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Philip Jose Farmer's premise was brilliantly simple: what if everyone who ever lived woke up at the same time on a riverworld mere seconds after they died on Earth? The idea itself spawned four main books (five if you count 'Gods of Riverworld'), a number of side-stream stories and is one of the great reads in Sci-Fi literature. However, this offering was intended as a pilot for a TV series based on Farmer's books that never materialized: it ends with the crew heading up river in search of adventure after winning a battle over the 'Go For Broke' (Sam Clemens' riverboat). If you've read Farmer's series you're going to have some problems with this adaptation: King John has been recast as the Roman Emperor Nero, Sir Francis Richard Burton is nowhere to be seen and has replaced by an American astronaut. Kazz, Joe and Hermann Goering are also on the no-show list and just where did those horses come from? Mind you, the premise of 'Riverworld' does allow for this mix of characters, but it was Burton's journey and that dynamic is sorely missed. Some of the shots are visually outstanding and the acting is solid -- mind you, I never thought of Monad as having a twitch, but, thank god, its not overplayed. Overall, this is watchable and it has its moments, but for fan's of Farmer's original series, it simply takes too many liberties. And for those that liked what they saw here and haven't read the books yet, you are in for a wonderful ride!Read full review
This was actually much better than I was expecting from the lackluster reviews. While it diverges from the book in many ways - some of which were clearly designed to streamline the production and the plot -- I still liked it overall.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I liked this movie better than the remake. I wish they would have just continued from that one instead of the later remake.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Good for the price.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I just wish it was the full movie. Kind of leaves you hanging.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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