"Slingshot" proves to be an absorbing thriller that propels viewers into the immense reaches of both space and time. Casey Affleck portrays John, a man stranded in deep space, triggering a chain of surprising events designed to hold audiences’ attention. The movie isn't without its drawbacks; there are points where the story lags and moments of tedium can set in. Still, as the final section progresses, "Slingshot"…

It's admirable when science fiction movies try for something beyond the usual formula, especially when they mix genres. But pulling that off requires careful planning and execution, and this film falls short—not drastically, but noticeably enough to mark it as a promising effort that doesn’t quite succeed. The story centers on an astronaut (Casey Affleck) and his crew (Laurence Fishburne, Tomer Capone) embarking on a…