Brilliant and incredibly compelling

Rating: 8/10 (26 May 2008)

This is, if not a masterpiece, then very short of it. I don't use that word lightly; few cinematic efforts deserve to be credited as such. This is deeply psychological, not to mention rather accurate and credible in that, and complex. I can only imagine how long it must have taken to write it. Many people talk about the quality of Ashton Kutcher's acting. I think it was fine... if that's the one thing keeping you from a viewing, I'd say to go ahead and give it a chance. No one really handed in a pitiful performance... the kids were surprisingly good... and most were marvelously cast. I won't detail the concept of this here. Without being aware of it, I've only watched the Director's Cut of this. Having heard specifics on the changes... I'm happy I did. It adds a lot of vital scenes, and after careful consideration, I actually prefer the ending of it over the ending of the Theatrical(which I've thus far only read a description of), even though I was at first left emotionally numb with its nihilism and cruelty. The plot is quite interesting and well-thought out. Yes, the writers did mess it up a little by trying to have their cake and eat it too, but if you can overlook that, this can be amazing. The pacing is just about spot-on, this never goes too slow or faster than it should. So much is said with so few words and hints. This, to a degree, allows the audience to connect the dots, and doesn't presume that we need hand-holding. The cinematography is great, though there are some shots and camera tricks that reveal the makers to be new at the helm. All in all, a thoroughly entertaining and engaging dark sci-fi movie, and one to be seen by anyone even remotely interested in/fascinated by said genre, provided you are sufficiently thick-skinned for it. There are also elements of fantasy herein. The commentary track is probably the best I've heard... the two are funny, informational, and awesome on it, and I suggest anyone who likes the feature itself, and aren't turned off by language, though it isn't the worst ever, to listen to it. I recommend this film to any fan of science fiction, and/or pictures that qualify as deep and thought-provoking. Just remember to only get the version I did if you're prepared to be kicked in the stomach, feelings-wise. The faint of heart should stick with the original release... or stay away entirely. 8/10