SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Kaelan Mccaffrey Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

will-05196 Loved the idea and premise of this story.But the execution was pretty poor in most respects. The casting wasn't great - the lead for example, he's just not charismatic on screen, imo. They should have spent some money and got someone easier on the eye. This guy, he has a face which you could describe as "extremely punchable", there's something off-putting about him, am I the only one who thinks so?Sutherland was good as the whacky doctor, but the alien guys were really ridiculous, I felt. Their speech an mannerisms, their look. They look entirely human, which is a great way I'm sure to save money on costuming & makeup, but how about behind closed doors we see their true form?Really cool concept, not a bad plot, but not really a pleasing sensory experience, this movie.

gottdeskinos SPOILERS!Humans were abducted by aliens, put in a simulation, implanted with memories. The Matrix-like premise was interesting, the execution was however weak. It is too short, providing not enough backstory, paced strangely, it has a susprinsingly anti-climatic third act and looks cheap like a TV movie. The backgrounds of the dark city are actually quite atmospheric, film-noir-ish and reminded me a lot of Burton's Batman, which came out almost ten years prior. The special effects look adequate for 1998. So, why does this movie looks so cheap? It's the editing! An extremely bad example can be found about one hour into the movie, in a scene where Murdoch and Inspector Frank Bumstead are sitting down and talking. Murdoch demonstrates Bumstead that nobody can remember how to get to Shell Beach and that the sun has not been shining ever, suggesting that something weird is going on. Then he levitates something in front of his eyes. This should be a mindblowing moment but there is no suspense at all. The camera is jumping between two camera settings (shot and reverse shot) - literally every two to four seconds there is a switch. Meanwhile the score is droning on in the background - never mind the images or dialogue. Seriously, did a robot edit this? No chemistry between actors and wasting potentially good characters does the rest.I would have to say it comes down to a lack of vision from the director. Imagine Terry Gilliam making this movie!

meadever To be clear, I don't hate "The Matrix". It's just never been my cup of tea, and I thought it was somewhat overrated. This film, on the other hand, is not only an obvious influence on that later film, but in my opinion, superior. The story is truly imaginative, and I don't say that lightly. It's not something seen in every Summer blockbuster, which is refreshing. The fact that they use a film-noir aesthetic to tell that story makes it even better. The colours, the shots, the pacing, the design, it all combines to make one of the most perfect examples of that genre ever put on screen. Of course, there is the twist of the science-fiction elements, but as can be seen in "Blade Runner", these two concepts are not mutually exclusive. To the contrary, they can work quite well together when done right. And they were done right here. The acting adds to the experience, as well. Rufus Sewell is wonderful, as he usually is, and Richard O'Brien was the most perfect choice for the character of Mr. Hand. But the character that really stuck out to me was Dr. Schreber, played to perfection by Kiefer Sutherland. He really steals the show with his Peter Lorre-esque portrayal of the good doctor. It proves Sutherland's acting range, as this role is worlds away from his confident turn as David in "The Lost Boys", as well as his role as Jack on "24". Each actor seems devoted to their part, and it makes this fantastical adventure all the more immersive. If I had to criticise anything, there are only two items of note. First, the costumes of the villains (Strangers, as they are called in the movie) are incredibly close to those of the Cenobites in "Hellraiser". It adds to the menace, but it is also mildly distracting. Second, the final few minutes are just this side of hackneyed. I won't give away the ending, but suffice to say that while it's not a bad ending at all, there are moments that feel slightly tacked-on. However, neither of these things is enough to take away from the overall quality of the film. It was obviously well thought out, and a lot of work went into it. It is sadly underrated for whatever reason, but if you haven't seen this movie, I strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. It was truly ahead of it's time, and its influence can be felt in films to this day. There is so much that this movie does right that make it a true joy to experience.

William Bradshaw Dark City is highly underrated as far as I'm concerned. This movie sets the bar for twisted alter dimensional movies, and really keeps you guessing throughout it's entirety. If there is one negative thing I can say about this movie, it would have to be the acting. I did find some of the characters to be a little lackluster in that department, Jennifer Connelly specifically. However, Keifer Sutherlands role as the doctor could certainly have been taken down a notch or two. There are moments when his acting is a bit annoying, and you feel as if he's trying to pass his characters personality off a little too hard. With that being said, this movie really hits the nail on the head when it comes to making humans feel as insignificant as possible, and I personally love that. It can be quite a humbling feeling to know that somewhere out there, we may actually just be the lab rats for a much larger experiment. That's just my opinion though. Back to the review, I feel that Director Alex Proyas does a great job with tying the story line together throughout the whole movie, and really keeping it all a mystery. I don't want to waste time here explaining the movie through a synopsis, but rather say this, if you would like a mystery movie that really keeps you guessing, this is for you. If you enjoy a movie that really unfolds towards the end and it gives you that satisfied feeling of understanding, this is for you. And last but not least, if you are into dark and twisted scenarios for the human existence, this is definitely for you! I thought it was fantastic!