65 is heavily flawed but salvaged by Adam Driver’s performance

by Ed Blackadder

“65” is a science fiction and action film,  with a comically unrealistic premise that relies heavily on CGI, but is saved by a solid performance from Adam Driver. It is the story of an astronaut from a distant planet who finds himself on earth during the Crustaceous period. The movie takes itself very Adam Driver’s performance manages to hold the film together, despite the reliance on special effects.

The premise of “65” is somewhat ridiculous, while trying to take itself very seriously. The plot feels like a mashup of “Planet of the Apes,” “Jurassic Park,” “Sound of Thunder,” and “Predator” but it never manages to find its own identity. The film tries to make up for the lack of substance with over-the-top action sequences and flashy special effects, but it never quite manages to make the story feel believable.

The special effects in “65” are impressive, but they can’t save the film from its flaws. The CGI-heavy action sequences feel like they belong in a video game rather than a movie, and they can be overwhelming at times. While the effects are well-done, they never quite manage to make the action feel real, and they ultimately detract from the film’s potential impact.

The saving grace of “65” is Adam Driver’s performance as the lead character. He manages to bring a sense of authenticity to the role and in lesser hands the movie might have been unwatchable.  Driver’s work makes it worth watching.

Another issue with “65” is its pacing. The film is overly long, and it drags in places. The narrative lacks focus, and the film feels disjointed as a result. There are also several subplots that could have been cut entirely, as they don’t add much to the story. As a result, the film can feel bloated and unfocused.

Ultimately, “65” is a film that suffers from an overreliance on CGI. While the special effects are impressive, they can’t make up for the lack of substance in the plot. However, the solid performance from Adam Driver manages to salvage some of the film’s potential.

it’s best to approach this film with low expectations.

Ed’s Grade: C