Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: The Ice Road. When an explosion traps two dozen miners in a mineshaft in Manitoba, the call goes out for truckers who can haul the equipment needed to rescue them across miles of frozen lake. Mike McCann (Liam Neeson) and his mentally handicapped brother Gurty (Marcus Thomas) join Jim Goldenrod (Laurence Fishburne), Tantoo (Amber Midthunder), and Tom Varnay (Benjamin Walker) on a perilous journey to save the miners.

The Ice Road is an action thriller about a rescue mission down some of the most dangerous roads in Canada. Mike and the other truckers have to deal with harsh weather, fragile ice, and a corporate cover-up to deliver their cargo before the miners asphyxiate. The movie has a promising setup but makes a number of missteps with its execution, leaving a handful of good ideas stranded in a sea of missed potential.

The Ice Road suffers from the mistakes its characters make. Nearly every problem the characters face is self-inflicted, whether due to poor judgment or failure to take even basic precautions. One or two of these mistakes could be forgiven as plot contrivances, but there are enough of them that it is hard to feel sympathy for the characters. The artificial drama also undercuts the threat posed by the ice road.

There are other issues that mar the film. None of the characters except Gurty are especially likable, and Varnay in particular drains the energy out of every scene he is in. The plot has some minor but noticeable holes in it, such as the oddly specific deadline to save the miners. Finally, the pacing of the movie is off, building to a crescendo well before it is over. The result is a long, tacked-on finale that contributes nothing to the plot.

Still, The Ice Road has a few qualities that give it a niche. The setup for the story is solid, and the particular challenges posed by the ice road are interesting. Apart from their mistakes of judgment, the truckers show a remarkable problem-solving ability, using winches, cables, and ingenuity to salvage the mission on more than one occasion. Gurty also stands out as a steadfast character and arguably the film’s true hero.

The Ice Road has the makings of a tense thriller, but it succumbs to poor choices along the way. Artificial drama, poor pacing, and misuse of a hostile environment all make the movie a frustrating watch. Fans of lower-budget action movies will still get something out of seeing the truckers cope with ice and sabotage to reach their destination, but anyone hoping for a well-constructed movie will want to look elsewhere.

For Liam Neeson in a black comedy that makes better use of a frigid setting, try Cold Pursuit. For a science fiction action thriller that follows a similar formula, try Sunshine, The Core, or Armageddon.

[5.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3758814/). I give it a 5.5 for modest strengths and pervasive flaws.

“Let’s put it this way: Either way this works out, it’s gonna be on the wrong side of history.” —General James Ford

Today’s quick review: Cosmic Sin. In the year 2524, humanity makes first contact with an alien race. General James Ford (Bruce Willis), the man who destroyed an entire planet to put down a rebellion, is called out of retirement by General Ryle (Frank Grillo) to help handle the situation. As contact with the aliens rapidly turns hostile, the generals lead a strike force to deliver a bomb capable of wiping out the aliens in one fell swoop.

Cosmic Sin is a budget sci-fi movie about a hostile encounter with alien life. Humanity faces a battle for survival against a parasitic alien species that can infect anyone they come in contact with. What follows is a haphazard attempt to launch a decisive first strike against the aliens before they can gain the upper hand. Cosmic Sin has a workable premise but executes it poorly, with weak action, a muddled plot, and few redeeming qualities.

Cosmic Sin suffers from a lot of the usual problems that plague budget science fiction films. The setting is generic, fleshed out just enough to tell the story but no more. The script does a poor job of conveying the points it needs to, such as introducing characters or properly establishing the parameters of the conflict. And, unlike bigger-budget offerings, Cosmic Sin does not have flashy special effects or powerful acting to fall back on.

More specifically, Cosmic Sin wastes a fairly distinctive premise. The war with aliens is not new, but the early parts of the movie set up a moral conflict where two bloodthirsty generals are poised to wipe out an entire civilization without any attempt at diplomacy. The setup is clumsy, however, and the movie explicitly avoids making any sort of real moral commentary by making the aliens a hostile, unavoidable threat.

