With the success of films like STAR TREK, DISTRICT 9 and AVATAR, 2009 might be looked back at as the year science fiction dominated. Another of the year’s most celebrated sci-fi films comes to Film Fresh today on DVD and DivX download: Duncan Jones’ MOON.

Made for $500,000, this British independent film stars Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell, an astronaut living in solitude on the moon. At the end of his three-year assignment, a terrible incident exasperates his feelings of loneliness and isolation.

MOON premiered last year at the Sundance Film Festival and received a limited distribution in the summer. The film was largely successful with critics, who appreciate the film's examination of the human condition within the sci-fi genre.

Critic James Berardinelli of REELVIEWS wrote in his review, “This film does not feature explosions. It does not contain endless, mind-numbing chase sequences. Instead, it's a simple idea-rich storyline that explores areas science fiction fans will find familiar: the concept of artificial intelligence, whether prolonged isolation can lead to psychosis, and where bioethics is headed.” (more)

The films focus on the psychological, rather then the spectacle, earned it the 2009 British Indepdendent Film Award for best film. (more)

Check out this video interview with director Duncan Jones and let us know how you think MOON stacks up with some of your favorite sci-fi films.

It’s also worth mentioning that we have the popular web series THE BANNEN WAY, now available as a DivX download. There’s also Paramount’s direct-to-DVD crime thriller, WRONG TURN AT TAHOE with Cuba Gooding Jr. and Harvey Keitel.

Wondering what happened to GOONIES star Cory Feldman? We think you’ll enjoy the horror-camp film PUPPET MASTER VS. DEMONIC TOYS in all its hilarious absurdity.