Andromeda Strain, The (2008, USA) C-180m. **½ D: Mikael Salomon. Starring Benjamin Bratt, Eric McCormack, Christa Miller, Daniel Dae Kim, Viola Davis, Justin Louis, Barry Flatman, Ted Whittall, Ted Atherton. Made-for-TV remake of the 1971 disaster movie (based on Michael Crichton's novel) about an alien organism that falls on Earth and kills the population of a small Utah town within minutes. The army are trying to contain it, while scientists are studying the virus, and politicians are discussing the use of a small atom bomb. Quite exciting first half, with touches of potent horror, but film bogs down in the second half, especially in its dialogues, which don't convey the panic convincingly and are rather complicated and stilted. Also, the subplot involving a renegade reporter is rather silly. Co-executive produced by Ridley and Tony Scott.