This movie is from my youth, but still interests me as a decent cop movie, even though its hailed as a science fiction work, and referred to by star Sean Connery as one of his least favorite projects. What does HE know?

"Outland," written and directed by Peter Hyams (2010, End of Days) follows Marshall William O'Niel (Connery), who is commissioned to serve a year on a Titanium mining colony on some moon I can't remember. O'Niel begins investigating the unusual freak-out suicides of the colony miners, about 26 in six months, and finds a drug ring being operated by the mine's general manager Mark Shepherd.

Refusing to look the other way, as so many Marshalls in the past have, O'Niel brings down a load of trouble for himself in a world where nobody sticks their neck out for anyone.

I have a problem with people calling this picture science fiction. The picture is about people, integrity and justice, and how illegal drugs are destructive anywhere in the universe. It is NOT about the science of the futuristic story. "I, Robot" is a story using science fiction, while "Outland" is simply a cop movie.

Connery is a strong character in whatever movie he does. Even though he has blasted this movie in past interviews, I don't care what he thinks. I dug it, and he was great to watch as a studly cop.

The most interesting performance came from Peter Boyle as Shepherd. After not having seen the picture in almost 15 years, I almost did not recognize Boyle in it. His take on the crusty mining manager was very much outside anything else I've seen him do.

Overall, I like the story of "Outland," and even though I know its scientifically impossible, I dig how characters explode when they're improperly depressurized in outer space. Its gross and cool.

The picture's only flaw is that it was made in the 80s. If it were to be produced today, with the present technology, it may not come off as cheesy as it does. The DVD disc is widescreen and has little else on it, but since the picture is not well remembered, most department stores have it in their bargain bins. So keep an eye out for a $5 copy of "Outland." I think its at least worth THAT much.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?