You know nothing. Hell is only a word. The reality is much, much worse. Event Horizon is directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and written by Philip Eisner. It stars Sam Neil, Laurence Fishburne, Joely Richardson, Kathleen Quinlan, Richard T. Jones, Sean Pertwee, Jason Isaacs and Jack Noseworthy. Music is by Michael Kamen and orbital and cinematography is by Adrian Biddle. 2047 and a group of astronauts are sent to investigate the 'Event Horizon' which disappeared mysteriously 7 years ago. It has returned minus its crew and now the crew of the 'Lewis and Clark' become exposed to horrifying secrets of the ghost ship... It is what it is, a haunted house chiller set on a space ship. It's derivative within the genre but it does the genre staples with no little amount of quality. The tone is set from the opening credits being accompanied by a ferociously foreboding musical score, and from there the pic delivers a "who is going to get killed and in what order" process - and why? Just what is the mystery at the core of it all?. A great cast has been assembled, which lifts it above its "B" movie roots, so with some thoughtful ideas within the narrative, it's easy to buy into the characterisations. Naturally the blood will flow, devilishly so, but the makers here put a different slant on the sci-fi/horror assailant thread. Of course it gets a bit by the numbers come the final quarter, arguably a bit hokey in fact, but it's very effective and perfect for a lights off viewing experience. Smart production design helps keeps up the chilly feel to proceedings, whilst the bleak tonal flows that director Anderson goes for really draws the engaged observer in. It's neither ground breaking or a top line film of its type, but holding up on repeat viewings it proves to be a sturdy and unsettling space based chiller. 7/10

A fantastic "horror in space" thriller led by an excellent assemble cast (Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neil, Kathy Quinlann). Do we really want to know what can be found at the edge (event horizon) of a black hole?

A fantastic "horror in space" thriller led by an excellent assemble cast (Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neil, Kathy Quinlann). Do we really want to know what can be found at the edge (event horizon) of a black hole?

This is the third time seeing this one and my opinion pretty much remained the same. Some interesting ideas but not very well executed, though that's kind of Paul W.S. Anderson's style of filmmaking it would seem. Visual effects are at times iffy (the CGI in particuular) but the acting was okay and I can't say I ever was bored or mystified with what I was watching. **3.25/5**

Although this plot has been through the wringer a few times already, over the years, I still quite enjoyed it. A group of exploring astronauts set off to find out what happened to the eponymous spaceship that disappeared long since but has now returned! "Miller" (Laurence Fishburne) leads a team that also includes "Weir" (Sam Neill) who originally designed the enigmatic craft. Onboard, all seems fine until things start to go terrifyingly awry for this crew as they discover, quite literally, the remnants of the previous occupants floating around. Pretty quickly, they find themselves facing a shapeless foe of untold power that may well emanate from another time, certainly it does from another place. We are now presented with a creatively entertaining mix of sci-fi and light horror, with some good visual effects (especially the lighting) that complement, rather than overwhelm, the story. The acting - even from the usually stiff as a board Neill (and his creepy eyes) - makes for a well presented and exciting adventure that offers us menace, some decent dialogue and a genuine sense of peril as we edge nearer the quite uncertain denouement. Much better than I was expecting.