Half-Life

Authors: Zgamer
Location: Eagle, IO

“Half-Life"

Distributed by: Dreamworks Pictures
Produced by: Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Marc Laidlaw

Principal Cast:

Edward Norton as Gordon Freeman
Rosario Dawson as Alyx Vance
Danny Glover as Dr. Eli Vance
Colin Ferrell as Barney Calhoun
Dennis Hopper as Dr. Wallace Breen
Cate Blanchett as Dr. Judith Mossman
Hugo Weaving as The G-Man
Ed Harris as Dr. Issac Kleiner
Jean Reno as Father Gregory

Tagline: "The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world"

Release Date: October 21, 2008

Synopsis: Based on the game Half-Life 2.

The fires of Black Mesa have settled. Out of that catastrophe, a new force has come to power. In the tongue of the humans, they are called the Combine. This new power has taken control of Earth and has put the human race under its control, complete with a human puppet leader (Hopper) to play a sympathy card, a brutal law enforcement to keep them under control, and their own way of “relocating” those who pose a threat.

From this oppressiveness, a new resistance has risen. Under the leadership of Dr. Eli Vance (Glover), these brave humans have sworn to end the Combine’s control of their race. However, they know the odds are against them, as the Combine outmatches them in technology, resources, and manpower. As the months go by, the resistance is starting to get desperate. They know that unless a miracle came their way, their resistance would be futile.

Then one day, a train arrived with an extra passenger. A passenger who had disappeared years ago as if he didn’t exist. A passenger who had been to the edge of oblivion and back. A passenger who everyone seems to know even though they have never met him. This passenger is Gordon Freeman (Norton), the cause of Black Mesa. He has returned to accomplish a task, though he has no idea what it is. But as he dives deeper into this new, almost alien world, he discovers new allies, new foes, and a web of mysteries concerning the fate of humanity and the conspiracies of the Combine.

What the press would say:

Steven Spielberg newest entry in the sci-fi genre is one of his best yet. The eeriness and wonder of this disturbing futuristic world is brought to life by his artistic vision. The story, written by the game’s original writer, is great. It keeps you involved with the situation and has some of the best dialogue around. The technical features, provided by the usual Spielberg crew, are a phenomenal achievement to match the phenomenal game. Janusz Kaminski’s camera gives you the gritty feeling of a dystopian future, while the art direction and visual effects work their magic in creating wonderfully a settings and creatures.

The characters are all brought to life by an amazing cast, including Edward Norton as the quiet (but more verbal for the movie’s sake) Gordon Freeman. It is the supporting cast, however, that stands out the most. Rosario Dawson is amazing as the headstrong Alyx Vance, while Dennis Hopper truly makes his villain as despicable as he was in the game. Even Hugo Weaving’s small but pivotal role as the mysterious G-Man leaves you amazed with his emotionless, yet powerful glare. A recommend to any sci-fi, video game, and general movie fans anywhere.

Possible Nominations

Best Director (Steven Spielberg)
Best Cinematography (Janusz Kaminski)
Best Art/Set Direction (Alyx McDowell and Anne Kuljian)
Best Costumes (Deborah Lynn Scott)
Best Film Editing (Michael Kahn)
Best Sound Editing (Richard Hymns and Gary Rydstrom)
Best Visual Effects (Dennis Muren, Pablo Helman, Randy Dutra, and Daniel Sudick)
Best Make-Up (Michele Burke and Camille Calvet)

With long shot, but possible, nominations for:

Best Adapted Screenplay (Marc Laidlaw)
Best Supporting Actress (Rosario Dawson)