Cosmic Sin is a mishmash of generic science fiction and underdeveloped ideas. Fans of the budget side of the genre may get something out of it just for going through the motions with basic competence, but the vast majority of viewers will find it unsatisfying. Try it out only if you want some action and are not too particular about the quality. Steer clear if you are looking for an impressive spectacle or a robust plot.

For a similar flavor of budget science fiction, try Alien Arrival, Dune Drifter, Survivor, or Incoming. For more entertaining science fiction in the same vein, try Pitch Black and its sequels, Edge of Tomorrow, or Aliens.

[2.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11762434/). I give it a 3.5 for lackluster action and a poorly motivated plot.

Today’s quick review: Stowaway. Just hours into a two-year voyage to Mars, Marina Barnett (Toni Collette), Zoe Levenson (Anna Kendrick), and David Kim (Daniel Dae Kim) discover they have a fourth passenger: Michael Adams (Shamier Anderson), a launch engineer who was on board the ship when it took off. As the crew takes stock of their new situation, they come to the unsettling conclusion that there is not enough oxygen to support them all.

Stowaway is a science fiction thriller about an extra passenger who jeopardizes a mission to Mars. Stowaway deals with the moral dilemma of a situation where one person must die so three others can live. Unlike other movies about disasters in space, Stowaway lets the scenario drive the plot. Instead of injecting artificial drama or unnecessary action sequences, the movie focuses on its characters and the simple problem of what they should do.

Stowaway is a streamlined film. The story takes place entirely aboard the ship, with a four-person cast and no extraneous plot elements. The crew of the ship are calm, professional, and humane, bypassing the usual cruelty seen in other life-or-death situations. Stowaway also cuts short the chain of partial solutions and close calls found in similar films. The characters do have a few options, but they are tightly constrained.

Still, Stowaway does not squeeze as much out of its premise as it could, and different viewers will want it to go in different directions. For action fans, it can be a slow watch with only one or two sequences of consequence. Fans of dark moral thrillers may be disappointed in the altruistic nature of the characters and the slack they are given. Finally, the characters are likable but not strong enough to leave a lasting impression.

Stowaway is an unusually clean take on the kind of situation addressed in passing by other sci-fi films. While it misses out on both the tense action and the powerful emotional moments the genre has to offer, it avoids a number of key pitfalls and manages to tell a tense and engaging story. Fans of minimalistic sci-fi who don’t mind moderately slow pacing will get the most out of the movie. Others will have mixed results.

For another minimalistic thriller about survival in space, try Gravity. For one with an even greater emphasis on engineering and problem-solving, check out The Martian. For a desperate space mission with more science fiction elements, try Interstellar, Sunshine, or Armageddon.

[5.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9203694/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a simple but effective story.

Today’s quick review: Synchronic. Steve (Anthony Mackie), a paramedic with a substance abuse problem, and his partner Dennis (Jamie Dornan) are haunted by a series of bizarre deaths linked to Synchronic, a designer drug that can supposedly alter the flow of time. When Dennis’ daughter Brianna (Ally Ioannides) goes missing after taking Synchronic, Steve begins experimenting with the drug to get her back.

Synchronic is a science fiction drama about a mysterious drug that takes people to other points in time. The movie follows the fraying personal lives of two paramedics as they investigate something they cannot explain. Synchronic has a moody atmosphere, places a heavy emphasis on its characters, and uses nonlinear storytelling and unusual camerawork to keep the viewer on edge. However, its story and characters leave something to be desired.

Synchronic suffers from two main issues. The first is that its characters are difficult to like. Steve and Dennis are both struggling with believable problems, but their personalities are passive and bitter. The personal half of the story is a cavalcade of bad news with nothing to break it up. The friendship between Steve and Dennis gives the movie a glimmer of optimism, but in general they feed each other’s worst traits.

