Eric Stevenson
"Alien Nation" was a TV show based on a movie that in turn had TV movies based on the TV show. Having seen this film, I thought it was just okay. It was weird how they sort of abandoned the plot about the virus killing the newcomers. I understand that this series is fairly popular. It just isn't for me. It's at least passable. It came off as kind of boring to me. It would be easy to dismiss this as just another easy analogy for racism. At the time of the film's release, the trope wasn't nearly as developed.There are definitely good scenes. I especially like it when the characters talk about religion and God's plan. The newcomers themselves have their own beliefs about souls. They wonder if the aliens even have souls. There's certainly nothing about it in the Bible. I appreciate how it is pretty charming how the human character falls in love with the newcomer. It's interesting to see how they understand Earth culture and it isn't rushed like in most other movies. It's fine for what it is. **1/2
funky_cherry86
I just finished my dvds of Alien Nation Ultimate Movie Collection and Dark Horizon was a very good continuation of the popular series that got canceled in 1990.All of the original cast returned even though there were a few changes, five years had passed so scenes had to be re shot because old footage couldn't be used.What made the film shine was the good buddy cop routine between Francisco and his human partner Sikes it was the basis for the show and the movie. Picking up right where the final episode Green Eyes left off the fate of the tenctonese race is put into danger when a ruthless overseer called Ahpossno (Patterson) has been sent to recover the 250,000 slaves that disappeared five years ago. Meanwhile Susan (Scarabelli), & Emily (Woodland), have been infected with a virus designed to kill the newcomer race there are some other issues to deal with in the movie. Matt (Graham) had a falling out with George (Pierpoint) over his partner's promotion to detective 2 and his relationship with Cathy (Treas) is still having problems so he dates Lorraine Clark (Thompson). My favorite scenes were when Matt & George became friends again during a private moment in the hospital room where they sing a song to Susan who lays ill in her bed. Also after hearing some racist remarks from his human love interest he finally realizes that maybe a relationship with a tenctonese woman is possible.for fans of sci- fi action Dark Horizon provides plenty of entertainment and thrills from beginning to end.
gritfrombray-1
The TV series was brilliant. Never shied away from handling everyday issues in modern day society. The characters and cast, supporting cast included were fantastic. Very disappointingly axed after one season. How crap like Buffy and Angel outlasted this is far beyond me. This movie picks up right after the heartbreaking cliff hanger, 'Green Eyes'. Albeit circumstances are slightly different regarding the end of Green Eyes and the start of Dark Horizon but this is quickly forgotten and we march into an incredible story. Almost all the original cast return (no Dobbs) even George's neighbors! The movie handles it all. Where the Newcomers came from and how they weren't 'forgotten'!! But he one thing I'm so happy with is, even after five years apart the cast still work brilliant together. Anyone who enjoyed the series will love this.
dromasca
This TV series was made in the mid 90s, but looks much older. The overall story of the alien slaves reaching the sunny shores of California is a good idea and may offer premises for both social comment and good drama. Unfortunately acting is so conventional, costumes and effects so poor that less than ten years after production this movie looks like an oldie. Hard core fans of science fiction (like myself) better watch an old Star Trek. At least, this was the original. 5/10 on my personal scale.