Those of you who watched my video review of Sinister 2 some years ago may recall my personal criteria for good horror films. Being a proud nerd, I am also a huge fan of Science Fiction. In particular, the works of Ray Bradbury and Rod Serling. In my opinion, good Science Fiction should accomplish three things: First, it should present an idea that feels relevant and parallels an aspect of modern society. Second, it should provide a commentary on the human condition. Third, it should leave a lasting impact. Films like Brazil and Blade Runner have succeeded in accomplishing all of these goals. Now, I am happy to announce that we finally have a brand new film worthy of the distinction of good Science Fiction. Summer starts with a real bang this year.
Set in the future, the story follows a mechanic named Grey (Logan Marshall-Green) who loses his wife, and his mobility from the neck down, to a seemingly random act of street violence. After months of dealing with his depression and anger, he is approached by a wealthy technological genius who offers Grey the chance of a lifetime. To partake in an experiment that could make him walk again. The treatment is an artificial intelligence named STEM (Simon Maiden) which is implanted inside Grey's spine recommencing communication between his brain and nerve system. Shortly afterward, STEM begins talking to Grey and offers to help him find the people who killed his wife. During their investigation, Grey discovers that, with his permission, STEM can temporarily take control of Grey's body and basically turn Grey into a Ninja. Now, with his new friend, Grey will hunt down the people who killed his wife, and hopefully, unravel the greater mystery at hand.
On the surface, and judging by the trailers, it would be easy to assume this was just another ugly action B-Movie with no real merit to it whatsoever. This could not be any farther from the truth! Without spoiling anything, while the film does contain some great action scenes, as well as a few moments of gore (albeit few and far in-between and done rather tastefully), the primary focus of this story is that of the potential relationship between man and machine. The film is not afraid to ask unsettling questions about the advancement of specific technology and its potential impact on people as a whole. It's a bold, original, and viscerating story about control, revenge, and the fragility of human nature.
Many of the films positive points go to its leading man. Logan Marshall-Green is a fantastic presence on screen. He manages to convey the wide variety of emotions demanded of his character. Especially when STEM comes into the picture. There's one scene in particular (which was featured in the trailer) where Grey allows STEM control of his body for a fight scene, and it has to be one of the most thrilling and hilarious fight scenes ever. Grey's character spends the whole fight in shock at what he's doing despite him appearing to dispatch his enemy like a Kung-Fu Master. It is a challenging ordeal to portray appropriately and Logan Marshall-Green does so with ease. There are many moments like this throughout the film that playoff this sense of duality, and they could not have asked for a better actor to carry the weight. I hope I see this guy in more movies soon.
The film was written and directed by Leigh Whannell, best known for his collaboration with director James Wan on movies like Saw and Insidious. While Whannell has written, co-written, and produced some well-crafted horror films over his career so far. Not only is this his first step into Science Fiction, but it is also just the second film he has directed so far. While I can say that he is a competent director, what with handling framing, actors, and tone very well, I cannot tell if he is on the path to becoming a great director just yet. This being his debut as a writer & director is undoubtedly a promising first step, as it demonstrates Whannell's interests in real human stories, but his real test as a director will be if he can bring that same level of enthusiasm and command to a project not penned by his own hand. I for one look forward to seeing how that will pan out for him in the future, as I am already a big fan of his talent.
Upgrade is the very kind of Science Fiction story that makes me love the genre. It is a smart, thrilling, thoughtful, occasionally tough to look at, solid piece of Science Fiction that belongs up on the top shelf with some of the most excellent examples of the genre. If you're a fan of classic movies like Robocop or Brazil, then you owe it to yourself to see this movie.
Is this movie worth seeing?
Yes.
Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Yes
Why?
It's an intelligent and entertaining film that will leave you with an incredible impact that you won't see coming. Just like good Science Fiction should do.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you for reading.
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