Directed by sibling duo Colin and Greg Strause, Skyline isn't all bad, but it's just a few steps away from being a low-grade, made-for-TV science fiction flick. The only differences between this movie and something you would see go straight to DVD or on cable in the wee hours of the night are some solid special effects and a cast of actors we’ve maybe, sort of seen before.
The movie follows Jarrod (Eric Balfour), who brings his girlfriend (Scottie Thompson) along on a trip to Los Angeles. Their business there is pleasure, as they are meeting up with Jarrod’s long-time buddy, Terry (Donald Faison). The style of the opening scenes in South L.A. and the musical choices almost feel like something out of a teenage television soap opera like The OC or Gossip Girl.
Following a party at Terry’s penthouse (he is filthy rich), the group of people who are spending the night are awoken by a powerful blue light coming from outside. One party member stares a little too long into that light, and gets sucked right in.
Seriously, do not go toward the light.
This article appears in Mar 17-23, 2011.