The God Question

I am a big fan of movies dealing with the ramifications of Artificial Intelligence. This movie is much more interesting and well-considered than you might think after the first 10 minutes, which almost made me switch to something else. But if you keep with it, you will be rewarded with a very original perspective on the AI issue. Another review suggested that religious people will like this movie. Without creating a spoiler, I will say I believe this fellow reviewer did not actually watch the film. I think this movie does a very good job of considering what options a super-intelligent AI actually has. How does it decide what say, what to do, and just as importantly, what NOT to say and do?

I initially thought this was an actual documentary where researchers had posed this question of an AI supercomputer. When I realized it was a fictional dramatization, I almost stopped watching then. After completing the whole movie, I wished I could have my 90 minutes back.

I don't want to give away spoilers, so I can't say much. It's worth it for AI fans. Interesting side conversations occur, hinting at the real dangers (someday in the far future) of giving a ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence) unfettered access to the web.

The movie is a bit slow at times but stick with it. It does skirt the issue of the fact that you can't ban the development of ASI successfully. It would just mean some other country would develop it. Better to build it right the first time since if you build it wrong you won't get a second chance. ASI will either make the Earth a paradise for humans or a living hell (or extinction level event). it's a long way off though. Rough estimate is 2060. Around 98% of AI scientists and programmers believe ASI is achievable someday.

A good movie that seeks to answer the questions of faith many Christians have today.

....You are smarter than IVAN the computer - and less temperamental too. I found this movie in the Faith & Inspirational section of Vudu. I guess the 'Ace Team' of Vudu concierge's figured if it had the word 'God' in the title, it belonged in that category. Actually it's more of a Sci-Fi movie. It's a plodding sort of suspense film made on a low budget. However, with all it has stacked against it, it's STILL quite good and particularly thought provoking regarding computer technology and a ponderous question posed to it - that most of us humans often wonder about. What is the question, and what is the answer? Patiently watch the movie to find out. I won't tell.

Also, to their credit, the main characters in the story did an admirable job even though their working material needed the love and attention of an experienced script writer.

If only this thought provoking show had a bigger budget and better script...

This is not that type of movie, like Forest Gump, that everyone pretty much enjoyed on some level. Not at all. But for those of us who have genuine concerns about where Man and Machine are going? It's good.

I could see this movie being shown in a lower level computer or philosophy class as an impetus for some deep discussions. 7 out of 10 stars, for its realistic depictions of bureaucratic computer labs and thought provoking scenarios.