Solar Crisis

Solar Crisis is a 1990 science fiction film, boasting a star-studded cast that includes Tim Matheson, Charlton Heston, and Peter Boyle. The film was a joint venture between Japanese and American production companies and was directed by Richard C. Sarafian using the pseudonym, Alan Smithee; a name often used by directors who wish to disassociate themselves from a project. The screenplay was written by Joe Gannon and Tedi Sarafian, based on a novel by Takeshi Kawata.

The story of Solar Crisis is set in the somewhat distant future, specifically 2050, a time when the world is threatened by an impending global disaster. The film propels viewers into a sci-fi universe where the sun is no longer a source of life-giving energy, but a ticking time bomb that threatens to eliminate life on Earth. An enormous solar flare that could essentially incinerate the planet is predicted, leading to a state of emergency and paving the way for an engrossing plot encompassing both futuristic technological exploits as well as human bravery and resilience.

The cast is led by Tim Matheson playing Steve Kelso, a daring astronaut who finds himself at the heart of humanity's fight for survival. His mission is to pilot the spaceship Helios and deliver a 20th-century equivalent of a Trojan Horse - a device designed to trigger a premature explosion of the threatening solar flare while it's still at a safe distance from the Earth. This mission, funded and organized by the multi-national corporation, 'Intl Corp', gives the film a thrilling pace and maintains the suspense throughout the plot.

Charlton Heston plays Adm. "Skeet" Kelso, who is positioned on Earth as the head of the mission control, guiding his son Steve in the space journey. Heston brings his quintessential gravitas to the role. Peter Boyle plays Arnold Teague, the eccentric billionaire and Board Chairman of 'Intl Corp', orchestrating the mission from behind the scenes. He's invested in a covert quest for covering up his company's reckless dealings, hence adding to the gripping twists in the plot.

Solar Crisis excels in its depiction of human courage in the face of insurmountable odds. Its characters are not just battling the impending solar disaster, but also the menacing corporate greed that jeopardizes the mission at every turn. Tim Matheson's portrayal of a futuristic space adventurer up against astronomical stakes is a memorable highlight of the film.

The elaborate set designs and special effects in the film, reflective of its 55 million dollar budget, present a visually stunning staging of the future. The depiction of the spaceship 'Helios' and various other space-oriented technologies provide a visually interesting backdrop. One of the significant strengths of Solar Crisis is its ambitious exploration of the future that doesn't restrict itself merely to gadgets and machines. It aims to be a reflection of society in the face of disaster and examines how the dynamics of class, power, and corporate greed may evolve in such a scenario.

The film also examines familial ties through the father-son relationship of the Kelsos. This relationship adds a depth to the characters' development and brings some emotional heft to the film’s high-stakes drama. To complicate matters, the movie introduces a rogue scientist’s plot, a component that further accentuates the suspense and mystery shrouding the narrative.

With a complex and engaging story, remarkable visuals, and a well-rounded cast, Solar Crisis is undeniably a high-concept science fiction film. Its daring in presenting a doomsday scenario makes it a captivating prospect for any sci-fi aficionado. This film successfully encapsulates the fear and human courage that inevitably accompanies such theoretical end-of-the-world situations. Despite its rocky production history and mixed reception on release, over the years, Solar Crisis has found its niche audience that appreciates the intricacies and layers the movie offers within its futuristic narrative.