The second issue Synchronic has is that it does not fully capitalize on its premise. The drug makes for an intriguing mystery in the early stages of the movie, and Steve’s attempts to understand it are good sci-fi fodder. But none of the drug trips themselves are that interesting. The drug offers glimpses of the past, but the past holds very little that matters to the characters. As such, the whole endeavor feels pointless.

Still, Synchronic earns points for weaving together a science fiction premise with a personal story. Steve goes through a lot in the weeks the story covers, and the movie does a good job of conveying just how much it all is weighing on him. Likewise, the paramedic angle gives the story a unique perspective that ties in well with the movie’s themes of drug use and unintended consequences. Synchronic is fertile ground for storytelling.

Whether Synchronic is a worthwhile watch will depend on your tastes. Fans of science fiction who are drawn to novel ideas, regardless of their outcomes, will find that the movie is a solid addition to the genre. However, the movie’s dour tone and limited use of its premise will make Synchronic a miss for many viewers. Those curious should give it a shot. Anyone who is borderline may want to skip it.

For a more proactive thriller about a mind-altering drug, try Limitless. For a dark thriller about a drug with terrible side effects, try Urge. For a budget sci-fi drama that deals with time travel in a more systematic way, try Primer. For a surreal drama about the harmful effects of drug abuse, try A Scanner Darkly or Requiem for a Dream. For a surreal psychological thriller with a similar tone and less explanation, try Enemy.

[6.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9016974/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for an intriguing premise with some missed potential.

Today’s quick review: Self/less. Damian Hale (Ben Kingsley), a dying billionaire, pays Dr. Albright (Matthew Goode), a brilliant scientist, to transfer his consciousness into a younger, lab-grown body (Ryan Reynolds). The operation is a success, and Damian sets out into the world with a new identity and a new lease on life. But when he begins to experience strange hallucinations, he strikes out on his own to find answers.

Self/less is a science fiction thriller about an experimental medical treatment that could hold the key to immortality. Ryan Reynolds stars as Damian, a wealthy man who undergoes the procedure only to find that there are some important strings attached. The story follows Damian as he searches for answers, using a scant few clues and some of his residual wealth to unravel the secrets Dr. Albright is hiding.

The greatest strength of Self/less is its smooth plot progression. From the first introduction to Damian to the satisfying finale, the movie keeps the audience engaged with a series of unanswered questions, each one feeding into the next. Damian makes for a resourceful protagonist, and his motives strike the right balance between selfish and altruistic.

Still, Self/less is not as thematically potent as it could be, and its plot does not reach as far as other science fiction stories that explore similar technologies. The science fiction aspects of the story are mainly used to motivate the thriller side of the plot. However, Self/less knows its limitations and plans around them, resulting in a well-scoped story that lives up to its promises.

Self/less is a solid pick for fans of the sci-fi genre. It has just enough speculation to be rewarding, its mystery unfolds in a satisfying manner, and one or two moral dilemmas give the movie just enough depth. Self/less is not as visionary as some sci-fi movies or as action-packed as some thrillers, but its craftsmanship is enough to carry it.

For another sci-fi thriller about swapping consciousness into a new body, try Replicas. For a sci-fi action thriller that deals with similar themes, try The Island or Paycheck. For a more down-to-earth sci-fi thriller about a man who has to think his way out of a similar situation, try Limitless. For a more action-oriented movie about a body swap, try Face/Off.

[6.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140379/). I give it a 7.0 for a solidly constructed story with an interesting premise.

Today’s quick review: Rememory. Sam Bloom (Peter Dinklage), a man haunted by the drunk driving accident that killed his brother, approaches Gordon Dunn (Martin Donovan), the inventor of a machine that can read people’s memories, to get closure. But when Dunn dies after an encounter with one of his psychiatric patients (Anton Yelchin), Sam steals the machine and uses the memories Dunn recorded to search for the killer.

