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G-Loc
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Violence, cursing in surprisingly thoughtful sci-fi.
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G-Loc
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Based on 1 parent review
Interesting science
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What's the Story?
In G-LOC, Bran Marshall (Stephen Moyer) has just fled Earth, a planet that's growing increasingly colder and inhospitable. Struggling with the losses of his wife and daughter, he's trying to reach the planet Rhea, a planet of former Earthlings who began leaving Earth 528 years prior. However, Rheans are now hostile to new arrivals from Earth. With the help of his snarky yet trusty handheld computer Edison, Bran manages to sneak onto a Rhean supply ship, only to find that the crew has been murdered. It doesn't take long for Bran to meet Ohsha, seemingly the only survivor on the ship. Ohsha instantly assumes that Bran is responsible for the killings because he's an Earthling. As Bran tries to prove that he had nothing to do with it, the two, along with Edison, make a terrifying discovery. The ship has been set on a collision course with a refugee camp filled with Earthlings. Now, Bran and Ohsha must find a way to stop the ship from its collision course and stop who or what is behind it, as Bran must also find a way to make peace with the tragedies of his past.
Is It Any Good?
This is a surprisingly thoughtful science fiction movie. It's not perfect, but then again, many of the science fiction movies of the 1970s weren't perfect either, but they could still entertain in their own right while addressing the concerns of the contemporary world. Hatred and cruelty toward immigrants and climate change are the front-and-center concerns of G-Loc, while, to a lesser extent, it tries to address the root causes of terrorist acts. These concerns don't come across as heavy-handed or preachy, and for science fiction especially, that's quite the accomplishment.
Still, there are too many sci-fi clichés happening at any given time. While it's admirable that they steered clear of the hatred that turns into love between the two lead characters, there's little doubt that that's where it's going. Speaking of '70s sci-fi, the snarkiness of the computer "Edison" begins to grow tiresome until it's revealed why he acts the way he does, and then it's a little less annoying and a little more poignant. All of this leads one to expect the worst as it starts, but the story, acting, and overall message help G-Loc to surpass expectations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about dystopian science fiction movies. How does G-Loc compare to similar movies that depict an Earth and society breaking down?
How does the movie use science fiction to address contemporary concerns?
What are some other examples of science fiction movies and TV shows that use sci-fi to address contemporary concerns?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 11, 2020
- Cast: Stephen Moyer , Tala Gouvela , Casper Van Dien
- Director: Tom Paton
- Studio: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Space and Aliens
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: violence and some strong language
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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