January 20, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • Page 23 Creepy science fiction thriller jolts the nerves woman; Manh (Cung Le), a non-English-speaking commando; and Leland (Eddie Rouse), who has been awake the longest and might be in greatest danger. It is easy to see similarities between “Pandorum” and 1979’s “Alien,” which set the standard for horror in outer space. “Pandorum” expands on “Alien” by introducing cannibalism, martial arts, and the title ailment: a psychological disorder caused by deep space travel, resulting in extreme paranoia. Director Christian Alvart (“Antibodies,” “Case 39”) succeeds in creating and sustaining an eerie, dangerous environment that helps raise “Pandorum” from a mere action picture to an exercise in escalating terror. The early scenes are best, when the viewer feels the atmosphere but sees little tangible threat. Unfortunately, Alvart tosses too much into the film. Rather than developing the story gradually, he opts for elaborately choreographed fights, ugly mutant creatures, and a curious, unpredictable affliction that can affect people in peculiar, sometimes frightening ways. DVD/Blu-ray features include several featurettes, audio commentary by the director, deleted and alternate scenes, a still gallery, and theatrical trailer. Three older films step up to Blu-ray this week. “Magnolia” (Warner Home Video), from director Paul Thomas (continued on Crossword page) State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Dennis Quaid in ‘Pandorum.’ by Dennis Seuling “Pandorum” (Anchor Bay) is reminiscent of the feature film “Alien” and the original “Twilight Zone” TV shows in its expert use of suspense and the unexpected to convey escalating fear. Two astronauts, Lieutenant Payton (Dennis Quaid) and Corporal Bower (Ben Foster) wake up in a sleep chamber aboard the seemingly abandoned spacecraft Elysium. It is pitch black, they are disoriented, and the only sound is a low rumble and creak from the belly of the ship. They cannot remember anything. Who are they? What is their mission? While Payton mans the radio, Bower ventures deep into the ship, attempting to gain a clue to the noises, and discovers they are not alone. Travis Milloy’s script works well as mystery/thriller, with revelations doled out and interesting characters introduced along the way: Nadia (Antje Traue), a defensive Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino North Haledon Pizza 973-423-9066 Free Delivery Large Cheese Pie w/1 Topping $ 00 $ 5 Sicomac Rd., North Haledon, NJ 07508 Open Tues.-Sat. 11am-9pm • Sun. 12pm-9pm 795 + tax (with this ad) On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 VT �������� ������� ��������� �������� 1-20-10 Ester/Janine ��������������������������������������������� NorthHaledonPizza2x2(1-20-10) Valentine’s Day Join us on 2 x 2” ���������� ���������� Full Regular Menu Available Call for Reservations �������� ������ �������������� ���������� V alentine Specials SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7 , 6-9 PM FREE BUFFET ������������������������������������������������ Superbowl Party �������������������� HAPPY HOUR ������������������ �������������� ��������� ������� ������������������ ������������������� �������������� � �� �������������������������������������������������������������������� 1-20-10