Skyline, an effects-laden thriller from directors Colin and Greg Strause, wears its various influences--films like Alien, District 9, Independence Day, and War of the Worlds--on its sleeve, but even if it doesn't measure u... more »p to those predecessors, the film offers enough thrills and action to keep sci-fi fans interested. The Brothers Strause, as they call themselves, have done visual-effects work on blockbusters like Avatar, Titanic, and 300, and the effects are by far the best part of this tale (scripted by Joshua Cordes and Liam O'Donnell) about an armada of giant spaceships that suddenly appear in the skies over Los Angeles and immediately set about their business--namely, shooting down immense blue columns of light that hoover every human in sight up into the ships, where aliens will do nasty things to them. Observing this horror from a posh Marina Del Rey penthouse are a group of gorgeous, strikingly solipsistic young people in skimpy clothes, including Jarrod and Elaine (Eric Balfour and Scottie Thompson), a couple visiting from New York. A few action sequences find them trying to escape (bad idea, as the mother ships disgorge an endless supply of smaller, tentacled craft and troops of gross, city-stomping monsters to seek and destroy any luckless fool they encounter). But for the most part they huddle inside, watching the action, screaming hysterically, and uttering dialogue that's either cliché ridden ("What are those things?" "Does it even matter?!") or merely inane (mid-attack, Elaine, who's just learned that she's pregnant, complains when someone lights up a cigarette; you'd think she'd have more pressing concerns). And therein lies the problem, as some cool images and jolting moments are mitigated by Skyline's lame script and below-average acting. --Sam Graham« less
This movie really polarized the viewers. The critics hated it as well (16% on Rotten Tomatoes.) I enjoyed it immensely and thought the way it ended was perfect. There are some genuinely frightening scenes throughout. Sure, it's a bit of a B movie; but as long as you know what you're getting into, you'll be fine. Think it helped to watch some of the deleted scenes too, if I remember correctly. There is a direct to video sequel entitled: "Beyond Skyline" which has 69% on Rotten Tomatoes. Have not seen it yet though.
Nick W. (Nick1899) from FORT WORTH, TX Reviewed on 4/7/2014...
This is one of those movies that will make you wish that you had the last couple hours back from your life. If you had a time machine you'd want to go back in time and stop yourself from watching it. That's how much this movie sucks. I recommend you save yourself the agony and go watch Independence Day or Battle: Los Angeles.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Cary C. (doublec) from HOLLY RIDGE, NC Reviewed on 6/26/2012...
Not only was this the WORST movie I have seen in the past year; it may be one of the 5 worst movies I have ever watched. Bad acting, bad plot, bad dialogue, and plenty of young people doing dumb things that don't make sense. Definitely made for today's X-box Generation.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Meghan A. (bookreadera) Reviewed on 1/23/2012...
I'm surprised this movie was so universally panned (other than it has Eric Balfour as the lead and people seem to simply assume that anything he is in is crap.) The acting isn't bad,in fact most of it is pretty good. The action scenes work, the CGI rocks, some of the dialogue is cheesy, but hello it's an alien flick. Were you really expecting Oscar caliber screenplay here? IMHO, it was worth the cost of the DVD and the time I spent watching it.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Donna M. (charmedig) from SWEETWATER, TN Reviewed on 7/17/2011...
this is an excellant movie with a surprise ending. Without doubt there will be a Skyline 2, I can't wait.