Invasion, The

Runtime: 99min 16secs
Tagline: Do not trust anyone.
Do not show emotion.
Do not fall asleep.
Directed by: Oliver Hirschbiegel and James McTeigue
Written by: Dave Kajganich

Plot Outline:
A crashed space shuttle brings a form of bacteria to earth that becomes catalysed during sleep, and turns the infected host into an emotionless human. A psychiatrist (Nicole Kidman) becomes infected whilst trying to find her son, and therefore must not fall asleep lest she become like them. She and her boyfriend (Daniel Craig) discover that one of her patients and her son are immune to the virus, due to a severe strain of chicken pox they had in a previous year, and so they fight their way into a quarantined area where they can be tested to create a possible cure.

Overall Impressions:
I haven't seen any of the 'Body Snatcher' flicks, so no comparisons here. I had heard that the cast wanted nothing to do with the promotion of this film, which usually means bad news. Now having seen it, I can see why. That said it's not terrible, it's okay, watchable. I probably wouldn't watch it again but it is well acted and the concept is interesting.

Unfortunately the whole profound message it was trying to give saying that "humans are primal and with humanity comes war", though interesting, doesn't really stick, so I feel it fails in its intentions there. As far as the story-telling narrative is concerned though, it's okay. The journey of an infected woman, safe-guarding her son, in hope for a cure, that part works, the problem being it's too predictable and hence bores you.

Overall, it holds together structurally, but it's just pretty dull to watch pan out. A shame.