First Man On Mars

First Man On Mars, released in 2016, is a science fiction and horror-comedy film that packs a thrilling, humorous punch with topnotch performances from its cast, including Kelly Murtagh, Christian Walker, and Bobby Gilchrist.

The film opens with an ambitious twist on the typical astronaut narrative. In this case, the story transports us to a future where manned missions to Mars are a reality. Our pioneer, Colonel Eli Cologne played by Benjamin Wood, becomes the first man to set foot on Mars, but not everything goes as planned.

While the mission has been hailed as an absolute triumph for man's conquest of space, back on Earth, there are subtle hints of dark foreboding. Cologne's return to the blue planet is not the joyous, ticker-tape parade one might anticipate. Instead, it is shrouded in secrecy as the brilliant scientist, Dr. Fritz Melon (played astoundingly by Jeffrey Estiverne), and his assistant, Dr. Martine Munro (brought to life by Kelly Murtagh), start acting suspiciously.

As the plot unravels, the audience gets a whiff of the grotesque horror that is about to unfold. Without spoiling the suspense, it can safely be said that what was supposed to be an epoch-making accomplishment soon devolves into a nightmarish horror. The movie masterfully skews the portrayal of a heroic astronaut narrative, morphing it into a lively and quirky blend of science-gone-wrong and insatiable horror.

Colonel Cologne's journey from celebrated astronaut to something far more sinister forms the crux of the film, with a good dose of satirical humor sprinkled throughout. Bobby Gilchrist, who portrays Captain Reginald Strickland, helps maintain the balance in the narrative. His character, an intelligent detective, becomes increasingly suspicious of the events surrounding Colonel Cologne's unexpected return from the Red Planet.

Christian Walker, who takes on the role of inspector Casey, aids Strickland in his quest for truth. Together, they begin to unravel the peculiar mystery behind the Mars mission – a narrative filled with suspense, uncertainties, and eerie implications.

First Man On Mars is equally praiseworthy for the unique visual techniques utilized to bring this eccentric tale to life. Director Mike T. Lyddon embraces a nostalgic approach to the cinematic style inspired by the B-movie genre, harking back to the 70s and 80s. The film is characterized by dramatic/overly-flashy special effects, excessive eccentricity, and does not shy away from the absurd. All of these elements combine to create an amalgamation of humor, horror, and satire.

The movie is not just a sci-fi horror flick but also a commentary on our obsession with space conquest and the potential horrors it could bring. The script, written by Lyddon, is as clever as it is entertaining, mixing typical B-movie cheese with smart satire and critique of man's relentless pursuit of scientific dominance.

There are dramatic moments of sharp dialogue, adventure, chases, classic B-movie styled gore, and of course, heightened suspense. At the same time, it has its share of comedic relief, which is served with a deft touch throughout the film, especially through Detective Johnson’s character (played convincingly by Sam Cobean) contributing to the film's overall charm.

Mentioning the actors, each one of them delivers a solid performance. Kelly Murtagh captures our hearts as the dedicated scientist Dr. Martine Munro, while Benjamin Wood does justice to his role as Colonel Eli Cologne.

In summary, First Man On Mars is a blend of science fiction, horror, and comedy. It successfully takes a widely explored genre and flips it on its head, creating a fresh movie-going experience. It guarantees chills, laughter, a dash of gore, and above all, a fascinating storyline elegantly played out by a talented ensemble that just adds to the overall allure of the film. The film primarily appeals to fans of offbeat horror-comedies and lovers of satire. But even if you are not a devoted follower of that niche, give First Man On Mars a watch - its unique flavor might just become your new favorite.