The Creator 2023

I'm a huge fan of SF and AI based plots - I was really looking forward to seeing this but it was a frustrating disappointment. It has terrible horrible shamefully bad writing. Not a single original idea about AI and in fact they don't really deal with AI apart from robots basically being exactly like humans but nicer. No original futuristic sci-fi ideas either with a lot of the futuristic stuff not making any sense. For example the AIs speak to each other in English, no super fast data pours between them. They can't even speak remotely over cellular or whatever... they use walkie talkies lol. They had an old women robot that limped around though the robots do not age?!? I could have forgiven all of this in the 80s or from an adaptation of an Isaac Asinov novel but we're in 2023 and we've all watched the Matrix etc... Also it had very little action and the action sequences it did have were bad and boring with yellow lazer tracers zapping around in the near dark or fog. Visually it was ok and the score was decent but the poor writing completely ruined it for me. Half way through, I couldn't wait for it to end. You can't be a serious Sci-fi fan and think this is any good, it's just not possible... yes that's you good reviewers.

Round 3 of Gareth Edwards proving he’s a great visual director that doesn’t know how to breathe life in his scripts. Its best asset is easily the worldbuilding, combining influences from other science fiction material to create a new world that feels fresh. The technical execution is also really well done, with its cinematography and CGI being among some of the most visionary stuff I’ve seen since Avatar 2. Unfortunately, the sci-fi concepts this is working with are stale, it’s all stuff you’ve seen before and the movie doesn’t know how to put its own creative spin on it. Add to that a bunch of characters that aren’t written in the most compelling way (as well as bland, understated performances that will keep everyone questioning whether JDW is actually a good actor), and you have a movie that’s already pretty dull from the start. Now, a big saving grace of Rogue One and Godzilla were their strong climaxes, however that’s not the case here. Instead, The Creator starts to rush to the finish line, which leads to the big emotional beats not hitting the mark. It’s like the pacing of this movie is constantly either rushing or dragging, annoying my inner Terence Fletcher in the process. Overall, while I’d love to champion this as the savior of original science fiction, there’s not much more originality here than a typical franchise film. I don’t want to call Edwards another Zack Snyder, because I think he’s certainly more talented, but he’s suffering from the same problems and doesn’t seem to learn from his previous mistakes.

5/10

A not-so original sci-fi feature that punches above its weight class in terms of spectacle and world building, but is lacking in the writing department more often than not. Way too many examples of ham-fisted, on-the-nose dialogue, as characters bluntly tell the protagonist how high the stakes are, how important the child is, or any number of other expositional dumps. The high-level story is also rife with clichés, with the central arc feeling familiar to the point of predictability. Now, there are moments that land effectively. I would specifically call out the early interactions between Joshua and Alphie as being among the strongest of the film. But those moments are few and far between, as a lot of the more ambitious emotional beats feel rushed and/or forced. On top of that, it seems like delivering spectacle was perhaps overly prioritized, as many sequences don't hold up to even the most surface level logical scrutiny, resulting in a lot of eye-rolling, head scratching, and ultimately the death of suspension of disbelief (e.g., suicide bomb robots seem silly when you've got a massive tank shooting precise missiles that are shown to be more effective, or standby mode somehow fooling an army of scientists, or Nomad seemingly being in multiple places at once in the final sequence). Admittedly, those types of complaints are nitpicky, and if the dialogue and big picture story had landed better, I think they would be easily forgiven. Not to mention, as I said initially, the visuals are fantastic. The Nomad's eerie beam of blue light is unique and memorable. The contrast of futuristic robots in a rural Asian setting offers plenty of striking visuals. I have no doubt that Gareth Edwards got incredible bang for his buck, stretching his $80 million budget to look on par with films that cost twice that. But in the end, the whole is less than the sum of its parts, with all of the fantastic visuals and handful of strong ideas combining into a package that was just okay.

I enjoyed this, but it was practically begging to be a 3-hour epic. The pacing was just off, with characters seemingly just teleporting from place to place, and not really enough time developing the relationships between the characters to make me care as much as I should have by the end. I saw a couple of interviews where Gareth Edwards had talked about early cuts of the film being well over 4 hours long, and whilst I definitely don't think we needed it to be that long, I think it would have greatly benefited from at least another 30 minutes. There was just so much going on in terms of characters and world-building, and that meant that the just north of 2-hour runtime simply wasn't enough to make everything work as well as it perhaps could have.

The ending was underwhelming when it should have been very emotional, but there just hadn't been enough time to develop certain character relationships for it to really have the impact that it should have. The score and visuals were undoubtedly the high points of the film, and it's incredible what was achieved with the budget that they had compared to other sci-fi films of similar scope.

