outlander

i didn't know much about this movie going in, which might have to do with the fact that there was absolutely no advertising for it... i had read a very short description of it online a month or two ago, it simply said 'an alien versus viking movie'. that was all i really needed- i'm in!!! when i saw that is was playing at rivertown, i knew i couldn't miss it! it was showing in only 19 theaters around the country, so this was a rare opportunity.
and wouldn't you know it? its actually pretty good! the story is about a space craft that crashes on earth in the tenth century. there was a terrible scary monster on board, and the surviving pilot of the ship works with the locals (who just happen to be vikings) to kill it. the story is very simple, and a slight twist on the beowulf story, but its done well. the first half of the movie is a bit slow and falls into some basic movie cliches: outsider who no one trusts, a beautiful girl willing to give him a chance, a king who is in poor health... the list goes on. but its the action scenes and the really cool monster that keeps this one from being lame. the creature is very cool and most of the special effects with him are done quite well. it didn't live up to the movie i imagined after reading that first description, but it was sure a good time anyway!