iBoy

iBoy (2017): iBoy has one of the most weirdest super powers plot.We have seen lot of superheroes origin and few of them are results of radiation accidents like Spiderman and Hulk but in iBoy he gets superpowers when he is on a call (Uses iPhone) and gets shot on head which gives him powers of telepathically hacking into any digital network.

Plot: Tom (Bill Milner), a shy, lonely teenage boy on an estate who interrupts some men who have sexually assaulted his friend Lucy (Williams) in a neighboring flat. They shoot at him and in the ensuing violent chaos, bits of his smartphone get stuck in his brain and he awakens from a coma with superpowers: he can telepathically hack into any digital network. Calling himself "iBoy" he sets out to avenge Lucy and take on the drug gangs.

What I felt:

iBoy with its weirdest plot did nothing weird to justify it.Even though they have a new idea,they followed the same revenge which happens in almost all of such films.He even does some weird ways of revenge some times lie hacking into Youtube.

Casting Maisie Williams,our own Arya Stark in this film is the major pro because if not for her,I would have skipped this film.Being a huge fan of her,I watched this film and I am glad that she didn't disappoint.Her screen presence is charming.Helped by the script's sharpest dialogue, the moments between her and Tom light up the movie. One particularly lovely scene finds them in her bedroom together, sending each other text messages without talking.

Effects are very good even with such limited budget.

Dark tone in picture looked like they seriously tried to imitate Daredevil (TV show).

So,iBoy had a weird but decent plot which could have done wonders but missed the opportunity and depended hugely on Maisie Williams screen presence.

My rating 6.25/10

Let me be clear about something, I have a bias generally against British cinema as it usually focuses on things I don't find appealing and features a cast I cannot abide. Within British cinema you very commonly have the "Estate" movies and that's what this is, putting it at an even further disadvantage with me.

It tells the story of a young man who after being shot in the head and having his mobile phone splinter into his skull gains the ability to control digital devices. Arguably it's comparable with Watchdogs (2014) and that's a good thing.

Starring the adorable diminutive Maisie "Arya Stark" Williams and Miranda Richardson it has a passable cast considering the "Estate" aspect and we see our hero battling against the local gang and their powerful bosses.

In movies like this they have the habit of casting obnoxious pretty boy guy types to play the lead whereas here Bill Milner avoids that and comes across likeable and endearing for the most part. As a lead female Williams is good but I was left feeling they didn't do enough with her. Then we have Rory Kinnear as our antagonist who I'm unfamiliar with yet after this incredible performance will keep an eye out for in future movies.

iBoy by all rights could have been better, the concept felt a tad wasted, it perhaps could have done with an additional 30+ minutes and the finale was a total anti-climatic bust.

Regardless I enjoyed iBoy despite a host of reasons on paper why I really shouldn't have. Enjoyable stuff, especially if you go in without preconceptions.

The Good:

Maisie Williams and Rory Kinnear

A fitting lead

The Bad:

Doesn't utilize it's concept very well

Poor finale

This movie has a lot of good qualities. A largely unknown cast come together nicely, and the cinematography, special effects and score are all very well done.

The story as a concept is pretty simple, and in the early stages of the movie things were looking very promising and I was enjoying it a lot. As the movie reaches its climax things began to run out of steam and a few unnecessary writing decisions opened up a number of plot holes which had me scratching my head at times. This movie didn't require the big ending it went for. Some more subtle twists and craft would have taken it to the next level and I can't help but thinking some big opportunities were missed.

Regardless, much of this movie is highly enjoyable and entertaining. I've certainly seen similar concepts executed far worse.

I gave this movie a watch despite it's poor title choice. It's not particularly engaging and doesn't have a very good hook. Although the acting and cinematography are good.

A boy gets his smartphone smashed and embedded in his head, and gets super powers from this. His powers are never really explained, but it looks like he gets a heads up display of electronic items. As well as being able to control electronics with his mind. Such as speaking over radios and taking money out of online bank accounts.

Most of the characters are high school students and small time criminals. It's supposed to be gritty and street, but it's hard to believe. How are these kids so well armed? Why do they have access to all these drugs? What is ANYBODIES motivation? These are only some of the unanswered questions.

I think one of the main shortcomings is that audience age demographic wasn't properly decided on. Most of the actors are high school age, as well as most of the drama and comic relief. But the plot line and suspense is something from a more adult crime movie. The result gives us some incongruous action and unbelievable characters.

It's like a cross between 'Attack the Block' and '71'. Taking the characters from Block, and the convoluted plot from 71. But lacking all the congruity and charm of each project.

It looks good though and is well made. Everything but the plot is well executed. The super power angle ends up taking a back seat to the same old re-hashed Brit crime tropes after the first half. The climactic ending seems familiar. The establishing shots of London are the same as always. The cockney crime boss is just as menacing as in every other movie....

*Sigh*

You could completely avoid this movie and you'd miss nothing. Or if you like faux gritty Brit street movies then you'll find the good in this.

Boy, a cyber-technical thriller, delivers an engaging plot but falters in its execution when it comes to scientific reasoning, which could have elevated the movie's credibility and depth. The story revolves around a teenager, Tom (played by Bill Milner), who gains extraordinary abilities after a freak accident involving fragments of a smartphone embedded in his brain. While the premise is unique and intriguing, the lack of a solid scientific explanation for Tom's newfound powers feels like a missed opportunity. This shortfall leaves some viewers, especially those with an interest in technology and science, yearning for a more plausible narrative.

On the performance front, Maisie Williams shines as Lucy, a character who adds emotional depth and vulnerability to the story. Her portrayal is compelling, showcasing her range as an actress and making her character one of the highlights of the film. Bill Milner as Tom also delivers a commendable performance, convincingly portraying a teenager grappling with newfound powers and the moral dilemmas that come with them. His nuanced performance keeps the audience invested in his journey.

However, the movie's climax is where it stumbles the most. The resolution lacks the surprise or twists typical of thrillers, making the ending somewhat predictable. For a film that builds up tension and stakes throughout, the straightforward conclusion feels underwhelming. This predictability detracts from the overall impact, leaving viewers wishing for a more gripping finale.

Despite its flaws, iBoy is an engaging watch. The concept is fresh, the performances are strong, and the pacing keeps the audience hooked. For fans of cyber-related stories and those who appreciate solid acting, it's worth a watch. However, for those seeking a more scientifically grounded or twist-filled narrative, the film might fall short.

Rating: 6/10 While iBoy has its moments of brilliance, its inability to fully capitalize on its premise and its predictable climax prevent it from becoming a standout in the genre. Still, its engaging narrative and strong performances make it an enjoyable experience overall.