Terra Formars (2016) - Fast-paced science-fiction entertainment that is much better than its reputation - 8/10 (23/09/19)

Terra Formars is a heavily underrated live action version of a famous Japanese manga and anime series directed by legendary Miike Takashi (''Audition'') and starring famous actresses and actors such as Ito Hideaki (''Sukiyaki Western Django''), Kato Masaya (''Godzilla''), Takei Emi (''Ruroni Kenshin''), Kikuchi Rinko (''Babel'') and Fukushima Rila (''The Wolverine''). The movie plays in the twenty-sixth century when mankind attempts to colonize Mars with the use of moss and cockroaches. A group of criminals is sent on a seemingly routine mission to exterminate the cockroaches and verify whether the planet can now be colonized. Upon arrival, the fifteen astronauts realize that the cockroaches have evolved very quickly and become intelligent humanoids attempting to defend their turf no matter what. An intense fight for survival begins for everyone involved.

There are numerous things to be praised about this movie. First of all, the expert director does an excellent job and really cared about every single detail in this film. The potent cast delivers the goods with diversified performances. The settings, make-up and costumes are very rich, detailed and colourful. The movie is entertaining from start to finish and avoids an unnecessaily long introduction or an overlong conclusion. The film's rapid flow is spiced up with many interesting flashbacks giving essential background information about the most important characters. The action scenes are visually stunning, relentless and diverse. The plot comes around with a few twists and turns. The fact that it's impossible to predict who is going to die or survive in the movie should keep the audience on the edge of its seat. The unique details about the different insects given throughout the movie are very instructive but also add to the story.

The movie isn't without a few flaws. The special effects look a little bit old-fashioned and stiff at times and especially the titular monsters look rather cute than dangerous. The acting performances are overall great but at times stiff and emotionless as the characters rarely seem to care when people around them die. The story obviously focuses much more on fiction than on science, so you should be aware to watch a movie that attempts to entertain rather than inspire.

In the end, Terra Formars is much better than its reputation and offers colourful, diversified and fast-paced science-fiction entertainment that should appeal not only to fans of the anime and manga series but for anyone who likes spectacular kaiju movies such as ''Godzilla''. Don't hesitate to watch this movie and evaluate it fairly to give a potential sequel a chance.