Is �Solaris� a nerdy moniker for �huge bore�? So George Clooney is the star, but that counts for nothing in this yawn-fest of a nice idea that was executed horribly. I�m sure I�d read somewhere that �Solaris� was a little like the truly amazing �Event Horizon,� but the only thing this movie has in common with that movie is that it�s set on a remote, futuristic space station where all is not well.
Yet with ace director Steven Soderbergh and mint director James Cameron here as an executive producer, there are no excuses. There�s no denying that this movie is slower than the Titanic in reverse, and the minimal use of incidental music means the same droll and lifeless atmosphere is constant throughout.
For all its art, heartening experimentalism and original approach, this just drones. Like �Bend It Like Beckham,� when you think it�s finished it hasn�t� it just goes on and on and on - and the neat end resolve is a little too clean-cut.
Deep, dark and supposedly meaningful love-life-death themes are painfully explored and Bladerunner-set overtones do make �Solaris� look good.
However, if you want cheap thrills, popcorn spills and euphoric enlightenment you won�t find it here. So happy searching� (STEVE RUDD)