Produced and concocted by Luc Besson, this sci-fi sleeper is a throwback to big, dumb, fun ‘80s action movies, only with (arguably) better special effects. In a dreary futureworld, Guy Pearce stars as Snow, an ex-CIA agent who gets framed and shipped off to a prison in outer space (to keep down costs?). When the President’s daughter (Maggie Grace) arrives for a visit, the place goes buck and a full-scale riot ensues. Naturally, it’s up to Snow to save her. With Vincent Regan, Joseph Gilgun, and the ever-present Peter Stormare. In English.

James Mather/Stephen St. Leger---France---2012---95 mins.

• Sony
  Release Date: 07/17/2012