I am a big Danny Boyle fan. Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and Millions are among my favorite movies so it was with great anticipation that I went to see Sunshine. I hadn't read any reviews (purposely) so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The trailer makes it seem as if it is a sci-fi horror/thriller type of thing but the first half of the movie is a much more sedate 2001 experience. It is beautifully shot and set up and there is a slow tension that builds as the crew of the ship heads toward its destination. There is a shift in tone though and the movie becomes much more conventional (in story) and far more active (in direction). There are many similarities to Event Horizon in the final act but they are done to better effect in that movie.
I enjoyed it despite its flaws. the acting is good and in some parts great. Cillian Murphy, as always, shines and Chris Evans, Michele Yeoh and Rose Byrne are solid. I am ever impressed with directors who can cross genres convincingly and Boyle proves that he can most definitely handle a large special effects laden project. The weaknesses are due to the Alex Garland script (which surprised me) though they are far from fatal.