This is a movie I'll be suggesting people see as much as I did Dungeons and Dragons, simply because it's a mid sized budget movie that's not that's not a sequel/spin-off/reboot or some existing IP. If you look at the top grossing movies of 2023 so far, there are only 2 other movies that are original IP out of the top 15.

For a (reported) $80m budget, the special effects/visuals alone put the majority of other big blockbusters ($200m+) to shame. While the main themes of the movie have been done many times before, and if you have seen a decent number of movies the broad strokes will be familiar, the detail and specifics of this movie make it an enjoyable watch.

While I saw claims that it's up in the leagues of Blade Runner and the like, I'd not put it up in that bucket. I would more put it alongside movies like Elysium and instead of one of the best sci-fi movies ever. I'd go with more of a "The best sci-fi since Dune in 2021", so best Sci-fi in the last few years is still something well worth a watch if that's your jam. Really solid sci-fi, looks great, some solid performances and cinematography.

Special shoutout for Madeleine Voyles who plays the kid Alphie, for a first time performance it was legit amazing. No "Kid acting" here. really top shelf performance for someone so new to the industry.

This is an excellent film. For an American production, they weren't afraid to depict the "evilness" or extremism of the Western world. It's a nod to the sins of the West during the Colonial era, which unfortunately continues to this very day.

No one country, no one regional power, should be given this much might and sway for it will eventually make them dictators and tyrants disguised as democracy, freedom, and human rights. Exactly what is happening in our world today.

The ones who pay are not the 1% or the politicians or the high ranking military officials. It is the 99% who suffer. They justify their actions as "peace" and "for the future of humanity" when in reality, they only created more reasons for hatred and wars.

Sure, this was about AI. Yes, it is fiction. However, we cannot deny the underlying message of the film. Anyone who denies it is lying to themselves or living in their own fantasy.

Again, a superb film. It is rare to see productions from the West with such a profound message behind it. Western productions are often about entertainment these days, and making tons of money. Not this one. It's all about the message.

I've been debating the 8 I've given this movie. For all it's visual spectacle, the jawdropping sound-design, and the effort the actors put in, the 8 is well deserved. The story however... If you've seen the trailer, this movie telegraphs it's plotpoints and 'twists' in the first 15 minutes, and no surprises or insights are to be had. This is not the movie to make you think, it's mainly to make you watch. Not that an attempt isn't made, mind you. Unfortunately the writer is unable to choose which religious orgin-story to adhere to so the lofty hints (Alfie's name, the bible-quote, the robes the 'accolytes' wear) fall flat. This might be the underlying theme of the film: Ideas and stories are started, but never quite finished. Concepts are explored (what do 'AI' aka: Simulants think of humans, what does religion mean to them, to name but a few) but never get to depth. So the story I'd give a 5.

Having said all that: Still not a terrible movie. Bit of a missed opportunity maybe. If half-points were given, I'd say this is a 7.5. Not good enough to be great, not great enough to be called mediocre. Watch it for the spectacle, suspend your disbelief, and if you can see past the plotholes (Simulants age HOW exactly?) you are not going to be dissapointed.

Take a juicy filet of the original Star Wars trilogy (and Rogue One), add a good portion of "Blade Runner" as a side dish, and spice everything up with a mixture of "Terminator" and numerous other sci-fi and anime projects, and the result is "The Creator". Director Gareth Edwards' new film really doesn't have much to offer in terms of originality, but a good chef can make a delicious meal out of the leftovers in the fridge, and Edwards actually serves up a real sci-fi treat here.

On an audiovisual level, there's not much to fault the film for, which is particularly impressive considering the comparatively moderate budget. There are numerous fantastic visuals, and the sound design leaves nothing to be desired either. The real star of the film, however, is the worldbuilding: you are thrown into the action right at the beginning with a strong montage, and the world also has a certain "used" look and seems lived in. The robot design and all the technology, which has some anachronistic and/or cyberpunk elements, are also top-notch. In any case, the worldbuilding ensures that you are drawn into the film throughout.

On the other hand, the script is not so great, but Edwards at least manages to effectively cobble together working elements from other films. I would also describe the performances as adequate. Even though I'm still not convinced that John David Washington will be the next big star, I can't fault him much here, except that he's not all that charismatic. No one really stands out among the other actors, either positively or negatively. As a result, the script and cast have little impact on the overall very strong impression. At least fans of science fiction should definitely watch "The Creator" on the big screen.

The score sounds good (minus the weird corny Radiohead needle drop), it has a unique stylish look I love and the special effects are awesome. Once you get to the story though it's the usual sci-fi schlock; the robot hating human ends up helping the robot, humans vs. A.I., big war, who's good, who's bad... Seen this countless times. I don't mind the usual recipe but this film acts like you've never seen it, it's the only playing card and it's so predictable from beginning to end.

