Spectral — A Review

7th March, 2020.

You know, it had to be said … I get into a funny mood, at times.

I’m out of a job: and suffered with depression, amongst other things.

And … ?

And, I’ve accidentally locked myself out of my Universal Credit account on top of everything else.

There’s possibly a long story, there.

On the up side … ?

I’ve satisfied myself that my new laptop — a second hand Thinkpad, running a version of Ubuntu MATE — can be used in the local library.

Or, at least, connected to their wi-fi.

I’ve more complaints about Catalina as a result.

Or, at least, Safari.

I’d suggest reading this afternoon’s post … if you’re curious.

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve been tinkering about with the new computer for a while … 

But fancied catching a TV show … or possibly a movie.

I settled for a movie: the 2016 film, Spectral.

Whether I made a good decision is a whole other matter.

~≈†≈~

Set in Moldova, on the brink of a civil war, Spectral sees Dr Mark Clyne (James Badge Dale) sent to the country: as the one man who can help with a very obscure glitch … in camera equipment he originally designed.

According to General Orland, and CIA agent, Fran Madison (Bruce Greenwood, Emily Mortimer), the troops on the ground … ?

With the help of the googles supplied by Dr Clyne, the troops on the ground are seeing … things!

Things that the locals call … ghosts of war … !

With that level of gung-ho pretentiousness … ?

You can tell it’s going to end in tears, can’t you … ?

~≈†≈~

Now … what did I make of Spectral?

I have to say, sometimes an entertaining science fiction war film can be an entertaining watch.

At least, in theory.

The last one I can remember seeing?

Was the 2011 Battle: Los Angeles.

Which, from what I recall?

Was non-stop action, a waste of Aaron Eckhart’s talents … 

And, frankly, a bit of a bore.

A bit of a one star bore, to be frank.

Spectral, on the other hand?

Is a bit better.

Not by much.

But, where Battle: Los Angeles was non-stop action with very little talk, Spectral at least tries to change gear, occasionally.

And — occasionally — has the brief stop for exposition.

Talking, in other words.

Usually so Dr Clyne can say something along the lines of ‘Wait! I have an idea!’

Which sounds … odd, now I see it written down.

At any rate?

Spectral isn’t necessarily stunning.

But the performances and writing are acceptable, the visuals — the ghosts in particular — are spectacular … 

And it’s far more watchable than some movies I’ve seen.

Keep that in mind when you’re looking for movies …

Spectral

★☆☆☆