The Andromeda Strain (2008)
Universal Studios / 2008
Directed by: Mikael Salomon
Written by: Michael Crichton, Robert Schenkkan
Cast: Benjamin Bratt, Christa Miller, Eric McCormack, Andre Braugher & Viola Davis.
Review by Annie Riordan

A U.S. military satellite crash lands just outside of a remote Utah town, but sadly, does not slam into Warren Jeffs face. Rather, two stupid kids throw it in the back of their pick-up and head home, eager to crack open their new toy. But the satellite is carrying an virulent plague which wipes out the small town’s entire population within minutes. All, that is, except for two: a sickly old man and an infant girl. Within hours, an elite team of scientists are assembled and assigned to a top secret bunker, there to examine the contagion, code named “Andromeda” and hopefully find a cure before it can break through quarantine. But as the virus spreads above, horrific discoveries are made below and a worldwide epidemic seems imminent.

This four hour long, made for TV remake of the 1971 original film has a slickly updated story, spiced up with current events paranoia and cool technological gadgets. However, it requires some patience, as well as complete ignorance concerning both medical terminology and homeland security. The Andromeda Strain really isn’t all that bad, but it doesn’t really get going until the third hour. Up to that point, you have to sit through a load of subplots - the angry ex-wife, the wayward son, the reporter’s coke habit - which don’t really impact the basic plot at all and are ultimately not only unnecessary, but annoying.

The cast is perfectly capable and there’s some unforgettable imagery, particularly that of a man committing suicide with a chainsaw. The CGI is kinda sucky, and the story ends up resembling some weird mishmash of Cabin Fever, War Of The Worlds and Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, of all things.
 
 

The Andromeda Strain is not without its moments of tense anticipation and white knuckle excitement. Overall, I enjoyed it when it finally settled down and focused on the actual Andromeda Strain plot. But an excess of subplots and a HUGE cast can be disconcerting, if not downright confusing. Oh, and the suckass, cheapshot ending simply screams: “TV series!” Lame, guys, Really lame.
 
 

“A very watchable and perfectly enjoyable remake.”
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