Review of The Machine (2013) by Lane Z — 08 Sep 2014

If you were disappointed by Robocop 2014 then this will have to do in its place. This is far more thought-provoking science fiction, emphasis on science, about consciousness and what it means to truly be alive.

The film illustrates this with the creation of the first self-conscious AI and all the complications that brings. Om It's not so much an action film, though it has a climactic action sequence that sees the soldiers implanted with the chip and the AI to rise up against humanity for their own survival.

The action sequences do tend to feel a bit out of place in such a moody and atmospheric sci-fi flick, but it is what it is. Of course the film is very heavy on dialogue, so if you hate films that focus strictly on the science, instead of the more fantastical aspects of the genre, then you will definitely not enjoy this film.

My favorite part of the film would have to be the absolutely incredible film score. It reminds me of an 80s sci-fi film, it's definitely very synth heavy, but it fits the style and tone of the film.

I definitely liked this film more than the rating implies. I didn't give it a higher rating because this isn't the type of movie that's entirely unique. It's borrowing from many different sources.

It succeeds at making its own story, but there's no denying it is heavily influenced by the sci-fi genre in general. The acting itself is strong with Caity Lotz doing an excellent job at playing three very different roles.

She does a great job at completely transforming herself and her form of speech to look and sound like a completely different person once she's turned into an AI. That takes talent. But I digress, the film offers interesting questions, good story, and a great film score.

I think that makes this, at the very least, a solid Netflix watch, if nothing else.