Johnny Depp has become the Matrix and then some.
‘Transcendence’ is a big film with big ideas that has plenty of potential but it ultimately loses focus on its own self.
After Dr. Will Caster (Depp) is almost assassinated by an anti-technology group named R.I.F.T., his wife and his friend work to upload him to the internet to keep him and his conscious alive. When he realizes what unlimited power he has, the group tries to stop him from taking over the planet.
The concept of the film is bold and reach far beyond where sci-fi thrillers usually go which is sure to please some fans of the genre. However, with a spotty script, those ideas just don’t translate to the movie.
This is cinematographer Wally Pfister’s directorial debut and it shows. While the shots and angles are particular intriguing to watch, It takes a long time to go no where. The film takes its self so seriously that it manages to lose the fun and becomes plain boring.
It is hard to tell where the beginning and middle of the film occur because its all blended in explanation and set up.The film does eventually pick up toward the end with a rather interesting ending that will make you wonder technology’s full potential and our need for it.
While it boasts an excellent cast, many of the characters are wasted. I still don’t understand who Morgan Freeman’s character was or what he was doing in the movie.
If you are looking for a great artificial intelligence movie then skip ‘Transcendence’. You would be better off renting ‘Her‘.
