Outland

Directed by Peter Hyams, Outland follows a Federal Marshal (Sean Connery’s William O’Niel) as he sets out to expose a drug-related conspiracy aboard a futuristic mining facility. Filmmaker Hyams, armed with his own screenplay, delivers a gripping, taut thriller that remains thoroughly watchable for the duration of its 109 minute running time, and there’s little doubt, certainly, that the movie’s success is due mostly to its stellar performances and eye-popping sets – with, in terms of the latter, the gritty, detailed design of the aforementioned mining facility perpetuating the completely (and compulsively) engrossing atmosphere. And although the film admittedly does run out of steam slightly in its High Noon-inspired third act, Outland‘s emphasis on O’Niel’s compelling investigation and its proliferation of electrifying sequences, including a terrific foot chase through the facility and O’Niel’s initial confrontation with Peter Boyle’s smug Sheppard, ensure that it does, for the most part, come off as a top-tier sci-fi endeavor – with Connery’s predictably commanding work enhancing the stirring vibe at every turn.

***1/2 out of ****