Ghost in the Shell

The film plays like a six, in that the story line is good but maybe not top-notch, but the ending is spectacular, and by spectacular I mean better than your average excellent film out there.

So this is a seven to me, and recommended to all my friends and family.

I won't go into the main plot. But I just say that if one has not any background related to the original manga japanese animated movie perhaps one can really enjoy this film afresh and see how awsome it is. Obviously because of the powerful original history, which is tranformed into a hollywood production quite well. As a proof, just compare this film, its plot, with any other Hollywood 100-200 million production, and you will see the risk they have taken to show this sci-fi history in a non-animated fashion, with incredible special effects and not losing the original track at all, although simplified.

I wasn't expecting much from this film as many critics claimed it was rubbish. I however really enjoyed it. Visually beautiful and we'll shot. Great movie. I am a big anime fan and felt this film was true to that format. Don't listen to all the haters& watch it fur yourself. You will be glad that you did......

We live in a society that assumes being overcritical means showing a display of intelligence. Don't let this film be tarnished by that fad.

I will do my best to make this short and sweet. (Probably not)

READ: (For those who HAVEN'T seen the original films)

This film is a fantastic example of a film that is complex yet simple. I expected the worst from the film and I received more. I won't lie to you and tell you this film is on par with something like The Matrix (the original was) but it is well worth seeing and stands out as unique. We all know that's nearly impossible to do these days. Please take this into consideration and go to see the film with no expectations. You'll be surprised that way.

READ: (For those who HAVE seen the original films)

I'm sorry this film wasn't everything we dreamed it would be, but can we honestly act surprised when Hollywood screenwriters avoid immensely complex story arches? They have simplified this story for the masses in the same way The Lord of the Rings was simplified for the masses. If you spend your time comparing this film with the originals you will come up short, every time. This is NOT the original film, this is its own film that you need to appreciate as it stands (I know that is difficult, believe me). If you haven't already seen it, please take my word for it and go in with no expectations, go in cold (like it is a new experience).

(Final Comments)

I take user reviews to heart for movies. I appreciate the opinions of the people more than I appreciate the opinions of the paid critics. Seeing a 6.9 as the current user score (as of March 31st) is unfortunate, because this film captures EVERYTHING that Ghost in the Shell was and thanks to this film IS CURRENTLY. As a film it stands strong in the Sci-Fi genre and does manage to still be thought-provoking. Please consider taking your time before giving it a low rating.

Understand that the talents that put this film together adopted this baby from its original developers and they did NOT destroy it, as some over-exaggerators may proclaim. "The Last Airbender" - THAT is an example of something being destroyed. GHOST IN THE SHELL stands still intact. Of course it isn't as fleshed out and philosophical as the original film (which paid an immaculate amount of attention to detail and information) but it DOES live in the same world and it DOES tell the same story. I promise you that if it HAD stayed completely with the script of the animated film, it would be getting attacked for being an unnecessary remake or overly complicated.

I've given this an 8 out of 10 because I see 6 as mediocre and 10 as a perfect film. 8 is somewhere in between. I do not believe this is the best adaption or sci-fi film I've seen, but it was enjoyable and much pain-staking work was put into it... that shows when you watch it. Don't be entirely emotional about the way you view this movie. Watch it for what it is, not what it is in comparison.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate it. Take the time to see this movie and take your time before rating it. Really chew on it first, because it deserves better than it is receiving.

Disclaimer: Old fart sci-fi / fantasy fan, and I don't know a thing about the original anime or anime in general. Two things i do know:

First, this is more than just first-rate eye candy and directing, it has heart and soul and that bittersweet feeling that anyone who has any of the first two will instantly understand and be drawn to.

Second, 6.5 stars (Jan 2017) is a crime against this film. Surely there is some exterior reason the haters are going after it. I predict 5 years from now, it's true quality will be more accurately reflected. I'd wager it might even make it to the top 250 list someday.