It promises a "1970's version of the future, where personalities and asteroids collide." But Space Station 76 will do more than this brief plot synopsis suggests, it could get us back in touch with an area of science fiction that seems long forgotten.
In an age where the genre is dominated by big-budget superhero movies and generic visions of the future, Jack Plotnick's retro sci-fi tale has the potential to send us back to a purer and more carefree age. And that potential came a step closer to being realized when THR reported that the low-budget adventure had been picked up by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions at this year's South by Southwest Film Festival.
"We are thrilled to be working with SPWA as our international distribution partner and are excited for the film to reach a large, Earthly audience." said Plotnick, the director of the movie.
And let us hope Space Station 76 does reach a large audience because everything I have heard about it sounds absolutely brilliant. It has a great cast including Liv Tyler (Lord of the Rings), Patrick Wilson (Watchmen) and Matt Bomer (In Time) and the early critical reception and images from the film that are most encouraging. Visit Space Station 76's official Facebook page and you'll get a flavor for how Plotnick and co. will pay tribute to the wonderfully kitsch science fiction of the 70's like Buck Rogers, Battlestar Galactica and even John Carpenter's Dark Star.
Critics who have seen the movie are eating it up too, with many applauding the comedic script that contains just the right balance of laughter, heart and action. This gives me hope that Space Station 76 may encourage movie makers to start revisiting a horribly under-serviced genre...sci-fi comedy. Of course, this area may be on the rise with movies like 'World's End' and 'This Is The End', which were both a lot of fun. But I still find myself craving a movie that can evoke the silliness of Spaceballs or Galaxy Quest, something that has been missing from the big screen for so long. So if you see Space Station 76 popping up at your local theater, get on down and see it, because there might not be another movie like it for quite some time.