Nightflyers (1987) Review

 

A group of scientists space voyage goes awry when ship's computer.

Director Robert Collector (credited as T. C. Blake as he left the project during post production) and based on George R. R. Martin's novella, deliver a mishmash of science fiction elements, there's spaceship, spacewalk shenanigans, holograms, cloning and dangerous A. I. Unfortunately, the aesthetic filming choices to give Nightflyer a dreamlike atmosphere and clarity when in space gives it a DTV, TV feel and it loses its filmatic look. That said, the special effects hold up for the most part.

There's John Harrison's 'Day of the Dead' stings synonyms with the 80s, Doug Tim excellent score borrows shamelessly from Vangelis, that coupled with sound effects and Catherine Mary Stewart's voice over; it gushes Blade Runner (1982). It also borrows elements of 2001 (1968) and feels Star Trek The Next Generation which also came out the same year. Yeap, Collector's offering is wall to wall derivative sci-fi ideas. There are hints of a great film but with the budget limitations, not even stunning Catherine Mary Stewart's presence or Des Barres, Avery, Praed's experience is enough to pull it all together

Both Stewart and Michael Des Barres wrestle with Robert Jaffe's muddled clunky script. Lapses in logic (including use of helmets) aside, when the dialogue is flowing - it works, mainly scenes involving James Avery and Glenn Withrow. Des Barres does his best, giving a larger than life performance. Dune-like costumed Michael Praed English tones of Royd Eris echo Ian Holm's Ash in Alien (1979). 

Overall, despite its short comings it's not coherent or engaging enough to be a cult classic, which is a shame given the actors involved. Sadly, the trailer is better.