Gray Matter

Sad that I have to leave a negative review but the movie is very basic, nothing unique and at times actually boring. There is no real introduction to the world they live in, no real clues. Eventually things pick up more speed and you are lead through a sequence of events that you've seen in some form or another in other movies many times over. Some of the dialogue and interactions feel forced, but I don't blame any of the actors it is really just a mediocre script.

I specifically gave it at least 5 stars solely due to Mia's amazing performance as a young actor, really bringing all the life to this movie. I look forward to seeing her in another film.

This isn't so bad as I was led to believe. Neither is it great. First quarter is too slow, and the movie does feel longer than it is, which is unfortunate. A little slow and repetitive in the "dream" sequences. For me it got better when Dillahunt showed up. I thought his scenes with Mia Isaac (who's fantastic and has a great career ahead of her) were more sparky and interesting. Script needed work and its a shame it didn't get it. This is a repetitive truffle made more watchable by talented actors. I found myself much more disappointed in the accompanying series, Project Greenlight. Was so clearly manipulated and set up for maximum "drama", but her support system was nonexistent. Found myself disappointed in Issa Rae.

Disclaimer: I watched the accompanying "Project Greenlight" first, so I knew there were issues with the script going into this but they did create more drama in the show to make the film seem worse than it is. Meko, you did need those extra shoots/angles girl...that's Film School 101 but PGL did lack true training/mentoring for a beginner (if it weren't for Gina and CatchLight I don't think this film would have made it). It's not bad for a first feature. The best movie PGL has ever released.

Now for my take.

It felt like a CW Pilot and not a film even per streaming standards. The pacing in the beginning was slow and could have been fixed with editing to help with the elements of surprise that follow later. This is a good lesson in a script needs to be solid before starting production. The story flow got better in the second act but then it all fell apart in the third. I give a 90% on technical because of the editing issue and VFX but it was shot, lit, and color corrected perfectly. Maybe to perfectly?! I saw all the Spielberg, Ridley Scott, etc. Tricks but enjoyed them none the less.

The actors were top notch and that along great production design and cinematography helped make it watchable.

Even with a killer script, I think 'Gray Matter' would have been better as a series and not a film. I don't feel it would have held up to 'Limitless' (which was first a book and later made as a series). This would have allowed for more character building. I think it's hard to make a genre piece like this and have true substance for just 90 minutes. However, the timeline for pre-production and principal was unrealistically condensed and I feel shows in the film execution as well.

So overall, the script, pacing (editing), budget, and the ridiculous timeline (I don't know how they got away with this) makes for a pretty good start on a TV series but doesn't hold up as a film.

I suggest give it a watch anyway just to see some good technical shooting and acting.

The movie (more like an episode for a show that doesn't exist) is a relatively simple concept, and the film is too. There really isn't much I'll take away from this film that will stick.

Overall, it's a movie you can put on in the background or while making dinner. Besides some cgi blood and one head explosion it's just for kids. Very simple characters, plot is also standard kid with powers, harness them, mom/kid relationship (which drags really bad towards the end).

I liked the idea maybe as the pilot to a much more complex show (which honestly may have been why it was made because it's really low budget with lighting, settings and actors). Standard 5/10. Not awful not memorable really at all.

The movie is solid for what it is. The two lead ladies have TERRIFIC performances, and the cinematography was really nice! The story felt like an extended episode of Heroes with less characters, but it held up. The pacing was a bit off though. It started off slow and the conflict was resolved too quickly. Her growth and understanding of her powers was too sudden imo.

I do think "Project Greenlight" gave Meko and her film too much shade. She had $5 million and 2.5 weeks to work with...they didn't give her much and she DELIVERED. Knowing what she was up against with a small budget, a tight schedule, and a chaotic/overcrowded workspace, she shined. She may not be the best when it comes to fixing a problematic script that someone else wrote, but she definitely knows how to make a solid movie. I'm looking forward to seeing her make more feature length films with bigger budgets and better scripts. Meko is talented! The people involved were really good, but overall the movie is just average, but that doesn't fall on the director or the main actors.