mark-908-122018

I saw this shortly after its theatrical release and for years that was the only version of this story that I knew. It was campy, felt King-ish (despite King removing his name from the production) and had some interesting story elements. Then and now I can't escape the fact that the plot seems lifted directly from Flowers for Algernon set in what was at the time cutting edge CGI. The only thing missing from the "stolen" plot is the human science experiment (Jobe) losing his recently gained super-intelligence. In this flick, he becomes evil and unpredictable - but predictably so.

After a nostalgia viewing of the Director's Cut I can say that the restored footage makes a big difference in fleshing out the story. The original theatrical cut was a complete shitshow compared to the extended version. Angelo's girlfriend in particular became a whole character and some formerly missing scenes really helped the movie's overall cohesion. However, none of the restored scenes take away from some truly trite plot elements and wooden acting, particularly in nearly every role associated with "The Shop." Brosnan is decent, perhaps a bit overdoing the petulant scientist genius but Fahey's portrayal of Jobe is still very good. The transformation of his character from dolt to cyber god always struck me as well done and it holds up. Still unexplained in any adequate detail is the relationship with Dr. Angelo's neighbors.

The CGI, as mentioned in other reviews, is laughable in the modern day. Setting that aside, the themes explored in the movie still seem relevant and frankly I'd love an updated telling that incorporates contemporary sensibilities and more cohesive storytelling. Worth a watch - if you temper your expectations. After all, this was a 90s take on technology's implications, an idea that could have been great but suffered too much from corporate editing and profit goals in its native time.

I thought I would enjoy this movie. I hoped I would enjoy it. If anything, I now hate Qbert a little bit despite the fact that he's not real and never did anything to me. I grew up in the 80s arcades and loved the games that are used as characters in this flick. However, I'm not a big fan of Adam Sandler - if you've seen one of his movies, you've seen them all, and if Sandler hadn't used his money and friends to back this production it never would have been made. No, really. There are far better ways to spend 90 minutes of your life. Sandler and crew are not trying very hard; the jokes are largely lame, the characters are trite and no amount of special effects or all-star cameos can save it from being utterly uninspired and dull. If you're a Sandler fan, go on and watch it - you'll see a lot of positive reviews - but if you were expecting anything else, give it a pass or lower your expectations.

This was a fun little romp, a fitting homage to the original. I mean that very specifically, according to the definition of the word: 'a special honor or respect shown publicly.' But it's no more than that, unfortunately. I'm not sorry to have watched it - it was fun - but it won't have any lasting value, and unlike the original film I won't ever have a desire to watch this again.

I can only describe the whole thing as "Disney-ish:"

• Intentionally bland and utterly inoffensive - wouldn't want to offend anyone that might pay for Disney streaming services
• Lots of unknown teen actors/actresses that would be just as at home in iCarly or Hannah Montana and performances are consequently "meh" and it feels like an after-school special
• Nothing new or innovative because it's just a set-up for a potential franchise masquerading as a tribute to a fan favorite

You can clearly see Bette, SJP, and Kathy having a blast and that's what makes the show worth watching (and Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson). Nearly everyone else phones it in. In other words, just enough to pass but no one was trying to bring the story into its own. That's the real shame here, it gives you more of the characters you love but in an effort to develop a franchise and above all make more Mouse Money, they've done a disservice.