POSITIVES…
I genuinely liked the cast in this movie, and thought the characters they played were pretty solid. Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Benedict Wong, Clive Owen, and Will Smith.
While there’s a familiarity to the premise, I was still compelled enough to see it through the end.
A particular chase sequence was pretty fun to watch play out on screen.
There’s also a battle in a convenience store that was also pretty entertaining.
I should note that I did see this in the 3D+ HFR (High Frame Format), and wow did it make my time watching what is essentially a standard action film into a visually eye popping experience.
Director Ang Lee’s decision to use a lot of first person perspectives, and close ups, actually helped enhance that 3D+ HFR experience even more. In fact, I think it’s the only visual format that you should see this movie in.
This film is a great example of what good 3D and High Frame Rate looks like. HFR simply fixes the majority of problems people have with 3D.
There is a particular plot trope that they could have gone with the story, but I am grateful that they didn’t. I’d like to specifically point out what that is, but no spoilers here.
NEGATIVES…
Movie is filled with multiple familiar plot cliches.
Despite the futuristic sci-fi notions of clones, the whole movie just feels outdated, in story, tone, and pacing.
Beyond the visual technical prowess, this movie is still your serviceable yet derivative standard action thriller that you might have found in the ‘90s or early 2000s.
Considering the premise, the story had potential to be much more interesting than what we actually got. I can just imagine movie goers feeling so bored with this due to the familiarity of it all.
As impressive as CGI young Will Smith is, he’s nowhere near perfect at all. He still looks unbelievable half of the times he is on screen, in that uncanny valley way, his movements, and simply the way he just looks “fake” at times. Hollywood actors don’t have to be worried too much at this point.
The conclusion to the movie kinda felt flat and unsatisfying. The final action beat essentially ended in a whimper, and follows that with a scene that’s so cloyingly precious that it’s eye-rolling worthy.
Considering I have seen Ang Lee’s previous attempt at a 3D HFR movie with “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” I bemoan the fact that I was only able to see Gemini Man in 3D 60FPS HFR. I wanted that full 3D 120FPS HFR experience that I was lucky enough to witness in Billy Lynn.
Your experience may also be negatively impacted further if 3D+ HFR is not a format you can get used to.
P.S….
loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
