Review of Self/less (2015) by Orlando O — 06 Dec 2015

Self/less is a dull science fiction thriller, everything starts out great with a fun concept. It crashes down, as the movie goes on to a boring film. The ideas were up and bright in being something fun. The plot follows a terminally ill billionaire Damien (Ben Kingsley). He tries to set things on good terms with his daughter, but she has a grudge for a father that was never there in her life. Professor Albright (Matthew Goode) has the ability to give him a second chance in life by a medical procedure that can transfer his consciousness to another body. Damien now wakes in a new body that was once Mark (Ryan Reynolds). Albright strict instructions put him under the radar by living in a nice home, with a new identity as long as he follows he can enjoy life once again. Mark eventually starts having flashes of memories from the guy that was once living in his body. Mark, tries to travel to the residence that use to be Markâ(TM)s family and figure out clues that Albright may not be the guy he say he is and this medical procedure is not exactly a good thing.

The concept of being immortality is pretty neat, but the script and direction is lacking the depth of furthering the plot on that. When we first meet Damien, he is getting all his affairs in order, and when his sickness is worsening. He falls back on this mysterious research business card from Professor Albright that he already has. Damien in a new young body, he enjoys it, by meeting women, acting like a young retiree. Soon, Albrightâ(TM)s men are after him, after revealing himself to Marks family. It is a cat and mouse chase, Albrightâ(TM)s men chasing Damien and Markâ(TM)s family. Damien needing more medications that only comes from Albright to help sustain his bodyâ(TM)s memories and mind from taking over. The plot does not advance from that; it gets boring after a while. Even the actions sequences from small shootouts to a chase sequence it was decent. By the time, the film reaches its third act; the script is lacking the desire of taking an interesting concept and using the full potential in being more. Instead, it just falls into apart into a lazy direction. Ryan Reynolds gave a decent performance; he has been struggling in being in a good film. Self/less is a fair film, interesting fun concept, but slow creative direction, and a long exposition that loses its interest.