By Darlene
Donloe
Transcendence, the new Johnny Depp and
Morgan Freeman thriller, is an eerie and creepy movie – mostly because I don’t
think we’re that far from that actually happening.
The sci-fi film,
set for a nationwide release on Fri., Apr. 18, takes a scientific look at man’s
intelligence and the transferring of the same to a far-reaching machine.
One would
have been early in the 20th century that high-level prosthetics would
not allow people to pick up tiny objects, speak or even run in the Olympics. But
it happened.
In
Transcendence, Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the
field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that
combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full
range of human emotions. His
highly controversial experiments have made him so famous he has groupies, which
gives him a rock star appeal. Some applaud his work. However some do not and
will do anything to stop him. His experiments have made him the prime target of
anti-technology extremists who want to destroy Caster’s findings.
In their
attempt to put an end to Will’s work, they unintentionally become the channel
for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence.
Aiding Will
in his efforts is his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and his best friend Max Waters
(Paul Bettany). Both are fellow researchers, who initially believe in what
Caster is doing, but then begin to question the bigger picture.
Of course their
worst fears are realized when Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly
all-pervading quest for power. To what end – they don’t know.
But, that’s not
even their biggest fear. They become terrified at the prospect of possible
being unable to stop him. After all, they have housed his brilliant mind inside
of what is essentially the internet. Huh?
Yeah! It’s strange, but
like a train wreck, you can’t stop looking.
The big
question becomes - it what they
are doing ethical and moral? And,
what makes it juicy is there is no right or wrong answer – or is there?
This is a
tricky thriller that sheds light on what the world could become if technology
is allowed to run amuck. The movie is sleek and impressive and opens up a long
repetitious list of ideas.
Good performances
from a good cast!
This is
probably right up some techies alleys. Others may find it a bit far-fetched and a
bit too out of this world to be plausible or pleasing. If an audience member is
not familiar with algorithms, they could get lost in the minutiae. If nothing
else, though, the film is entertaining.
Alcon
Entertainment presents “Transcendence,” directed by Oscar®-winning
cinematographer Wally Pfister, stars Oscar® nominee Johnny Depp, Oscar®
winner Morgan Freeman, Paul
Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara, Cillian Murphy and Clifton Collins, Jr.
Transcendence
marks the feature film directorial debut of Pfister (Inception and the Dark Knight
movies). A commendable first effort.
Transcendence, distributed by Warner
Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
is Rated
PG-13; Running time: 120 minutes.
On the
DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O
(OK) and E (excellent), gets an O (OK).
Website http://www.transcendencemovie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TranscendenceMovie
No comments:
Post a Comment