Rememory is a science fiction mystery about a device that can access and record people’s memories. Peter Dinklage stars as Sam Bloom, a loner who takes it upon himself to investigate the death of a famed scientist. As Sam scans through the memories of Dunn and his patients, he learns more about the man himself, the troubled lives of the people he was trying to help, and the circumstances leading up to his death.

Rememory comes into its own when Sam actually begins his investigation. Sam proves to be a very resourceful man, using a mixture of leverage, deceit, and the truth to get answers that no one else can. The body of the investigation consists of Sam interviewing each of Dunn’s patients. This is where Peter Dinklage shines. His acting is a perfect fit for the film’s contemplative dialogue, and he strikes the right balance of helpful and secretive.

The mystery itself works well, once it gets going. The secrets Sam uncovers range from the details of the patients’ lives to important facts about the machine itself to the truth of Dunn’s relationship with his wife Carolyn (Julia Ormond). Threaded through it all is the question of who Sam really is and why he cares so much about Dunn. The story also does a good job of exploring grief and the complex relationship people have with their memories.

Still, Rememory has some clear weaknesses. The early character work, introduction to the machine, and plot setup fall a little flat, leaving the story without a strong hook for the first twenty minutes. The stakes of the mystery are more personal than the revolutionary nature of Dunn’s invention would imply. And while the ending wraps everything up neatly, it is based solely in closure, not in confronting or overcoming some external threat.

Rememory is a cleanly executed sci-fi movie with a lot to offer the right viewer. Peter Dinklage’s performance, an interesting mystery, and resonant themes make it a worthwhile watch for anyone who doesn’t mind a slower drama with personal stakes. However, an indirect setup and the introspective nature of the story will make Rememory a miss for anyone who prefers more active stories.

For another sci-fi mystery about a man who can tap into people’s memories, try Reminiscence, Unforgettable, or The Final Cut. For a romantic drama that deals with similar themes of loss and regret, try Seven Pounds.

[6.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2331047/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a contemplative mystery that will not suit everyone’s tastes.

Today’s quick review: Reminiscence. On the flooded streets of Miami, Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) and his assistant Watts (Thandiwe Newton) help their clients escape the dismal present by letting them relive their most treasured memories. After a chance encounter, Nick falls in love with Mae (Rebecca Ferguson), a singer with a checkered past. But when Mae disappears without a trace, Nick must search his own memories for a clue to her whereabouts.

Reminiscence is a science fiction mystery set in the near future. War and flooding have devastated the United States, resulting in widespread poverty and stratification. Nick Bannister, a war veteran with a machine that can replay memories, becomes obsessed with finding a woman he knew for only a few months. Reminiscence scores points with its setting, atmosphere, and acting, but some plot missteps keep it from reaching its full potential.

Reminiscence is a textbook example of how to build a science fiction world. The setting has enough in common with our world to be recognizable, but the differences speak to a country that has been put through the wringer. The visual of Miami half-submerged under rising ocean waters gives the movie a distinct looks, while organic references to wars, a drug epidemic, and the rise of land barons all contribute to a fully realized world.

The movie also has something to offer with its characters and its themes. Nick is a classic noir protagonist, continuing his investigation in spite of the troubling discoveries he makes. Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson handle their roles well. While the dialogue can be a little wordy at times, the movie has a knack for conveying wistfulness through whispered words, poetic imagery, and beautiful scenes.

However, Reminiscence fails to put its best foot forward when it comes to its story. The mystery has a lengthy setup period with very little to sustain it. Nick cares deeply about Mae’s disappearance but the audience has no reason to, and there is no indication early on of any foul play. The mystery eventually expands into a more intricate puzzle with clearer stakes, but the best puzzle pieces are introduced too late to make a real impact.

