Amidst the vast array of films featuring Mars as the primary white whale, Life has become the latest installment of yet another story of human exploration, turned in to horrific drama and tragedy. Before anyone gets any goofy ideas about this film being just another “Alien” film or stranded in space exploration story, Life is a pure white knuckle thriller with all the bells and whistles of a outer space monster movie with plenty of intelligence to become a box office success.
A-listers Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds lead a cast of six, as their characters on the Mars Pilgrim 7 Mission, float sardined aboard a claustrophobic international space station. After retrieving a lander that scooped up Martian soil samples containing a small dormant, gelatinous organism brought back to life which the children of earth eventually name Calvin. Calvin revealed it’s true ugly nature with a violent reaction aiming to kill the entire crew of the space station, as they spring into action to contain it to prevent it from reaching earth, even if they have to sacrifice their lives to do so.
Written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, Life took a familiar concept of a alien hell-bent on killing every human in it’s sight (once pioneered by Alien) while adding a stroke of realism to the narrative. The impressive CGI design of “Calvin” is one of the film’s more unique elements along with the International Space Station’s interior layout setting up the claustrophobic atmosphere.
Life almost suffers from some of the same elements of other sci-fi films set in space without being too obnoxious or overly predictable. Consider it to be more as a combination of other sci-fi films without completely stealing from any one particular story line or falling in to the deadly trap of being too boring or unbelievable. In fact, the film draws upon many elements that allow it the flexibility for it to become a somewhat realistic story line in a not too distant future, as in a year or two from now.
Overall, Life is an above average popcorn, sci-fi horror flick that will at least leave some on the edge of their seat more than once. The film doesn’t exactly try to reinvent the wheel of alien horror films but it certainly adds to the excitement of the genre. The A-list cast provides a useful dose of talent in what would have otherwise felt like a direct to streaming network film. Check your ego at the door and enjoy the film for what it is instead of what you want it to be and try not to view it as a rip-off or a wanna-be sequel (or prequel) to Alien.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…