Dopamine

It's a wonderful movie. The premise is clever. All of the acting is well done. The character, Sarah (Sabrina Lloyd) really caries this movie, as Rand (John Livingston) is a likable underdog type that you instantly root for, but Sarah, while likable, has a darker side and if the audience doesn't care about her then the movie falls apart. A less charismatic and talented actress could not have pulled this part off, but Sabrina Lloyd seems to handle it with a natural charm that makes it look easy. I have no doubt that she will have many opportunities thrown her way based upon her work here.

This is a great movie, however a few minor details could have made it better. At just over 80 minutes, they really could have filled out the movie a little more. I can't help but feel that there is a lot of story left untold and some of the scenes feel a little disjointed. With it being an independent feature, I'm sure a lot of this has to do with budget and time (trying to get into Sundance.) I also would have enjoyed a few more light moments between characters.

I think one of the reasons some people haven't taken to it is the mistaken idea that it is a romantic comedy. It really isn't. There are a few light moments (don't know if I would even call them comedic moments), but this is definitely a drama. The issues and material are serious, so anyone waiting for Sandra Bullock type goofiness, Meg Ryan over sentiment or Three's Company sexual innuendo miscommunication are going to be disappointed.

I thought this film was going to be a drama about a guy who makes a women in his computer and falls in love with her. It's not. However it's not a bad movie either.

Dopamine is actually about a guy who is developing a 3D interactive pet for computers. When the investors want to test 'koy koy' the pet out, it gets tested at a local daycare.

Sabrina Lloyd (of sliders fame) plays one of the daycare teachers, and the love interest for the emotionally over analysing Rand (John Livingston).

What follows is 79 mins of pretentiousness.

While I still enjoyed the movie, it definitely has a small audience. I imagine that women between the ages of 18 and 25 will love this movie.

As I always say you should never trust a reviewer because they only review based on taste and everyone has different tastes.

Good movie, solid performances, check it out for yourself.

People are giving this movie unfair ratings. It was both analytic, which we all feel compelled to be, and sensitive. The soundtrack was amazing, and the camera work done with the high speed film perfectly conveyed the mood of the film at the appropriate moments. If you don't like this movie, perhaps you're missing at heart because it certainly pulled at mine.

Greetings again from the darkness. Saw the Dallas premiere this evening and co-writer Tim Breitbach and lead actor John Livingston were in attendance and held a Q&A after the showing. Really liked the premise of the movie ... the whole science vs. nature/feelings thing. Thought John Livingston was excellent in his role as Rand, the computer genius who struggles with his feelings in real life. Livingston reminds of a less egotistical, more talented Ben Affleck. He is a true actor. Sabrina Lloyd (veteran of many TV shows) displays the darkness and vulnerability and toughness necessary for her role. Her very expressive eyes go along way towards silent conversation. You can almost taste her pain. Just a little disappointed with some of the stereotypes and weak dialog in parts. Other parts were brilliant and I can understand why it was selected for Sundance Film Festival. Would have enjoyed just a bit more of the three man creative process that was displayed in hyper speed to keep the audience from being bored. After 3 years on the same project, I was very interested in the group dynamics. Overall worth seeing, with some excellent parts, as well as some inconsistencies in quality of scenes.

Though the premise could've been enough to make Dopamine seem cold and heartless.. the "chemistry" between the romantic leads saved the day.. Sarah & Rand seemed wonderfully suited to one another. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet film.. it was beautifully shot, the juxtaposition between the natural, human & computer worlds gave the premise a wonderful tableau to set upon.. I would've liked to have seen more of Rand's father and less of Rand's partners but otherwise, I thought this was a wonderful first from Decena and look forward to seeing what's next.