Why ‘Mission to Mars’ Failed to Launch

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In the early 2000s, Brian De Palma’s film “Mission to Mars” was one of the initial three major science fiction blockbusters centered around Mars.

It’s easily the one that arrived with the most fanfare.

Disney’s expensive production “Mission to Mars” generated a lot of excitement, being released ahead of both “Red Planet” (2000) and John Carpenter’s “Ghosts of Mars” (2001), which gave it the boastful claim.

As a staunch advocate, I’d contend that Carpenter’s hearty indulgence, often labeled as “best,” truly stands out among the crowd. While some may have written off “Red Planet” and even De Palma’s work that faced critical backlash, I firmly believe they surpass many people’s recollections of their worth.

In 2020, the story unfolds around a group of astronauts initially dispatched for a rescue operation. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when a team headed by Don Cheadle is engulfed in a massive dust storm. As the events on Mars grow increasingly strange, a different team consisting of Gary Sinise, Jerry O’Connell, Connie Nielsen, and Tim Robbins delve into the unusual happenings on the red planet.

It appears that I only mentioned the actor’s names, without specifying their roles. I did this intentionally.

Several of the acting performances, particularly those by Sinise and Cheadle, are commendable, yet the human characters may not hold your interest.

After achieving success with the blockbuster “Mission: Impossible” (1996) and the more intimate, action-packed yet flawed “Snake Eyes” (1998), De Palma found himself on an uncommon winning streak. However, he was not typically thought of as a candidate for directing a grandiose science fiction movie.

In a nutshell, the movie wasn’t perfect, with its ups and downs making for an uneven experience, yet I hold a fondness for it. The films “Red Planet” (2000) and John Carpenter’s “Ghosts of Mars” (2001), while exceeding expectations somewhat, are generally viewed more favorably than De Palma’s film.

The latter opened big then dropped harder than a comet.

Currently, De Palma’s film seems less appreciated than during its first screening, often overlooked when considering his overall work. While “Mission to Mars” may not reach the heights of his most renowned works, it doesn’t compare unfavorably to films like “Wise Guys” (1986) or “The Black Dahlia” (2006).

In simpler terms, the most disappointing aspects of “Mission to Mars” seem to resemble superior science fiction movies that have come before. However, the standout moments showcase why De Palma truly excels as a movie director.

The story begins at a barbecue party, captured in one continuous shot, much like a casual backyard rendition of the acclaimed opening scene from Brian De Palma’s film “The Bonfire of the Vanities” (1990). Following this impressive introduction, the filmmaker then follows up with a dance sequence set in zero gravity, accompanied by Van Halen’s song “Dance the Night Away.

This scene appears to be a deliberate homage to a well-known moment in “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968). To express high praise for De Palma – here is one of the rare instances where someone dared to emulate Kubrick, and succeeded, albeit briefly.

In our eventual encounter with the alien being, its appearance somewhat mirrors a fusion of a harp and a disco ball, reminiscent of Dorothy’s initial meeting with the Wizard of Oz.

Although the plot follows a traditional structure, it becomes wildly unexpected in the initial and particularly the final act. The conclusion, though preposterous, was delightful to me.

The visuals of “Mission to Mars” are largely stunning, boasting impressive sound design, including the cleverly executed sand funnel attack scene, and special effects that never fail to amaze.

On the negative side, it required a stricter editing, more of Cheadle’s scenes and significantly less pre-mission dialogue. It was reminiscent of Barry Levinson’s “Sphere” (1998), another grand production featuring an all-star cast, equally impressive, completely madcap, and off-kilter flop that is superior to its reputation.

A Movie Like ‘Mission to Mars’ is a throwback to the days when it would have been acted by Leslie Nielsen and Richard Denning, with sets made of cardboard.”

Or, more casually:
“‘Mission to Mars’ reminds me of old sci-fi movies starring Leslie Nielsen and Richard Denning, with cheesy cardboard sets.

RELATED: BRIAN DE PALMA’S ‘FEMME FATALE’ LET IT ALL HANG OUT

I initially felt disappointed by “Mission to Mars,” recognizing its weaknesses, especially in the overly prolonged second part. However, the director’s skill at creating captivating set pieces, allowing each scene to play out naturally through single-take shots, and pushing the absurd but daring concept as far as possible is commendable.

I didn’t like “Mission to Mars” much at first, but I saw it had issues, particularly in a long second half. Still, the director did some great things, like creating exciting scenes, letting events develop naturally with single shots, and making the crazy idea as cool as possible.

A vibrant enthusiasm permeates this screenplay, as it exults the marvels of human capability and the subtle 3% disparity between human and ape DNA. It even includes a quote that seems reminiscent of something Jeff Goldblum might say in “Jurassic Park” (1993).

“Life reaches out for life.”

This perspective on the cosmos is incredibly optimistic, hinting at hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, much like the famed “Treasure Island.

A less frequently discussed point is that, similar to the films “Country Bears” (2002) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003), this story shares its origins with a Disney park ride. Originally known as “Rocket to the Moon,” it was later renamed “Flight to the Moon” before being changed again to “Mission to Mars” in 1975.

If De Palma’s movie had been extremely successful, it likely would have spawned just as many sequels as the number of Pirates of the Caribbean films featuring Captain Jack Sparrow.

Even though this film carries a PG rating, it contains a scene that still haunts me – the terrifying portrayal of an astronaut being sucked into a whirlpool, his desperate screams echoing as he’s torn apart. Indeed, De Palma has a knack for such chilling scenes.

In simpler terms, the main issue I have is that the music by Ennio Morricone seems more like a temporary filler rather than a well-crafted piece, resembling a gentler, inconsistent adaptation of his work from “The Mission” (1986).

In one of the movie’s most disappointing moments, it seems as though Ennio Morricone is performing on an organ from a church. Despite being renowned for composing and directing some of the finest film scores, this particular scene stands in stark contrast to his usual brilliance.

Occasionally, this movie aligns with Brian De Palma’s efforts to revitalize science fiction, making it a must-watch at least one time.

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2025-04-13 23:03