DALLAS, Aug 2, 2003 /FW/ -- For sci-fi fans, this movie is a must see. For George Clooney, fans, you need to see it! My personal take - Solaris is destined to be a cult movie, the way 2001: Space Odyssey is.

Set in the not to distant future when man is already exploring other planets, a space station orbiting an alien planet stopped communicating with Earth.

A missive from one of the crew, addressed to Chris Kelvin (George Clooney), a psychologist, got him involved and eventually sent to Solaris. (The movie was vague on whether Solaris is the name of the planet or the space station.)

And that is where the action starts, if you can call it action.

Those who were used to the past pace of Ocean's Eleven will find this movie s-l-o-w. For sci-fi fans who are used to being shown little nuggets of knowledge as the film progresses, Solaris can keep you entranced until the end.

George Clooney cannot be charged of overacting in this one. His portrayal of Chris Kelvin - a psychologist still greiving for his dead wife is a mixture of repressed anger, with a dash of denial thrown in. But he is a trained medical practioner and very logical. Doctor, heal thyself!

Director Steven Soderbergh, who did great in converging sci-fi with a tragic love story also recognized George Clooney's star power and that he is a hearthrob for females from 18 to 68.

The torrid love scenes will satisfy all female George Clooney fans if they want to see more of him.

The music is haunting, the special effects are excellent, and George Clooney showed he can act.

This movie is worth a rental at least. Though I highly suggest that you purchase this one because this is destined to be a classic.