I'm not sure why I expected anything different. The opening moments of the film, showing exterior shots of vessels and a battle, suggest computer-generated imagery of quality hovering somewhere between modern first-tier videogames and second-tier genre pictures - unremarkable, but fine, though the sheer abundance of the CGI is unfortunate. Shortly after we see computer-generated interiors, and visual effects, and they are an eyesore. Set design and decoration at large, and costume design, range from spartan, to questionable, to suitable - or, in some rare instances, all the way to enticing. Hair and makeup work follows a like pattern, though the more ambitious that the creature design for an alien race aims to be, the more dubious it looks in realization. The plot is fairly straightforward, bland, and common genre fare, while dialogue is too often downright tiresome and overblown. Characters fulfill certain archetypes and don't necessarily possess much of a spark otherwise - the protagonist is effectively a more heroic Han Solo, and the divisions between two chief figures frankly reflect antiquated sexist tropes. Scene writing is perhaps mostly best described as serviceable.
'Star raiders: The adventures of Saber Raine' is nothing if not low-grade entertainment, and no one who chances upon it even from a distance could ever confuse it as anything else. In fairness, however, there is also no intent here except to be a fun sci-fi romp, a saga in the spirit of but a few steps down from 'Star Wars' - only, just how much fun it actually provides, to those involved or to viewers, is up for debate. It's difficult to tell just what is shaping the acting here: it could be the proliferate CGI backgrounds, green screen creations that hinder honest reactions; somewhat indulgent and surely uncomfortable prosthetics, forcing the players to chew scenery to compensate; the restraining guiding hand of Mark Steven Grove's direction, prioritizing conveyance of the narrative and execution of each scene over their impact; a genuine lack of skill, making convincing performances the exception rather than the rule; or maybe a combination of all these factors. I don't think the acting is bad across the board; I detect glimmers of meaningful sincerity and effort in the contributions of some, and especial weakness in those of others. Yet the overall effect is undeniable.
It rather seems to me that the screenplay was rushed. There are actually some good ideas here, and beyond that, some scenes are actually done very well, on paper and on film. Yet in addition to being unexceptional, the fundamental storytelling feels loose, and unbothered. Nothing was going to change the core nature of 'Star raiders,' but if the writing were tightened and approached with more care to even a small extent, the picture would have greatly benefited. As it stands, there are no surprises, and only passing enjoyment. There are a lot worse movies out there one could suffer through - I've seen too many of them - and there's just enough value here to make it a mild good time for a lazy afternoon. Still, I can't particularly begrudge anyone who thinks more poorly of this, and I wonder if I'm not being too generous as it is. Recommendable mostly for fans of the cast, or diehard sci-fi buffs, 'The adventures of Saber Raine' is okay - but keep your expectations in check.
