So-so sci-fi; may be too intense for some kids.

Mission to Mars' redemptive coda opened the door for the subsequent film's continuing figurative and literal sanguinity.

There's some throwaway fancy camerawork at the beginning and a repeat of his shock-shot trick from Raising Cain, but otherwise De Palma's own ride appears to be largely on autopilot.

It may be rather overcooked, but De Palma's outer-space adventure is still very watchable.