Reminiscence has a few other shortcomings. The dynamic between Nick and Watts has potential, but there is never really a moment that catalyzes their relationship. The story introduces several potent themes, such as the addictive nature of nostalgia, but lacks the craft to drive them home in a succinct way. Finally, the memory device enables certain elements of the plot but in general it is not used in very creative ways.

Reminiscence is a solid pick for fans of moody science fiction with an emphasis on plot and world-building. Its slow start and missed opportunities may put off sci-fi fans looking for more direct action, but its otherwise solid craftsmanship and rich setting provide plenty to chew on. Give it a shot if you don’t mind the whole being a little less than the sum of its parts.

For a sci-fi crime movie that makes better use of a similar concept, try Inception. For a romantic comedy that dissects a relationship through a couple’s memories of each other, try Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. For a more action-packed memory thriller, try Total Recall. For a similarly moody and indirect sci-fi mystery dealing with memory, try The Final Cut. For a darker mystery in the same vein, try Unforgettable.

[5.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3272066/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for strong artistic foundations and a decent but flawed mystery.

“Was that cool? It felt really cool.” —Guy

Today’s quick review: Free Guy. Guy (Ryan Reynolds), a happy-go-lucky bank teller, has his life changed forever when he meets Millie (Jodie Comer), a mysterious woman who reveals that his entire world is actually a video game. Millie, a player from the real world, joined the game to find proof that Antwan (Taika Waititi), the game’s developer, stole her code, but she finds something even more remarkable in Guy: a character who has become self-aware.

Free Guy is a sci-fi action comedy about a character in a video game. Free Guy shows what a video game might look like from the inside: a surreal world where one-dimensional characters act out the same cycles over and over again for the benefit of trouble-making players. Guy loves his life but dreams of something more, and the story deals with the fallout of his meeting with Millie, which gives him the opportunity to break free.

Ryan Reynolds carries the movie. His performance as Guy strikes the right balance between good-natured, clueless, and devastatingly funny. The movie gives him free rein to exercise his signature style of humor, and the movie complements him nicely with video game logic and a slightly absurd world to play with. In particular, Free Guy masters the contrast between Guy’s perspective and the real world, using it for both comedy and emotion.

The rest of the movie shows similar good judgment. The video game aspects are generic enough to accessible, but the details show a real appreciation for the medium. The plot uses the same broad strokes as some other movies, but it puts in enough care and effort to personalize them. Free Guy also walks a fine line with pop culture references and celebrity cameos, sprinkling them in at key moments without going overboard.

Free Guy is a fun pick for anyone who enjoys Ryan Reynolds’ style of humor. The ideas it deals with will be familiar to most audiences, but the heavy comedic bent, internally consistent world-building, and polished script give it an identity of its own. Not everyone will appreciate its humor, which can be juvenile at times, but those who enjoy it will find that the movie hits a sweet spot with its story, action, and humor.

For a more heartfelt story about a man who learns his life is a fake, check out The Truman Show. For a sci-fi video game movie that relies more heavily on action and pop culture references, try Ready Player One. For a sober mystery about life inside a simulated world, try The Thirteenth Floor. For a more surreal Ryan Reynolds movie about a man learning the true nature of his existence, try The Nines.

[7.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6264654/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for strong comedy and a nicely constructed story.

Today’s quick review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Walter Mitty (Danny Kaye), a mild-mannered proofreader, escapes from his overbearing mother (Fay Bainter) and vapid fiance (Ann Rutherford) by daydreaming of heroism and adventure. A real adventure falls into his lap when Walter shares a cab with Rosalind van Hoorn (Virginia Mayo) and agrees to help her keep a book containing the location of a hidden treasure from falling into the wrong hands.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a classic comedy adventure based on the short story by James Thurber. Danny Kaye stars as Walter Mitty, a quiet, unassertive man prone to grand flights of fancy. The movie features a charming premise, a likable main character, a story that is simple but effective, and a series of fantasy interludes that show off Danny Kaye’s wide array of talents.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty makes good on its premise. Walter struggles with both the mundane chores of daily life and the somewhat more difficult task of helping Rosalind protect a book that her enemies would kill for. Danny Kaye strikes a nice balance with the character: a capable man hidden beneath a thick layer of daydreams and acquiescence. Seeing him learn to stand up for himself is a treat.

