Uncanny

The film's title is appropriate, since that is the feeling you are getting from the movie. Somehow, something is wrong with it, but you can't put your finger on it. The twist at the end was pretty predictable as well, but somehow they botched it up with the very last scenes. If they change the ending - not in its idea, but its handling - the movie gains an instant extra rating point.

However the biggest harm that anything can do to this film is that it was released soon after Ex Machina when they are approaching similar subjects. It is not the same thing, but close enough, and clearly not as good. I have to think, would I have liked the film in 2014, let's say? And the answer is probably yes. Change the ending scenes, make the pace a little more alert, maybe remove some of the slow scenes or some of the bad ones (because there are some that are just stupid) and you get an instant winner.

Bottom line: interesting concept, not bad yet mediocre implementation, badly written ending scenes. Uncannily close to a good movie.

P.S. Why do movies try to seem smart with chess analogies, and then really botch them completely? Even the weakest chess player in the world would instantly see that the people doing the scenes had no idea how the game is played.

'UNCANNY': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Indie sci-fi flick, about a reporter doing a story on the most advanced artificial intelligence unit the world has ever seen; and the scientist who created it. A bizarre relationship develops between all three. The film stars Mark Webber, Lucy Griffiths, David Clayton Rogers and Rainn Wilson. It was directed by Matthew Leutwyler (who also directed such indie sci-fi and horror flicks as 'DEAD & BREAKFAST' and 'UNEARTHED') and it was written by Shahin Chandrasoma. The movie is interesting, and well made, especially for such a (seemingly) low budget production.

David Kressen (Webber) was an MIT graduate, at the age of 19. He was hired by billionaire Simon Castle (Wilson), upon graduation, and never seen or heard from again. Joy Andrews (Griffiths) is a technology reporter, who was just given a week's worth of time to interview David, and his most advanced creation; an artificial intelligence named Adam (Rogers). Adam is so lifelike, that Joy mistakes him for a human- being, upon introduction. As the week goes by, Joy develops feelings for David; while Adam also appears to develop feelings for Joy. The A.I. becomes very unpredictable, and frightening, because of it.

When I first started watching this movie, I had severe doubts that I would like it; because it seems extremely low-budget, and amateurishly made (at first glance). I was happy to find out I was wrong (by the end of the film). There's not a lot of action, or flashy visuals, but it is a well written and decently acted movie. I was intrigued, and involved in what was going on, all the way to the very end. It kind of reminds me (a little) of 'EX MACHINA', from earlier this year; just on a much smaller (and lower budget) scale.

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Reporter Joy Andrews (Lucy Griffiths) does an in-depth week-long interview with tech scientist David Kressen (Mark Webber). He introduces her to Adam (David Clayton Rogers) and later reveals that Adam is actually an AI robot. His wealthy boss Castle (Rainn Wilson) monitors the situation from afar.

Coming out around the same time, this was being overshadowed by the indie hit Ex Machina. There is an obvious visual CGI wow factor about Ex Machina that this does not have. Leaving that aside, they are both traveling on similar and well-worn sci-fi lanes. The acting for both male leads is limited to the stiff robotic nerd persona or an actual robot. Griffiths has an easy presence. I'm always taken by her brilliant blue eyes. This is an extended Twilight Zone episode or Black Mirror for the modern audience. It's a perfectly capable film that stays compelling to the end.

The plot was intriguing in this small flick, and the acting was quite good. It took me about 30 min into the movie to start to suspect what going on, but I was not trying to figure out the movie. This was a cool little sci-fi flick. Nothing earth shattering but well done and entertaining. I am glad I watched it. I like the theme of Robots and humans. I love the show Real Humans (2012– ) "Äkta människor" from Sweden. In that show they called the Robots, Hubots- best name ever. Now it has been remade for the UK/US version, (not nearly as good as the Swedish version). Still good. Those shows take the theme of Uncanny further.

This film is probably going to be compared to ex machina because of the similar theme. It is a completely different story so do not fear repetition if you have seen ex machina.

I will not reveal any of the story line - I have seen one of the reviews on here that does actually indicate part of the storyline. The story is quite slow so it is not really a popcorn flick. I do not remember ever feeling bored. The story unfolds at a fairly casual rate.

The acting is good. The characters are intriguing and quite varied. I though the lady was actually quite unpleasant and childish (even for her age group) but she was not necessarily unbelievable. I am sure certain people will empathize with her.

Just remember that it is a low budget movie with very few actors. Take it for what it is but bear in mind that it is probably better than many films that had a far higher budget.