Review for The Machine

In the near future, Vincent is a scientist desperate to harness the technology of the thinking robot. Early tests prove to be a failure and his desire to give his sick daughter a second chance may lie in a young scientist called Ava. However, Vincent's boss Thomson has other plans for their breakthrough that might help in the cold war that is currently escalating with China. But can the emotional robot Vincent creates be the ruthless killer that Thomson wants it to be?

The Machine is as close to a Bladerunner sequel as you can get. At times I honestly thought that this is what it is. The development of the robots to feel and the corruption of them into war machines could almost be the back story to how the Nexus 6 models in Bladerunner were created. Sadly, it is not and the one issue I do have is that because of this it feels very much like a Bladerunner rip-off, even down to the music which is probably two or three notes away from sounding like Vangelis' soundtrack.

As writer and director, Caradog James has created a wonderfully visual and realistic world. Though I do hate the 'near future' trope, at least a year is not named. The whole feeling of it being a new Cold War against China is a very real threat (If that is the right word) and many people believe that with the fall from grace of Russia as a dominant Superpower that the next major threat would indeed come from China. This is not dwelt on, though it is a nice backstory to give to the film.

The acting is so-so if I'm honest. Toby Stephens as Vincent is a decent lead, though I do think someone with a bit more presence or star power would have held this film together a bit better. Denis Lawson as Thomson is your typical villain and corrupt businessman, though nothing too special. However, Caity Lotz as Ava was both wonderful and not in the same way. As human, she was fine and gave the typical spunky, 'far too hot to be a scientist' performance. But as the robot she was phenomenal almost like Michael Fassbender in Prometheus. My only issue with it, is that once she became a robot she started talking with what can only be described as a Marilyn Monroe impression which is a little odd at times.

Use of visual technology is a little overused in the film, with everything having the touch screen interfaces. This looks great, but after you see it the first time every other time it becomes less so. Though the effects of the film are astounding and many shots use subtle little elements such as the colour in the robot's eyes that are wonderfully created. The sets and other little elements throughout are perfect and this is one of those films that really does defy the belief that you need $100 million to make a quality science fiction film. Remember James Cameron you made The Terminator for less than $7million??!!

This film is dying for extra features and the fact that it includes none is possibly a slap in the face to everyone who worked on the film. From the Writer/Director Caradog James, to the actors, to anyone who was involved in the look of this film. This feels like a film that begs for a commentary, a few behind the scenes of the special effects and maybe a look at how the film was made in general. Instead we get nothing. This is such a shame, as it really cripples the film and though a great film it really needed that little bit more to make it more worthwhile.

The Machine is a great film. It is one of those films that really does push the limits of effects on a small budget. It also proves that if you have a visionary director and some talented people both in front and behind the camera you can make something good and not just another Asylum film. It is a shame that there are no extras, but hopefully the film gains a cult status so that in years to come we can get the two disk edition that this film deserves.