I read several reviews here at IMDB prior to watching this movie (which has made it way onto Netflix's "Top 10" list this week). I started of course by reading the description - and it intrigued me! Then I read a few reviews and glanced at the overall rating (5.5 at this writing) and I was sadden, yet curious. So I watched.
Here's my take.
I'm extremely patient when it comes to movies, especially those I want to succeed based on the story/content. And this is definitely one of those. I love SCI-FI - and love it when a movie challenges important and difficult questions like; "Who are we really?", "Do we have soul?" and "Can a human play God and get away with it?". All of these are played out in this movie, albeit in an almost humorous way. I guess I could almost see this being a cult-like movie years from now, but right now it just seem like some odd piece of work from Hollywood.
Many have commented on the lack of experience of the writer, and I have to agree. There are many scenes where you find yourself scratching your head and saying to yourself, "That just doesn't seem right. That's not how that would go in real life". Yet - there is enough to keep you glued for another few minutes. Keanu's acting is tolerable, but really falls short when confronted with showing anguish and sadness over his family dying - or the hard decisions he has to make. Although - there has always been a quirkiness to Keanu that almost gives him a pass. Thomas Middleditch is probably the most entertaining of all the actors.
All in all, this was a fun watch. It could have been phenomenal with the right writing and direction, but "it is, what it is". If you love SCI-FI, you'll enjoy it!
Here's my take.
I'm extremely patient when it comes to movies, especially those I want to succeed based on the story/content. And this is definitely one of those. I love SCI-FI - and love it when a movie challenges important and difficult questions like; "Who are we really?", "Do we have soul?" and "Can a human play God and get away with it?". All of these are played out in this movie, albeit in an almost humorous way. I guess I could almost see this being a cult-like movie years from now, but right now it just seem like some odd piece of work from Hollywood.
Many have commented on the lack of experience of the writer, and I have to agree. There are many scenes where you find yourself scratching your head and saying to yourself, "That just doesn't seem right. That's not how that would go in real life". Yet - there is enough to keep you glued for another few minutes. Keanu's acting is tolerable, but really falls short when confronted with showing anguish and sadness over his family dying - or the hard decisions he has to make. Although - there has always been a quirkiness to Keanu that almost gives him a pass. Thomas Middleditch is probably the most entertaining of all the actors.
All in all, this was a fun watch. It could have been phenomenal with the right writing and direction, but "it is, what it is". If you love SCI-FI, you'll enjoy it!