Still Watching the Skies: Episode 84 “Mission to Mars”

By Robert Reineke

Cody, Robert, and Nat go on a shorter space odyssey with Brian DePalma’s MISSION TO MARS.

When an expedition to Mars encounters something ancient, a disaster ensues and a rescue mission is mounted. It’s an old school, high concept, star driven vehicle from right before Hollywood took a turn toward IP driven franchises. You can see glimpses of blockbusters of the past, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Close Encounters of the Third Kind specifically, and glimpses of blockbusters of the future, THE MARTIAN and GRAVITY in particular along with rather ambitious cgi. And, of course, it’s based on a Disney ride.

There are things to like about the film, DePalma’s floating camera and Ennio Morricone’s score among the strengths. But, the script leaves a lot to be desired.

Surprisingly, for a film that’s kind of disappeared from the public consciousness, we have a lot to discuss. From where MISSION TO MARS fits in the implementation of cgi, to the appeal of the cast, to how well the ending works.

No need to jump on a rocket to Mars to listen to the episode. You can give us a play below or Download the episode. Also, feel free to let us know what you think by commenting below or Email Us at skiespocast@gmail.com as we appreciate feedback.

Time tracks:

MISSION TO MARS Discussion: 0:00 to 1:00:16

Next Film and Outro: 1:00:16 to End

Next month, Mars comes to Earth as we dish out a double feature of INVADERS FROM MARS (1953) and INVADERS FROM MARS (1986). We hope you’ll join us.

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Robert Reineke

Robert Reineke was born in the dark era before cable television, but somehow survived based on a steady diet of Universal Monsters, Hammer Horror, 1950s science fiction, and Godzilla on his local UHF station. As a college student, he discovered the works of David Lynch and Akira Kurosawa which opened up different vistas for him. When he’s not doing useful things like heading up environmental investigations and cleanups or designing sewers, you can find him watching movies, writing about them, and talking about them. He’s a booster of the Milwaukee Film Festival. Somehow he puts up with young whippersnappers Nat Almiral and Cody Lang on the Still Watching the Skies podcast.