Watched this late last night, from readin the quick review I can't say I had high hopes for it, but in the end was quite suprised at how good it was. Although no real AI or robotics the thought is behind alien cyborgs, artificial in themselves. It is also based on the short story by Philip K Dick of the same name.
A quick review.
Gary Sinise (CSI New York, Forest Gump, Apollo 13) plays Spencer Olham, a senior worker within the defence sector. One day he goes to work and is 'arrested' and suspected as being an alien imposter cyborg, who's primary objective is to blow up the visiting chancelor. His wife is played by the ever reliable Madeleine Stowe (12 Monkeys, Stakeout) who to be fair to her does not have a lot to do in the film, but seems to be in a look of constant shock whenever she is on screen. The troupe is rounded out by Vincent D'Onofrio (MIB, Law & Order) as the crazy win at all costs ESA agent.
There are the usual gadgets for s film set in the future, voice activated commands etc, shuttle transport and its an overall well implemented future society. While some of the sets do not look amazing, they still add to the feel of the city and the future as a whole. Some of the special effects are very good indeed, but it is easy to see this was not film with a huge budget.
It would also transpire that this future is somewhat totalitarian in part, there are the usual obligatory authoritan signs scattered throughout the film, the odd poster on the wall telling you to feel good, everyone is in a similar style of clothes, and everyone has a transponder under the skin, so that central control can tell and see when you have passed a checkpoint, which are all over the city.
How close is the to the short story it came from? I personally do not know, I have not read it, but having read other work from Philip K Dick, I would like to think that it at least resembles what he had in mind.
The ultimate part of the film is the endless doubt of whether Olham is indeed a cyborg, or whether he truly is human. Throughout the film he goes to great lengths to prove his innocence, yet that doubt is always in the back of your mind. About 30 minutes from the end all is answered (sort of) but I will not spoil the suprise for you, suffice to say, there is a real twist in the tail at the end of the film, one that I personally did not see coming.
On a final note, I had to mention Mekhi Phifer (8 Mile, ER), while not having a big role, has an important role as a character who shunns the city and lives on the outskirts, away from the law, and who despite his reasons, helps Olham in his quest.
Overall I was suprised and pleased by this film, while not strictly AI, its not pure shlock sci-fi either, rather an interesting mix of the two, and I would have to say to not overlook this little film.
