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This film is like a Westworld (1973) clone that got kidnapped by Taken (2008) and was forced to make awkwardly-paced cliche-ridden babies. The opening scene sets the tone with a flythrough of a rather shabby looking Utopia and ends with a trashy scene between the two most wooden actors in the entire film. It's about as promising as a soggy pancake.

While we're on the topic of acting ... the lead actors do their best to look serious, but it's as convincing as a toddler pretending to be a detective. They're fine, they're serviceable, but it's not like anyone's going to be dusting off their Oscar trophies after this. The minor characters, however, are an entirely different story. The various Utopia women seem like they were cast less for their acting abilities and more for their ability to look good in very little clothing. It's as if the director told them, "Just take off most of your clothes and then read these lines as if you've never seen a script before." The various male clientele are just as terrible. Some of them might as well be twiddling their moustaches.

To be fair it's not all a disaster. The action scenes, especially the opening bathroom fight, are actually pretty decent. Whoever choreographed those sequences has a future in the business. The fights are the highlight, because let's face it, without them this film would be nothing more than a sad combination of a predictable plot and badly-delivered lines.

As I write this fan-made film sits at a 7.2 rating. Don't take that too seriously. The Trek fanboys have clearly been a bit over-enthusiastic.

This is a proper feature film with budget-limited costumes and special effects. It's not terrible, but it's not very good either. The main drawbacks are wooden acting, by almost everyone, and some amateurish directing. A lot of backs of people heads, some random dutch angles, and at least one prominent up-the-nose shot. The score and sound stood out for me. They weren't out-of-this-world amazing, but were well done and wouldn't have been out of place in a better professionally-made film.

What I wrote:

"You know that old saying about pigs and lipstick? This is kind of a TV movie with a lot of Netflix-style background neon lighting. It looks pretty decent at first glance, but it's covering up a whole range of issues.

Plot-wise this film had a promising first half but then proceeds to go completely off the rails."

And here is ChatGPT's 600 word version:

Movie Review: Neon Lights and Lost Plots You know that old saying about pigs and lipstick? This is kind of a TV movie with a lot of Netflix-style background neon lighting. It looks pretty decent at first glance, but it's covering up a whole range of issues.

When I first sat down to watch this film, I was immediately taken in by its stylish aesthetics. The neon lighting and sleek visuals give the movie a modern, edgy feel, reminiscent of the high production values we've come to expect from streaming giants like Netflix. This initial impression is crucial, as it sets the stage for a potentially great cinematic experience. However, much like the adage about dressing up a pig, the superficial gloss can only distract from deeper flaws for so long.

Visuals and Aesthetics There's no denying that the film's visual appeal is one of its strongest suits. The cinematography is polished, with vibrant neon colors casting a moody, almost otherworldly glow over the scenes. This aesthetic choice seems to borrow heavily from the visual language of neo-noir and cyberpunk genres, adding a layer of intrigue and sophistication. The production team deserves credit for creating an atmosphere that is both immersive and visually stimulating. This high standard of visual design is the lipstick that makes the film initially appealing.

The Plot: A Tale of Two Halves Plot-wise, the film starts with a promising first half. It introduces an intriguing premise, builds suspense, and hooks the audience with well-crafted scenes and character development. The setup is engaging, hinting at a complex narrative that promises to unravel in fascinating ways. At this point, I was genuinely excited about where the story might go, eager to see how the filmmakers would navigate the twists and turns they were setting up.

However, as the movie progresses into its second half, it proceeds to go completely off the rails. The narrative loses its coherence, with plot points becoming increasingly convoluted and character motivations turning murky. It's as if the writers ran out of ideas and decided to throw every possible twist and cliché into the mix, hoping that sheer unpredictability would carry the day. Unfortunately, this approach backfires spectacularly.

Character Development and Acting The actors, to their credit, do their best with the material they are given. The main cast delivers solid performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters in the film's more grounded moments. However, as the plot descends into chaos, even their talents can't salvage the situation. Character arcs that initially seemed promising become muddled, and relationships that were being carefully developed suddenly lack credibility. The disconnect between the actors' efforts and the script's shortcomings becomes painfully apparent.

Themes and Execution The film touches on several themes, including betrayal, identity, and the corrupting influence of power. These are fertile grounds for exploration, but the execution is where the film falters. Rather than delving deeply into these themes, the story skims the surface, offering only shallow insights. This superficial treatment makes it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters on an emotional level or to find meaning in their struggles.

Pacing and Editing Another significant issue is the pacing. The first half of the film is well-paced, gradually building tension and drawing the viewer in. However, the second half feels rushed and disjointed. Scenes that should be pivotal are glossed over, while less important moments are inexplicably dragged out. This erratic pacing disrupts the flow of the narrative and diminishes the impact of key plot developments.

Conclusion: Style Over Substance In conclusion, this film is a classic case of style over substance. The striking visual aesthetics and initial narrative promise are undermined by a plot that ultimately collapses under its own weight. Despite the best efforts of the cast and the occasional glimmers of potential, the movie fails to deliver a satisfying or coherent story. It's a reminder that while good looks can attract attention, they can't compensate for fundamental storytelling flaws. For viewers seeking a visually appealing but ultimately shallow experience, this film might suffice. For those looking for a more substantial and rewarding cinematic journey, it's best to look elsewhere.