The Black Hole
Seen it?1979 | 98 min | Adventure, Science Fiction, Action
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It's still drawing plenty of interest, but middling reviews (44% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 5.8 out of 10 from audiences held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for sci-fi fans and action fans. If you loved Guardians of the Galaxy or Star Trek, start here.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 38 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG: scary moments. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
The explorer craft USS Palomino is returning to Earth after a fruitless 18-month search for extra-terrestrial life when the crew comes upon a supposedly lost ship, the USS Cygnus, hovering near a black hole. The ship is controlled by Dr. Hans Reinhardt and his monstrous robot companion, but the initial wonderment and awe the Palomino crew feel for the ship and its resistance to the power of the black hole turn to horror as they uncover Reinhardt's plans.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
44% on Rotten Tomatoes, 52 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
5.8 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars.. Plus: Nominated for 1 Razzie, the "worst of the year" awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$36 million worldwide on a $20 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 165K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Guardians of the Galaxy
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed space action film.
Star Trek Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed space sci-fi film.
The Creator
Saturday SpecialAnother AI sci-fi film, and a Saturday Special.
Oblivion
Sunday Safe BetAnother space action film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Stargate: The Ark of Truth Sunday Safe BetAnother space action film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Gary Nelson
- Maximilian SchellDr. Hans Reinhardt
- Anthony PerkinsDr. Alex Durant
- Robert ForsterCaptain Dan Holland
- Joseph BottomsLieutenant Charles Pizer
- Yvette MimieuxDr. Kate McCrae
- Ernest BorgnineHarry Booth
- Tom McLoughlinCaptain S.T.A.R.
- Roddy McDowallV.I.N.CENT. (voice) (uncredited)
- Slim PickensB.O.B. (voice) (uncredited)
- Gary NelsonDrone with Mask Removed (uncredited)