However, the movie has a hard time tying its story together. Rosalind and her book are a naked contrivance designed to draw Walter out of his shell. Walter’s daydreams are one of the distinguishing features of the movie, but they are isolated and thinly motivated. The movie also gets lost once or twice, indulging Danny Kaye’s remarkable talents to the detriment of the story.

None of this gets in the way of the movie’s strengths, but it does it a hard sell for skeptical viewers. Fans of classic comedies will find The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to be a fine choice, a romp filled with light humor, song, and a dash of adventure. However, anyone looking for a tightly plotted story with real drama will find the movie a little thin.

For a loosely similar story that places a greater emphasis on character development and action, try the remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty starring Ben Stiller. For a classic romantic comedy that takes a shy man out of his comfort zone, try Bringing Up Baby. For another showcase of Danny Kaye’s talents, try The Court Jester, White Christmas, or The Inspector General.

[7.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039808/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a particular sort of charm.

“Nostalgia is not what it used to be.” —Agnes

Today’s quick review: Hector and the Search for Happiness. Dissatisfied with his orderly life, psychiatrist Hector (Simon Pegg) leaves his girlfriend Clara (Rosamund Pike) behind and embarks on a trip around the world to learn the meaning of happiness. During his travels to China, Africa, and the United States, Hector encounters people from all walks of life who help him confront his own fears and limitations.

Hector and the Search for Happiness is a dramatic comedy and romance about a psychiatrist trying to find happiness. Over the course of several weeks, Hector flies around the globe, makes friends with strangers, and takes stock of his relationship with Clara. The film features an upbeat story peppered with moments of crisis and tied together by Hector’s continuing search for what happiness really means.

Hector and the Search for Happiness handles its story with great tact. The surface layer of the story is blunt, a series of musings on the nature of happiness that are conveniently illustrated by incidents from Hector’s travels. But at the deeper level of characters and connections, the movie is magic. The surface musings provide cover for a cathartic emotional journey that delves into who Hector is and what he wants out of life.

Two aspects of the film help it sell its story. The first is its acting. Simon Pegg and Rosamund Pike deliver powerful performances as Hector and Clara, a loving couple who are trapped by their own routine. Both the moment-to-moment comedy of the film and its emotional moments are carried by their performances, and they are joined by a likable supporting cast that includes Stellan Skarsgard, Ming Zhao, Jean Reno, and Christopher Plummer.

The second aspect is stylistic flair. The film fleshes out Hector’s journey with dream sequences, flashbacks, snippets of animation, and doodles in Hector’s notebook, all of which contribute to a charming visual style. These flourishes serve the same purpose as the encounters that drive the plot: keeping the audience happy and engaged while the film quietly moves its pieces into place for the finale.

For all of its strengths, Hector and the Search for Happiness will be hit or miss. The entire film depends on Hector and his existential struggle, which cynical viewers will have a hard time connecting with. The quaint nature of his journey and his idealized encounters along the way will strike some viewers as artificial. And even a viewer who is on board with the premise may find the conflict contrived and the payoff flat.

With these risks in mind, Hector and the Search for Happiness is a feel-good adventure that resonates strongly on an emotional level. Fans of psychological exploration, philosophical musings, or even just Simon Pegg will want to give it a shot. Viewers who prefer more organic stories with grittier drama may want to steer clear.

For a fantasy-tinged adventure with a very similar tone, check out The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. For a more bittersweet dissection of an ordinary man’s life, try Stranger Than Fiction. For a romantically oriented dramatic comedy that deals with similar themes, try Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or 500 Days of Summer.

[7.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1626146/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for light humor and a rewarding emotional arc.