Some time in the future, psychologist Chris Kelvin (Clooney) is sent to a troubled space station to investigate some strange happenings that have been occurring there since the crew has been studying a mysterious planet-like entity called Solaris. Once on board, Kelvin struggles to hold onto his own sanity when these phenomena begin playing with his head and his heart…

Soderbergh attacks yet another genre or two with his latest film (science fiction and romance), and believe me when I say that the sci-fi takes a back seat. This is one hell of a convincing and touching love story. Okay, I’m a sucker for that genre and I’m not an easy touch by any stretch of the imagination but when the story, dialogue and emotion ring true in a film, I’ve got to give it its due. SOLARIS hits all the right chords! Did you ever want to do right by your wrongs in a previous relationship? Say those few words to him or her that might’ve made all the difference in the world? Feel empty and drained after losing somebody close in your life? I know you have and so have I. That’s why the themes and areas tackled in SOLARIS are meaningful, they are dealt with truthfully, maturely and with an open heart. The love is true here, it is honest and it is felt in the movie. Love is in the air all over SOLARIS...even if it isn’t breathable. So...ever been in love? Get the picture? Rent this movie, okay?

Clooney proves, as he’s been doing very often lately, that he can take his acting to a whole other level and it’s crystal clear in this movie. I said this in my WELCOME TO COLLINWOOD review, but the man can do no wrong...it’s incredible. He’s nice, talented and funny as hell. For the ladies, besides his performance, you’ll appreciate a couple of classic Clooney butt-shots as an appetizer. Enjoy! Davies plays the screwy weirdo to perfection once again and McElhone is her gifted and lovely self again. She’s a keeper; classy, beautiful, seductive and mysterious. Soderbergh lets his camera be still for the most part, letting the actors tell the story. You can really tell he had a vision of what he wanted this movie to be like, from the first frame to the last. Soderbergh’s brilliant storytelling style will capture not only your mind, but your heart….and it won’t let go.

Video: Widescreen (2.35:1)

Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Surround, English Dolby Surround, French and Spanish languages. English and Spanish subtitles.

The extra features begin with an HBO Special: Inside Solaris (~ 12 minutes). You’ve all seen this before, cast and crew chat about the movie, the experience shooting it, the casting, the story, etc. I usually enjoy these 1) If I liked the movie, and 2) If the people are interesting and bullshit-free. I hit paydirt on both counts here. Solaris: Behind the Planet is pretty much the same thing, so much so in fact that many of the same parts from the HBO special are included and repeated. That was kind of unprofessional, but the screen tests of the actors and Clooney doing impressions on set and being an all-around goofball more than made up for it.

A commentary track with Steven Soderbergh and producer James Cameron is simply a must-listen for any fans of them personally, this film, the book or anyone who just loves film and the filmmaking process. These two really get into some fascinating conversations, I loved it. One of the most enjoyable and helpful commentaries I’ve ever heard. Good stuff here!!! The entire screenplay for Solaris is also included, which you can read through and even spot cut scenes. Very, very cool. Throw in a few trailers and that’s it.

A perfect movie to watch with the missus or mister on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I recommend this highly for rent or purchase. It’s honest in its approach and I’m glad to see a sci-fi movie that deals as much with the heart as it does with a badass alien. Clooney and Co. deliver big-time with SOLARIS!