O Protótipo

If I would compare it to an other movie, it would be a spoiler. Then again, once you've seen it, maybe I gave you a hint with what I just wrote. Or maybe I didn't (but I probably did, didn't I?). That aside, because I don't want to spoil anything, if you are into Science Fiction movies, you may like this. It has very good visuals and while I wouldn't call myself a Theo James fan (more a Stacy Martin fan), he does a really good job.

There is tension there are questions ... and there are themes that some might have resolved otherwise. But it does make sense overall. And while you could question everything in the end, you could also just take it with a grain of salt. And just accept that some things, possible in reality or not, just make sense in the overall world of the movie. So it is coherent and well thought of, but even that does not mean you will like it

As a sci-fi fan, I found this admittedly derivative film extremely enjoyable. It is stylishly shot, directed and acted with aplomb by the attractive and enigmatic leads of Theo James and Stacy Martin. Indeed, the latter is well cast in her role who is both ambiguous, childlike and yet empathetic all at the same time. The wonderful Toby Jones also turns up in an extended cameo just to give it that bit extra. If you want wham, bang, action this is definitely not for you. However, if you enjoy psychological, moody sci-fi with stunning visuals then there is much you will enjoy. It is very 'Twilight Zone' with an ending I didn't anticipate.

I didn't think a story about artificial intelligence could be so heartbreaking. If you aren't willing to be emotionally invested in this film then don't bother to start it. It has a good premise and some interesting themes. The acting is solid. I give this film a 7 (good) out of 10. {SciFi, Thriller, Drama}

Essentially a long episode of black mirror so not a bad thing, a nice sharp pair of scissors in the director's hands would have been a good thing. Santa Claus are you listening? Well, next time.

Good acting, metaphors, twists, turns, etc. Note that the robots he's built are all ersatz wives.....

I caught this at a Drive-In double feature with "Palm Springs." I think that pairing made this pale in comparison.

I will say that I was VERY impressed with the production design and the special effects; nothing looked cheesy or unrealistic (I haven't found any budget information anywhere yet). And that's about it. Theo James has the looks of a young De Niro or James Franco from time to time, but he (or his character) is quite charmless.

It's strange that this reminded me of "Moon" so much, when you consider that the director of this film worked on "Moon" back in 2009. But that film is buoyed by an engrossing Sam Rockwell performance. And "Ex Machina" has the balance of Domnhall Gleeson and Oscar Issac's performances. Theo James can't really anchor this whole movie. The other actors are fine, but seem ornamental.

This is above-average for its design, but middle-of-the-road for just about everything else.