Atmosfera zero

A federal Marshall, O'Neill (Sean Connery), is sent to Io, one of Saturn's moons, to oversee the security of a mining facility. Since the place is not exactly warm and fuzzy, we can all figure out this not a reward for good services rendered.

Unfortunately, a feeling shared by O'Neill's wife, who leaves for Earth with their son, tired of being pushed around the solar system because of him.

Meanwhile, some very strange happenings start poking around, with workers suddenly reacting hysterically and violently.

Doing a little digging, reluctantly helped by the washed up station doctor Lazarus (Frances Sternhagen), O'Neill uncovers a scheme to uplift the facility productivity without much regard for labor regulations - and some highly illegal chemical help, for that matter - spearheaded by the slimy and corrupt general manager, Sheppard (Peter Boyle).

Striving for redemption, O'Neill will find out how hard a virtue can hit, when he sees himself isolated from the other workers, even marshalls, either too bribed or too scared to help him, and chased by professional goons.

This is an effective western rendition in a science fiction set up, with the good cast and the unoriginal yet tight script helping a lot to swallow some of the movie's shortcomings.

For instance, the guns used are almost surreal (sawn-off shotguns, for Pete's sake!); the effects of alien atmosphere exposure are so over the top is hard to suspend disbelief (the blowing heads look cool though) and, the worse thing, the exterior on foot with special suits chase (however, the suspense level is pretty decent).

If you can put aside those minor peeves, any action/sci-fi/western fan will enjoy this flick.

Highly commendable, specially for Connery fans.