Planetfall

I'm a firm believer in the idea that a film should be judged based on what the filmmakers were striving for and how close they came to that mark. Not every sci-fi film is, or even intends to be, something as amazing as "Aliens." When held up next to "Doctor Zhivago" or "Dr. Strangelove," "Planetfall" just looks ridiculous. But compare it to a more appropriate doctor, such as "Dr. Who," and you'll better understand the nature of these filmmakers' ambitions.

This isn't a film that achieves (or even strives for) brilliance. It does, however, stay true to its roots: campy Dr. Who-style sci-fi flicks, slutty drive-in movie extravaganzas and decades of dusty spaghetti westerns pieced together with more passion than experience.

Like 2004's impressive budget sci-fi film "Primer," "Planetfall" is clearly a labor of love crafted with dedication and maxed-out credit cards rather than studio expertise and several million in investment capital.

Though it's certainly not flawless, it's absolutely entertaining, and at points inspiring, particularly when one views the DVD's attendant "making of" pieces and learns the hurdles involved in shoestring sci-fi.