
Fire in the Sky
3.5
(495)
Science Fiction
Drama
Mystery
Thriller
Fantasy
1993
109 min
PG-13
A group of men who were clearing brush for the government arrive back in town, claiming that their friend was abducted by aliens. Nobody believes them, and despite a lack of motive and no evidence of foul play, their friends' disappearance is treated as murder.
Starring:
Science Fiction
Drama
Thriller
Fantasy
Mystery
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"Supposedly, based on a true story. The thing I remember most from this one is the flashback scene when he is being held down on an examination table aboard the alien ship by some strange membrane, and a mechanical arm with a long needle mounted on the end of it is heading straight into his open eyeball. That totally freaked me out. Nightmare fuel. 7.5/10"
"A possible true story based on alien abduction. Or was it a hoax?"
L K
Linda Kelly
"This movie contains some of the craziest nightmare fuel scenes I've had the displeasure to behold. The story was kind of slow and the acting was cheesy, except for the guy who was supposedly abducted- terrifyingly well done. The trauma response was well played. The thing that struck me is that light, gravity, sound, air, and time- all the things that typically ground us in reality here on Earth likely don't behave the same way on an alien craft in space, and this movie did a great job of portraying the oddities of that. Very scary movie!"
"+ This movie has strong production value. The lighting, set design, sound mix and wardrobe create the perfect tone and mood of the story and its setting. There's something about alien (and supernatural) movies and small town settings that go together so well. Perhaps it's the sense of solitude from technology and the busyness of city life, or the closeness of the citizens to each other. Maybe it's the humility of small town people contrasted with the big ideas of cosmic mystery. Whatever it is, this movie utilizes the production value of Hollywood to magnify the strangeness of these elements with simple filming techniques, and an ensemble cast that is made mostly of character actors. The last film I saw that felt like this was Take Shelter (Even if that movie was lighter with the ensemble cast). Fire In The Sky is said to be based on true events, but it works better if you approach it as a complete work of fiction. The end especially plays like a creepy little horror movie that is able to create a great sense of scale in our minds using mostly score, sound mix, costumes, animatronics, and amazingly designed sets.
- Once Travis Walton goes missing (or gets abducted) there are too many scenes of small heated skirmishes amongst the people, or the small group of friends reacting indignantly one too many times. It's not much of a leap to understand that when you say your friend was abducted by aliens that it's normal for people to not believe you, yet Robert Patrick's character struggles with that idea. In and of itself it's not a problem, but when it's done to produce what feels like filler drama, the story takes a hit. It undermines so much talent on the screen that ties the movie together. I chalk it up to bad writing. This is like a well made live action tabloid article that could have worked as a deeper drama with less story conventions.
Overall: I recommend it, though the script could have been better. "
"Fire in the Sky (1993) is a gripping sci-fi horror film that delves into one of the most famous alien abduction cases in history. Directed by Robert Lieberman, the movie is based on Travis Walton's real-life encounter, recounted in his book The Walton Experience.
The story unfolds in the small town of Snowflake, Arizona, where Travis Walton (played by D.B. Sweeney) mysteriously disappears after an alleged UFO sighting. His friends, including the troubled Mike Rogers (Robert Patrick), struggle to convince the authorities and the townsfolk of their extraordinary tale. The film's strength lies in its portrayal of the psychological trauma and skepticism faced by the witnesses.
One of the most haunting aspects of Fire in the Sky is the abduction sequence itself, which is both visually and emotionally unsettling. The film’s practical effects and eerie atmosphere effectively capture the horror of Walton's experience. The performances, particularly by Sweeney and Patrick, are grounded and compelling, adding a layer of authenticity to the fantastical events.
While the film takes creative liberties with Walton's account, it succeeds in creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative. Fire in the Sky remains a standout in the alien abduction genre, leaving audiences to ponder the mysteries of the unknown."