bacheadle

Judging by the spirited debate regarding this film, one gets the impression the huddled masses are yearning for enlightenment at the box office these days (I'd like extra butter on my Nirvana, please...). Seriously, friends, take a deep breath and decide if you were entertained or not after seeing Equilibrium (for the record, I was). If your concern is whether to worship at the altar of Neo or find your way through Gun-Kata, then perhaps it is time to leave the screen behind and get yourself a new hobby.

Equilibrium is nothing more than the same morality tale we've been treated to for the past several millennia. That is not entirely a bad thing in this case, as the story is delivered in a stylish and well-paced manner. While not a completely fresh look (Brazil and Blade Runner come to mind quite readily), set design and cinematography is just far enough off-axis to hold the viewer's attention. The acting is workmanlike and adequate to the task of portraying a numbed-down version of good versus evil in a totalitarian state. For my taste, the choreography of the Gun-Kata action was the saving grace of the film (although I will admit I am no expert on choreography - I just know what I like). Frankly, the comparisons to the Matrix (Matrices?) is a bit baffling to my untrained eyes - High Plains Drifter might be a more apt analogy.

I have rated this film at 7/10 for the simple reason that the storyline deserves a five and the design and choreography merits a nine. At the end of the day, I was reasonably well entertained although I doubt this is a DVD that will end up in my permanent collection.

Okay - I'll admit it. I rented this movie because I thought my teenaged daughter might like it. However, as I fell into the story line, I became absolutely enchanted by "J" and "R". These were wonderful, warm, truly compassionate characters. The comparisons to the equally excellent "Ghost World" are obvious, but I found I could relate to these characters better. This is what a real love story looks like.

I must confess that I expected the usual lightweight Hugh Grant romantic comedy when I rented this movie. I ended up being pleasantly surprised with a story that gently mocked the self-absorbed character that Mr. Grant usually portrays. This story of a lonely man ultimately discovering personal success by making meaningful connections with a cast of interesting characters is a worthwhile parable for those who have sought to isolate themselves from the world. I can't honestly say that I would watch this movie several more times, but I can give it an above average rating.