Review of Transcendence (2014) by Edmund P — 16 Aug 2014

I rented this one night and liked it so much I decided to buy it.

Now I realize that a lot of critics didn't like it but I have a feeling that this one may become a cult classic. Its a potentially slower wind up to our impatient society, but if you don't have the attention span of a squirrel, then I think its worthwhile. And I say screw critics and the tastes of the masses--some of the best things in life aren't immediately or ever popular.

This film is good fodder for discussions about things like the nature of consciousness or the soul, its got a lot of religious imagery/allusions that could raise some theological questions/discussion, and the nature of love. Since it can also be interpreted in multiple ways, depending on your perspective, the ambiguity of some things, I think, heightens the tension A LOT. And for fun, if you watch it again from a different perspective, you might get something different out of it (for example, if the first time you watch it, apprehensive about Computer Will, the vibe feels one way, and if you watch it again, while trusting that Computer Will is in fact Will the Human, then it has a different feel--so you can kind of "choose your own adventure" depending on whom you empathize with).

Anyway, I realize we live in a world where crap like Transformers ends up getting multiple sequels... That's the world we live in, and sometimes I wonder if we're not devolving into some kind of Idiocracy scenario sometimes. But if you have the ability to be patient, take multiple perspectives, and ask "what if?" without being spoon fed everything, this movie IS worth your time..

Also, for people who complain that Depp was "flat" or "phoning in" his performance, what the heck do you expect when his ROLE is that of a computer. He's playing a computer. Use your brains people! And as far as "cheesey" special effects... Right. Well, the effects were NOT cheesey, and if you want a special effects intensive movie where you don't have to think (just passively watch $#!+ blow up), then this isn't for you.

Anyway, I normally don't review movies, but I really feel that this one's gotten knocked rather unfairly. So again, I say, you should give it a real chance and take the critics with a grain of salt. Again, I predict this one will turn into a cult classic.