Epoch

EPOCH contains elements from Cocoon, Fifth Element, Jupiter Ascending, 2001 and Arrival. IF you liked any of those movies, you may enjoy EPOCH too. Arrival (2016) clearly seems related to this TV movie, obviously so...EPOCH explores the origins of Life on Earth, perhaps Alien in nature ?Also what will World Governments DO if an alien ship pops up and says, 'Hi!'?The actors and actresses do a very good job with the script and presentation.The Soldiers actor's work was not well trained - they wave their rifles around like umbrellas, constantly flagging each other, not carrying the rifles properly, and their dialog clearly not reviewed by anyone with military experience.The acting is good, the F/X, location work, and set dressing done on a TV movie budget, but done well.The mystery and writing well done, if a bit slow paced for modern times.Thank you Amazon for sharing this movie on Amazon Prime video ! Very nice."EPOCH Evolution", the second movie, is available on DVD - but not on Prime, yet.It's rated even better than the first movie, so if you enjoy EPOCH, consider getting the second movie too.Let us little humans hope alien species are nicer and smarter than us and anticipate EARTH reacting very negatively to their arrival... so they stay silent and let humans naturally evolve, like creatures in a national park... It will be up to us to reach out into space and go meet them.I dedicate this move in the Memory of Stephanie Niznik, (May 20, 1967 – June 23, 2019).She portrays Dr. KC Czaban very well, and has also appeared in Star Trek, Sliders, and several other productions.

The first "unknown" you encounter in this movie: Where the hell is Bhutan? That's answered quickly enough (in a general way, and then for those of us geographically challenged, with a map) when we are introduced to the nomadic family who are obviously Asian. I mention this because it pretty much sets the stage for the rest of the movie. Have a question? David Keith is there to give an answer. That "formula" throughout the movie robs it of Mystery----that quality that makes a really good sci-fi film----admitting that some things are simply beyond explanation or our ability to understand. The raw story is a good one, and, as some other reviewers have pointed out, quite familiar to anyone who's watched "Arrival". But where "Arrival" gives us time to ponder Mystery, "Epoch" impatiently goes on playing scientific Jeopardy. Another aspect working against "Epoch" is the musical soundtrack which sounds like it would be more appropriate for "Patton" than for a sci-fi movie----again "Arrival" makes use of an abstract musical soundtrack that works well with the Mystery set before us in the story. Acting is hampered by an awkward script that swings from feigned gravity (the Bible quoting Capt. Tower) to adolescent silliness (the wise-ass sidelines of David Keith's character). That the two brainiacs in the story develop a "romance" (essentially only a long kiss !) that convinces "Taurus" to self destruct rather than terraform earth for a new species is patently absurd. After all that criticism it would seem that "Epoch" is a bust. Actually, the story, occasionally the special effects, and some of the suspenseful scenes make this movie something to watch without having to pay a lot of attention----while you're on the phone, doing crosswords or dozing off and on after a long day at work. Chances that you'll miss something important are minimal. Just keep an eye out for that big "jellyfish".

This is a 2001 made for TV movie with what is pretty clearly a low budget, so so writing and either or both not so great directing or acting. I like the premise of the movie, but the execution is mostly lagging a bit. I watched all the way through, but felt kind of ho-hum afterward. David Keith gives what is probably the best performance of the cast.This story line was also done in 2016’s Arrival. It is a much better version close to this story but does it much better with a clearly much bigger budget and higher end cast starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.If you like low budget science fiction this could be your cup of tea. If you want to see what a first pass at the basic story in Arrival looked like this could be a good watch. I enjoyed it, but I tend to like David Keith’s performances and almost any at least half decent science fiction.In the 18 years since this came out it has not aged well. I think it’s worth watching, but I think Arrival is a much better version of this sort of story. That’s why I’m giving Epoch 3 stars.

Excellent characters. Excellent dialogue. Excellent acting. Lead actors definitely held your interest and caring. Casting is well defined, unlike some movies where it's hard to remember who is who. Dialogue especially well written, even though the plot could easily have become too heavy, it's lightened up nicely. Sound recording was excellent, unlike contemporary movies where ADR (studio sound re-recording of dialogue) is badly edited into the original, dialogue recording here was absolutely perfect.

I'm extremely critical when ist caomes to films, Although this one could have been better, so can they all. Although others have criticized it, I think it was well done. The monolith itself could have been improved, but I thought the acting--for the most part--was done well. THe script was fine, the effects were well executed. I enjoyed it, and recommend it.

I was tempted to pack it in a few times, but I kept with it to the end. Far fetched idea for the existence of the thing but then this is not a documentary. The US-China tension plays more real now then it probably was when the script was written. (Amazing that the 'Chinese military vehicles looked exactly like US military vehicle, but with red stars on them!) Some might be insulted by the portrayal of some of the US soldiers, but not unexpected for this type of movie.This movie is watchable if you have some time to kill. Otherwise, skip it and do something better with your time.

First off, the DVD is perfectly serviceable. Both picture and sound are fine but nowhere near modern HD quality. As to the film, it's certainly not the best sci fi ever made, but considering this was made for TV and on a modest budget it's perfectly decent entertainment for late night viewing.The story revolves around a mysterious giant rock rising from the ground in a remote region in the Himalayas (Bhutan?) somewhere near the Chinese border. It's an American production, so it's American scientist and military who go and investigate. Procedure is rather laughable, special effects are nowhere near those of a big screen blockbuster, but as low budget entertainment goes, it's watchable. There is a plotline with the inexplicable powers of the rock to heal and restore life, there is another plotline with the Chinese military rattling sabres at the near border. The acting is all right for a TV drama. Nothing to write home about, but nothing cringeworthy either. The only name I recognized among the cast is Ryan O'Neal who never was a particularly great actor even at the height of his Love Story fame and who is long past his prime here. He appears in a supporting role and he is fine.Not a particularly memorable film, but if you don't expect too much it will probably keep you entertained on a slow night in.

Very suspect special effects . The story is ok but you feel the plot has been seen in movies all before .

Unusual but good

This is a Brilliantly put together,well thought out action/Sci-fi flick that is well worth a look.

Avevo già visto tempo fa questo film e onestamente non ci avevo capito molto. Adesso, rivedendolo, l'ho apprezzato di più e spero di averne saputo cogliere lo spirito che ne ha animato la produzione; comunque mi è decisamente piaciuto.Il tema trattato ed il suo sviluppo sono quanto più ho apprezzato del film.Credo di poterlo umilmente consigliare a chi cerca in un film di fantascienza qualcosa, senza esagerare, che però vada un attimo oltre le classiche battaglie con gli omini verdi o la altrettanto classica meteora che punta dritto contro il nostro pianeta.Pur non disdegnando in asoluto nemmeno questi generi.