A lot of critics are saying that 65 is awful — but is it as bad as they say it is? Let’s talk Adam Driver’s new movie.
Adam Driver’s new movie 65 is out in theaters now and it is being pegged as pretty darn bad. But is it truly that awful? Sure, there is not a lot to love about it but for those who go in hoping to see Adam Driver fight dinosaurs? Well, that is exactly what they are going to get.
Let’s dive into the 65 movie and breakdown if it really is THAT bad. Fair warning, there are minor spoilers ahead.
Warning: Minor Spoilers for 65 Ahead
In this movie Mills, played by Adam Driver, is the pilot of a spaceship that is transporting a group of passengers that are in cryostasis when he unexpectedly is hit by a rogue asteroid and crashes to Earth. He has left his family for two years to take this job so that they could afford medicine and treatment for his sick daughter, played by Chloe Coleman.
At first he believes all the passengers to be deceased, however he eventually discovers a young girl named Koa (Ariana Greenblatt) that has lived. Of course, she is around his daughter’s age allowing the viewers, and Mills, to draw that parallel. The two have a hard time communicating because they speak different languages and the ship translator is broken, but conveniently enough she instantly picks up on the words move, family, and home.
The majority of the 90 minute movie follows them as they journey from point A to point B to hopefully find a working escape pod and leave Earth. Oh yeah, this is Earth 65 million years ago. Right around the time that a giant asteroid killed the dinosaurs. So the pair has to travel treacherous terrain, being careful so that they don’t get eaten by dinosaurs.
Because of the language barrier, there is not a whole lot of dialogue in the movie. Along the way there are some intense action sequences, and even some funny moments. Hologram messages that were sent to Mills of his daughter are played every so often to help tell that story, and her fate, as well as push the pacing along.
One of the biggest problems with the plot is that early on Mills is stabbed by debris. This occurs during the crash. Later on in the film he is experiencing pain and he looks at his cut which is very clearly infected.
This can’t be good, right? Surely he will ultimately meet his demise due to this. Since he knows he is not long for the world, maybe he will sacrifice himself so that Koa can escape and live? Nope. They never mention it again. Yeah, frustrating is an understatement. There was no need to show the infection if it was never going to go anywhere.
Another thing to note is that Mills and Koa are very clearly human. Or at least human-like. So is this the start of the human race? Is this how we came to be on Earth? Sure would make for a great twist or reveal towards the end, wouldn’t it? Well, don’t get your hopes up because the potential for a mind-blowing Science Fiction moment never occurs. The movie just sort of… ends.
Other qualms include some not to great effects and dinosaurs that look more fake than terrifying. It is nearly impossible to find yourself attached to the story involving Mills’ daughter because you rarely see them interact. As a parent, yes, it will tug on your heartstrings a little, but there should have been more to that story. It feels rushed and it doesn’t ever pay off. Especially since it seems like he has already replaced his daughter with Koa.
Where it falls flat is through no fault of the actors, as they all put their everything into this one. Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, and Chloe Coleman act their hearts out and they are what makes this film as enjoyable as it is.
Still, 65 has its moments and is not all bad. In short, if you are looking for a movie that is more entertaining than not entertaining, with Adam Driver kicking some dinosaur butt, this one is for you. If you are hoping for more than that well, sorry, you are out of luck.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
NEXT: Collection of the Best 65 Movie Quotes
About 65
After a catastrophic crash on an unknown planet, pilot Mills (Adam Driver) quickly discovers he’s actually stranded on Earth…65 million years ago. Now, with only one chance at rescue, Mills and the only other survivor, Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), must make their way across an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures in an epic fight to survive.
From the writers of A Quiet Place and producer Sam Raimi comes 65, a sci-fi thriller starring Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, and Chloe Coleman. Written and directed by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods and produced by Sam Raimi, Deborah Liebling and Zainab Azizi. Also produced by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.