Outlander borrows heavily from a few different sources such as
Aliens, Predator and
Beowulf. And for the futuristic scenes via flashback, you can see that they got the idea for their ship designs from
Terminator. Throw in the setting of Norse Vikings and you really do have something fun and unique....for the most part. Based on the recommendation from here, I decided to give
Outlander a shot. They may say that they are chasing a "dragon", but it couldn't be as far removed from one as it gets in this film. If you're expecting the type of dragon from fairy tales and
Reign Of Fire, you will be disappointed. It's more
alien than anything else.
As for the
Predator reference, I'm sure you will see the similarities between both films of being hunted and stalked by an otherworldly creature in the Forrest. I've always been a fan of using the plot device of having to forge and kill a far more superior being using just primitive weapons and creativity, which they do a good job here. The story is set in a primitive time and location, yet there were plenty of cool shots to marvel at. I was actually surprised at how good the special effects looked in this one. Since I don't remember ever seeing any promotion for this movie, I'm guessing it didn't get or last long in the theaters. On the cover box art for the DVD, it says it's a
Blockbuster Exclusive, suggesting that this was a Direct-to-DVD release. But that can't be right with the
Weinstien's name attached to it. They would push for some kind of theatrical run to recoup its money. I've never seen or heard of them ever doing a Direct-To-DVD release.
Anyway, I liked the movie, even after its somewhat sluggish start. It gets better once the story takes shape and they begin in earnest on how to conquer the beast. Solid cast includes
Jim Caviezel, Sophia Myles, Jack Houston, John Hurt and
Ron Perlman. Speaking of
Jack Houston, it literally took me about 3/4 of the movie before I was able to finally place his face (pun not intended). I couldn't for the life figure out where I knew him from and then he gave a very subtle look, a glance and that trigger it for me and then I knew immediately.....
Boardwalk Empire. D'oh! Anyway, this is definitely worth a
Rent. I would be toally down for a sequel if they were able to bring back both
Jim and
Sophia.