Surprisingly new

Rating: 9/10 (24 March 2012)

This is a movie surprisingly refreshing. Not only the idea (some reviewers pointed out that that's not quite new; regardless, it's certainly new in a movie, and here works superbly), but the movie itself. Without aiming too high (still much more than average though), this movie really works - at all levels.
The last one to make you think (as to new ideas into play) in the last 15 years or so (Inception) failed - was too full of itself (see my review on that one). This one on the other hand, works differently (more than average on everything: acting, camera work, music etc. and especially the story), and guess what? It works. You won't see any cool FX here, but what you'll see is far from cheap too.
On the other hand, it's also low on violence, swearing, and sexual content (without which, apparently, you can't make a movie nowadays) - which means your entire family can enjoy it - as long as they had already jump-started their brains.
So don't expect the cool FX from Matrix, but not the diluted and full of holes story from Equilibrium either. Rounded, surprising little gem, worth seeing more than twice. I had already planned to buy the DVD - and haven't bought one in several years, which should tell you something. These are not the days you build up a collection. Unfortunately, these are the days you rent your 2 hrs. entertainment, then immediately forget it (the dose to make you run another day - how cheap we have become).
Its real value is at a solid 8, but I give it a full 9 only for the (courage and) novelty of being novel.
Highly recommended.