Could have been great, except...

Rating: 7/10 (17 July 2002)

This movie had every possible ingredient to be a classic and original blend of science fiction and film noir. It has extremely interesting characters, a coherent plot, darkly beautiful sets, cool villains, believable special effects, and talented actors who seem to enjoy their roles.
The one weak link? Keifer Sutherland. He hams up his Peter Lorre impression until it looks like he jumped out of a Bugs Bunny cartoon. (Remember the ones with the short sickly looking mad scientist and the big orange furry monster?)
His poor take on the character could have been forgiven if not for the fact that the character also acts as a narrator. His opening monologue is not only unnecessary, but it completely blows away the joy and mystery one might have gotten from seeing the story unfold gradually. There was not one piece of info in the opening monologue that I couldn't have figured out just by watching the film, and I would have had a better time doing it on my own.
Let me reiterate: DARK CITY IS RUINED IN THE FIRST 3 MINUTES!!!