Review of Cypher (2002) by Wyatt C — 31 Jul 2013
Cypher is an extremely messy film that lacks the major components of a successful thriller: a clever premise, a strong central character, and a sense of stakes. While brainwashing does arguably make for an interesting idea, the filmmakers muddle the concept with an uninteresting plot about competing software companies that never really seems to make a whole lot of sense.
The film's hero is even less intriguing. Perhaps due to the lackluster narrative, Sullivan never gets a whole lot of depth, and the choice to hold out on the character's motivation for being involved in the plot until the end has the effect of making the viewer never really invest in the character.
The over abundance of life-or-death situations, therefore, seems of no real consequence. This also helps explain why the stakes seem negligible. In addition, the plot takes place in an unrecognizable world, which alienates the viewer.
What's even more aggravating about all of this is that the film replaces these vital components with a rush of jarring cerebral effects, which merely add to the confusion and overall silliness.
This review of Cypher (2002) was written by Wyatt C on 31 Jul 2013.
Cypher has generally received positive reviews.
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