Transcendence

Transcendence

Starring Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Morgan Freeman 

Directed by Wally Pfister

Synopsis:
Will Caster (Johnny Depp) and his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) are scientists who worked together to create a sentient computer, to the chagrin of several, including a radical group known as R.I.F.T. who believe the Casters are playing God.  Will is shot by one of its members, and the bullet is laced with polonium, which is radiation and cannot be cured, and Will is given a month to live.

In desperation, Evelyn decides to upload Will's consciousness to the computer, and after he dies he "transcends" death by becoming the machine, and after Evelyn hooks him to the Internet, he becomes a supreme being.

Years later, Will - through the computer - has been able to heal diseases and create plants, but there's a deadly side effect that threatens the existence of organic humanity if Will's lust for supreme power cannot be stopped.

Review:
There's been a lot of negative reviews about this film, but I was still interested in seeing it.  Upon viewing, I tend to disagree with all the hate, but it was still far from something great.

The story is something that's been done before, and raises the ever-important question - should humanity play God?  Of course, the answer is no, because there's always unforeseen ramifications that no one expects, and that's where "Transcendence" falls in its story.

The people Will are able to heal and cure become super strong and half-computer, and it seems Will is creating an army - but for what purpose?  That is never fully addressed, and while it's an interesting concept, it never comes to full fruition.  Instead the film centers more on the offbeat love story between (wo)man and machine, and how far one would go to keep their loved one alive forever.

Depp, who receives top billing, is hardly in the film, at least in bodily form.  Most of the time he's reduced to a "Lawnmower Man" type CGI that's just plain weird, and somewhat ugly to see.  The main thrust of the film centers around Rebecca Hall's character, and as she's moreso a supporting role in most other films ("The Town" and }Vicky Cristina Barcelona" are some of her best), she doesn't carry the film well, as she performs her traditional one-note character of lovelorn woman. 

Summary:
While it tries to tackle a huge topic, "Transcendence" fails to achieve it's ultimate premise.

My Rating: B+