The first half I found pretty compelling it was a 7 but it completely lost me in the second half. Got tired of the story, it just constantly circles back to the mother which is uninteresting and such a stretched out storyline. Didn't like the pacing. The emotions felt artificial and silly, didn't make me feel much. So much stuff that's unexplained and illogical. The characters were fine at the beginning but it's like I got fed up of them in the second half and the relationship between the two main characters felt forced.

More of a personal taste but I hate the design for the Simulants, why bother covering the face with fake skin but not cover the back of the head and that ugly hole makes no sense. Overall a very average and forgettable sci-fi.

Okay. Much to comprehend. I slept on it one night. And this is what I can say:
I only saw the first trailer when it came out and I was thrilled. It was such an amazing looking world. Great VFX, great acting and a great plot. So of course I had high expectations and, guess what, they were fully met.
Gareth Edwards did a fantastic job in my opinion. The plot was so serious, so sad, so funny and so much more. Truly an emotional roller coaster. The acting performance of John David Washington was amazing. It felt so real. It felt like I was really there.
The dialogue was written in a good way. It was very funny at some points for example, while not being silly.
Coming to the visiual languange. What can I say? It was amazing. The VFX was on point. Not a single time where I said: "Hey, that kinda looks fake!". And you often can say that when it comes to these kind of Sci-Fi movies with a lot of VFX work.
The cinematography was stunning. The shots were presented so well.
The soundtrack you may ask? What do you expect? It's Hans Zimmer. If you know me I worship him. His work is always the best. And he did not disappoint. There were so many amazing song pics I really enjoyed. Suite Bergamasque especially stood out to me. It was although it's of course an "old" song it fitted so well into this futuristic world.
Overall it is an one-of-a-kind Sci-Fi movie. Of course there are many Sci-Fi movies that deal with AI/robots but this one is exeptionally good.
One thing: If you ask me this movie isn't talked about enough, I mean in comparison to Oppenheimer and Barbie for example. I do not understand why. I liked this one even more that Barbie in dispite of me enjoying Barbie extremly. It just deserves more attention in my opinion.

My personal rating:
-Plot (Story Arc and Plausibility): 8.5/10
-Attraction (Premise & Entertainment Value): 8.5/10
-Theme (Identity & Depth): 8/10
-Acting (Characters & Performance): 9/10
-Dialogue (Storytelling & Context): 7/10
-Cinematography (Visual Language & Lighting, Setting, and Wardrobe): 9.5/10
-Editing (Pace & Effects): 9.5/10
-Soundtrack (Sound Design & Film Score): 9/10
-Directing (Vision & Execution): 8/10
-The “It” Factor (One-of-a-Kind & Transcendent): 8/10

Overall: 9/10 || 85/100 (I decided to give the 9 out of 10 points)

The Creator stands out as a cinematic work of stunning visual quality, in which every detail, from the design of the artificial intelligences to the intricate sets and spaceships, is carefully crafted. This attention to detail not only enriches the aesthetic aspect of the film, but also contributes to the viewer's immersion in a futuristic and captivating universe.

Young Madeleine Yuna Voyles emerges as a revelation on screen, delivering a memorable performance that adds layers of complexity to her character. Her performance is a testament to the emerging talent in the film industry and provides an emotional anchor point for the audience amidst the intriguing, futuristic plot.

The Creator's screenplay stands out for its originality, offering a story that goes beyond the conventions of the sci-fi genre by exploring deep and relevant themes about society and technology. Gareth Edwards once again demonstrates his ability to create compelling and captivating cinematic worlds that invite reflection on the world around us. For me, this is synonymous with success.

Despite these positive aspects, John David Washington's performance as the lead may generate divided opinions. Although he has demonstrated his prowess in previous films, his performance in The Creator may not fully meet the audience's expectations, which could affect the overall perception of the film.

“The Creator” is a film that is as ambitious as it is divisive. It’s a cinematic experience that is both a visual spectacle and a contemplative exploration of artificial intelligence.

The film, directed by Gareth Edwards, is rich in atmosphere and presents a unique take on the potential and peril of artificial intelligence. The cinematography, courtesy of Greig Fraser and Oren Soffer, is nothing short of spectacular. The first hour of the film offers thrilling moments of action and inspired world-building.

However, the film falls short in its narrative depth. Despite its profound science fiction premise, it ends up feeling somewhat empty, recycling images and ideas from many influential predecessors. The characters and their connections are flimsily drawn, which undermines the emotional impact the film attempts to deliver.

John David Washington’s performance as Joshua is commendable. He disappears into the character, delivering a nuanced performance that is both restrained and expressive. However, the film’s final act feels rushed, leading to a few narrative issues.

In conclusion, “The Creator” is a film that is visually astonishing but lacks the narrative substance to fully realize its ambitious premise. It’s a film that will undoubtedly stimulate discussion about the role of artificial intelligence in our society, but it may leave some viewers wanting more.