Call me a geek, but I was 13 years old when I first saw this pilot, at a pre-release screening at a Star Trek convention.
It exhibits numerous elements characteristic of Roddenberry's finest, including a compelling premise, focus on recognizable human interactions, and some light, thoughtful humor: e.g. a reference to the teachings of "Saint Freud".
Sadly, it didn't have quite the kick of some of his better work, but rather plays like one of the weaker episodes of one of them. That is to say the story is pretty good, some of the characters display a potential for significant depth, but it drags a bit. I see it as kind of a "Star Trek - The Motion Picture", without the million dollar light show, or the established relationship with the characters that would have brought us back for Star Trek II no matter how excruciating it was.
It ain't easy maintaining the emotional pacing necessary for a "human adventure" while interspersing enough action (and scifi eye candy/gadgetry) to keep the plot moving. I thought it was not just watchable, but endearing in it's way... which is more than I could say for "Planet Earth"; which I thought came across as a rather superficial remake, dumbed down a bit for the masses.
Genesis II
1973
Action / Drama / Sci-Fi / Thriller
Genesis II
1973
Action / Drama / Sci-Fi / Thriller
Plot summary
A scientist who has been preserved in suspended animation wakes up to find himself in a primitive society in the future.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
October 06, 2020 at 09:25 AM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Only a Roddenberry fan could love this one
An underrated film about social doom
An underrated film about social doom, typical of the 70s for this genre, yet permanently relevant. The budget was not huge, but the atmosphere is there. Mariette Hartley gives a beautifully subtle performance, and is perhaps in her most physically attractive and visually memorable role.