? - Outland review by RP

Sean Connery is not usually to be found in sc-fi films, yet here he is in 'Outland', set in a titanium mining colony on Io, one of the moons of Jupiter. He plays the role of Marshal O'Niel, head of security in what is essentially a semi-lawless sort of Wild West frontier mining town.

In fact there are so many similarities to a Western that the film has the reputation of being 'High Noon' set in space. And indeed, there are similarities - most obviously the shuttle arrival countdown clock.

With good acting support from Frances Sternhagen as Dr Lazarus (?!) this is an enjoyable romp as Connery comes under attack from armed baddies as he hunts for those supplying drugs to the miners.

All good fun, nice to see Mr Connery in a (for him) unusual role and despite the dated technology that inevitably haunts sci-fi films made 30+ years ago, this is a good watch.

I enjoyed it a lot - 4/5 stars, although that does seem a bit generous...

Great SciFi Thriller - Outland review by GI

This is a neat science fiction thriller influenced by High Noon (1952) and Alien (1979) and in turn it has influenced more recent films like Moon (2009). Sean Connery plays Marshall O'Neil who arrives at a remote mining installation situated on one of Jupiter's moons. The mine is run by a huge industrial company who is represented by the General Manager Sheppard (Peter Boyle). When several suicides occur O'Niel begins an investigation and finds that Sheppard and the Company know the reason and there's a cover up. When O'Niel threatens to expose what's happening two hitmen are sent to kill him. Seeking help from his security team he finds they won't risk their own necks so he's forced to stand alone. This is an unpretentious little gem and whilst the technology on show will appear dated today it's still a cracking film and with it's use of an all-powerful company as the antagonist you'll see the Alien connection as well as the depiction of space as a grimy, industrial world rather than a shiny, sterile one. Connery is as laid back as normal and he's aided by Frances Sternhagen and James Sikking in support roles. If you like a good adult sci-fi then this is definitely one to check out should you have missed it up to now.