by JRR

Created on: February 27, 2009

The already released R-rated Outlander is getting mixed reviews from viewers. Most find the film interesting and entertaining, a good combination of Predator/Braveheart/Beowulf, more than just a Viking versus a giant alien movie. Directed by Howard McCain and starring James Caviezel, Sophia Myles, Jack Huston, Ron Perlman and John Hurt, Outlanders has the potential to be a great Sci-Fi film.

During the Iron Age, the time of the Vikings in 900 AD, a spaceship crash lands on Earth near the Nordic coast. As the door opens a lone man exits the ship. Kairan, played by James Caviezel, finds himself along in a vast forest. Even though he has numerous supplies that could definitely aid in his survival, he doesn't get a chance to use them. he is soon captured by Vikings and held prisoner in their camp which is ruled by King Rothgar played by John Hurt.

At the same time a fierce animal-like creature intent on causing harm to anyone it perceives has wronged it, called a Moorwen has begun its attack. In it's rage it has started ravaging the land and killing everyone in it's path.

When a nearby village is destroyed, Rothgar becomes concerned that the survivors will return and place the blame on him and his group. Soon the King and the heir to the throne, Wulfric played by Jack Huston realize Kainan can aid them in the situation. They do not realize he is the reason the Moorwen is on Earth.

On Kairnan's home planet, the Moorwen had already destroyed his homeland. Unknowingly he has now released the same threat on Earth. Yet with his previous experience with the insatiable, vengeful creature, he is the only one who knows its weaknesses and how to destroy it.

Finding themselves in a tough situation, the Vikings realize their captive is the one person who can help save them. They must work together to defeat a common enemy. Can Kairan help save Earth or is this another planet destined for the same end as his own? Can the Vikings put aside their differences to work with the stranger who has not only crashed into their homeland but also released the very thing they need to destroy? As Kairan fights the final battle with the Moorwen, he uses his advanced technology combined with Iron Age weapons for a memorable finale.

Critics too, have mixed reviews of this film. Where many give credit to it being a much smarter film that it first appears, they criticize the performances of some of the actors. Like with most movies though, the true success will be in the acceptance of the viewers and how they perceive things overall.

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