What it's about:

In a futuristic world, people interact through their robotic surrogates which venture out into the world for them. When a surrogate is 'murdered' and its operator (human) also dies, police officer Tom Greer (Bruce Willis) steps into the real world as himself for the first time in years. He's looking for the special weapon that can inflict this damage and he's against the clock to save everyone using a 'surrie'.

What we thought of it:

Imagine a world where you are as beautiful, healthy and adventurous as you want to be. Nothing can hurt you. Behind these beautiful robots lie fragile, secluded humans too afraid to expose their own skin to the real world. Bruce Willis's surrogate looks decidedly different from the real-life version, sporting a bad toupé instead of his natural shaved head and dishevelled, grey appearance. It's really just one big leap up from plastic surgery.

The concept is interesting, but not very new. Dr Lionel Canter developed surrogates, and they've become accessible to almost every human. When his son 'borrows' his surrie for a night out on the town, he's killed by a secret weapon. Canter realises that his greatest technological feat that was meant to protect him and his family has resulted in his son's death. What ensues is an attempt at twisted plot lines, but the result is simply confusion.

The film borrows heavily from other similar movies like The Matrix (especially when you see the humans connecting into their surries), The Island and others. One would imagine that a concerted effort would be made to offer something unique to set this type film apart from its predecessors. Unfortunately, the concept is marred by a lacklustre script focusing too heavily on the human element and not paying attention to the finer details that drag the film into corny territory.

The technology and special effects look very 90s, making the movie feel a little backward instead of futuristic. In addition, mostly unknown actors and poor special effects make it impossible for the audience to plug into this story.

Bruce Willis as Greer isn't funny or scary or endearing. He's a whimper of a man, wishing for the old days like a grandpa. Bruce Willis is hero material, and here he's just a zero. And the fact that the producers blew their budget on his star appeal and skimped on everything else makes it even sadder.

I was so excited for this movie, thinking it would take the ideas of living in a virtual world to a new level. Unfortunately it just trivialises the immense possibilities in bringing a story like this to life.