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| A great cast for a mediocre film. |
Directed by Wally Pfister
Produced by Andrew A. Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Kate Cohen, Marisa Polvino, Annie Marter, David Valdes and Aaron Ryder
Written by Jack Paglen
Starring Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Kate Mara, Cillian Murphy and Morgan Freeman
**1/2
Widely known for lensing Christopher Nolan's films, Wally Pfister makes his directorial debut with this sci-fi blockbuster. Dr. Will Caster (Depp) and his wife/science partner (Hall) are on the verge of advancing computer technology to a whole new level, making a super-computer that will be smarter than anyone ever born combined. When Caster's life is in jeopardy, they risk everything, uploading his conscious to their elaborate computer system. Man and machine become one, but it could have drastic consequences for all mankind.
Despite the talent he assembled, Pfister doesn't quite pull it off. His film is not lacking in ideas or in style, but it does not have the emotional weight that this apocalyptic tale needed. The best way to characterize it is a strange hybrid of the types of films made by M. Night Shyamalan and Christopher Nolan, which could work but doesn't. While the performances are up to par, the material fails to provide much insight into these characters and the world in which they live. In addition, some of the plot develops too quickly, though the script does have an interesting scope. The film looks great, with elaborate sets and slick cinematography. Still, the vision and makeup of the film fall flat. While not entirely without merit, it's a disappointing first outing from Pfister.
Oscar Potential: Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects
M. Night Shyamalan? Nope. Skipping this one, I don't need to be reminded of his filmography. lol. That's a shame though, this cast is great.
ReplyDeleteHaha, it's very disappointing, especially with that cast.
DeleteMediocre even sums up the trailer. Honestly, the plot makes me think of I, Robot, just with Johnny Depp's face plastered onto the "evil" computer. I'll see it, but probably not anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I, Robot is better than Transcendence, so I wouldn't rush to see it.
DeleteI read the script and it was pretty good, shame it didn't translate into fine movie :/ Was Rebecca Hall's talent wasted again?
ReplyDeleteI think it might work more conceptually than on film. :/ Yeah, it's so great to see Hall in a role this big, but she's wasted here.
DeleteHmmm, so I guess this would fall under 'great cast, bad movie' then. I kind of had a hunch this would not be good, but didn't realize it'd be THIS bad. I might give it a rent as I like Rebecca Hall, too bad now her career might be negatively affected by this flop.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I was just thinking that. I'd recommend renting it at least. Maybe you'll like it more than I did. :) I hope Hall continues to get lead roles, despite some of her movies being flops.
DeleteWanted to say so much, without really making sense of anything it actually was trying to say. So instead, it just ended up being too confusing for its own good. Shame, too, because there was plenty of promise here. Good review Josh.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan. There was a lot of promise, indeed. It's too bad the film didn't come together.
DeleteMan, this one didn't work for me at all. If I'm being kind, I will admit that I enjoyed Pfister executing a big budget movie without the big budget razzle dazzle. Few explosions, no monsters or aliens or, you get it. But I found the whole thing to be painfully dull. Bummer.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this film was a letdown for me, though I wouldn't necessarily call it dull. It's a wasted opportunity, regardless.
DeleteSome people mentioned this when talking about 'great cast, bad movie' post I did last week. Well, turns out that it's true eh? I had a hunch it won't be good but didn't realize it'd be THIS bad. Hmmm, I'll probably give it a rent on a slow night but that's about it.
ReplyDeleteHaha, unfortunately yes. I didn't hate the movie, but it isn't very good. I'd recommend renting it, especially since you're also a Rebecca Hall fan.
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