Spectral

Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): December 9, 2016

6.4	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 78 Ratings

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TheWaffleDec 31, 2016

A good, sci-fi war movie. It was entertaining throughout and had several moments that made me go "that was really cool". There are plenty of well-worn tropes in Spectral, but they're executed well. If you like movies like Dredd, Red Dawn, orA good, sci-fi war movie. It was entertaining throughout and had several moments that made me go "that was really cool". There are plenty of well-worn tropes in Spectral, but they're executed well. If you like movies like Dredd, Red Dawn, or Aliens, you'll probably enjoy this one too.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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juliankennedy23Mar 28, 2018

Spectral: Spectral is about American special forces fighting the remnants of government troops during a civil war in Moldova. During the battle, the special forces are attacked by what appears to be ghosts and call on a DARPA scientist (JamesSpectral: Spectral is about American special forces fighting the remnants of government troops during a civil war in Moldova. During the battle, the special forces are attacked by what appears to be ghosts and call on a DARPA scientist (James Badge Dale) to come investigate and help the US Army counteract this new threat.
The Good: Spectral pulls off a neat trick. It is a movie about science and technology and the hard-working scientists behind it. Despite all the hoo-rah action scenes, it is the thinking men that will get them out of this mess. The movie sets this tone well and keeps it throughout the film. The fact that it manages to do this without talking down to the audience too much is an amazing feat.
The solid acting across the board and a solid science fiction foundation are matched with a good pace and good action scenes. The film does manage some very nice set pieces with good practical effects mixed with the CGI.
The Bad: If one goes a looking there might be a plot hole or two. (You need a hundred laser cannons using brand new tech? I am going to need half an hour and some duct tape). In addition if while the film certainly uses science throughout I wouldn’t exactly quote some of those theories on Friday's physics exam.
Actual citizens of Moldova can also feel free to criticize the wrong city, wrong language and ridiculous description of your government.
In Conclusion: Though marketed as a Netflix original; Netflix actually picked Spectral up on the cheap from Universal/Legendary who was unhappy with all the science stuff and possible realized too late that Emily Mortimer is not going to open a summer blockbuster. That said one can certainly see the not inconsiderable budget on the screen.
How Universal shelved this film and opened The Mummy is a mystery for another day. Solid Sci-fi actioner with an elevator script sounding like a cross between Black Hawk Down and Aliens. A fun film that is better than one might suspect.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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TryASummersaultDec 13, 2016

For a netflix original film, this was a solid effort with some really innovative ideas. An interesting action/paranormal/scifi with great effects and awesome visuals. While in the end it's essentially a syfy original with better effects andFor a netflix original film, this was a solid effort with some really innovative ideas. An interesting action/paranormal/scifi with great effects and awesome visuals. While in the end it's essentially a syfy original with better effects and acting, it was worth watching.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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WiseForeignerMar 31, 2019

I'm giving it a 10/10 for the willingness to tackle a different sci-fi topic, which is so hard in an age where sci-fi is cluttered with established franchises long past their expiration date. I hope they keep going.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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RennoDec 12, 2016

Starts slowly but slowly becomes frenetic in action and special effects. The subject gives for a second movie, I got lost in the explanation of how this energy matter is created.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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CharlieBrown8Aug 20, 2023

Fantastic original setting and great follow-through applying the scientific method to get to the bottom of the mystery.