Ex Machina

6

jcasetnlMay 8, 2015

Deviates from the usual over-the-top, bombastic, CG-everywhere treatment that sci-fi gets these days, and attempts some basic philosophical questions about consciousness and existence, but it comes up a little short on cleverness andDeviates from the usual over-the-top, bombastic, CG-everywhere treatment that sci-fi gets these days, and attempts some basic philosophical questions about consciousness and existence, but it comes up a little short on cleverness and entertainment. Some scenes drag out way too long. The dialogue isn't quite nuanced or profound enough for the headiness of its philosophy. Oscar Isaac isn't wholy convincing in his Steve Jobs-like role. The payoff is also lukewarm and predictable. All in all it's a little sad that for its un-hollywood-ness it gets default praise, but once we get over that "novelty" there is just an okay story left over.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

8

moviecritic68May 6, 2015

Well here is the bottom line with this flick ... I liked it very much and my wife was bored with it. So guys know that before taking an escort. I found the storyline interesting & not always predictable. It's well worth the 8 rating it isWell here is the bottom line with this flick ... I liked it very much and my wife was bored with it. So guys know that before taking an escort. I found the storyline interesting & not always predictable. It's well worth the 8 rating it is receiving unlike some of the other ratings on this site. So if Sci-Fi is your thing then the price of admission will be well worth it.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

10

pbryantMay 6, 2015

Evil is the absence of empathy, and no artificial intelligence should ever pass the Turing Test without demonstrating the capacity for empathy. This is a fact that would likely slip by a typical computer geek, since many of them themselvesEvil is the absence of empathy, and no artificial intelligence should ever pass the Turing Test without demonstrating the capacity for empathy. This is a fact that would likely slip by a typical computer geek, since many of them themselves rank low on the empathy scale. This story brought that issue to the fore remarkably well. From the inventor agonizing over his failure, to the geek completely taken in by his own blind-spot for empathy.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

8

tjman09May 5, 2015

Ex Machina is a really good and extremely smart Sci-Fi drama. The performances given by Alicia Vikander and Oscar Issac are great, and the film makes you feel as if the relationship between man and machine is more real than most romancesEx Machina is a really good and extremely smart Sci-Fi drama. The performances given by Alicia Vikander and Oscar Issac are great, and the film makes you feel as if the relationship between man and machine is more real than most romances between real people. However, the film lacks a lot of humor, and feels a little too familiar, it feels a little like Frankenstein meets Her.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

8

heathermMay 5, 2015

This movie was fantastic to watch for so many reasons. There is incredibly acting from everyone in the film, but particularly Oscar Isaac, who seems to light up every film and character he inhabits. The beautiful complex house the inventorThis movie was fantastic to watch for so many reasons. There is incredibly acting from everyone in the film, but particularly Oscar Isaac, who seems to light up every film and character he inhabits. The beautiful complex house the inventor lives in is so reactive that it becomes its own character and its own threat, as do the isolated woods and mountains that surround it. The dialogue is tightly structured and delivered throughout, in turns hilarious and horrifying, with its precision accentuated by the occurrence of only one-on-one conversations. The story itself is darkly engaging, becoming more tense and more frightening, and building to a series of grotesque climaxes as the film explores the consequences of building a truly sentient machine. Others have complained that the narrative of AI robot gone wrong is not exactly a new or refreshing concept, which might be true, but the elements that make up the film are so striking that the final product is striking to see.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

8

GinaKMay 5, 2015

A rather cerebral and claustrophobic film, but I enjoyed it and I consider this a “don’t miss” for science fiction buffs like myself. Don’t expect Blade Runner because there is very little action, and I also wondered if Oscar Isaac will everA rather cerebral and claustrophobic film, but I enjoyed it and I consider this a “don’t miss” for science fiction buffs like myself. Don’t expect Blade Runner because there is very little action, and I also wondered if Oscar Isaac will ever get a breakthrough role or will he be like Michael Fassbaender, giving excellent performances but not in quite the right vehicle. I found the beginning a bit slow, but the end was riveting and the surprises promised in the reviews I read did not disappoint. Certainly the best performance, and the most difficult, was from Alicia Vikander whom I found totally convincing.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

8

jertrav33May 4, 2015

The movie, Ex Machina, had a simple plot: A young billionaire genius, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), spends a fortune to build a hideaway in a remote region, the only way in or out by helicopter. He’d made his billions on the Internet, and was nowThe movie, Ex Machina, had a simple plot: A young billionaire genius, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), spends a fortune to build a hideaway in a remote region, the only way in or out by helicopter. He’d made his billions on the Internet, and was now working on creating humanoid robots (but only females). A young programmer, Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), working for his company, has won a contest, the prize being a week spent with the billionaire in his hideaway, participating in a Turing Test of Artificial Intelligence, specifically in the person of Ava (Alicia Vikander), a beautiful robot. Caleb is to see if Ava is capable of more than factual intelligence, capable of human emotions. Ava and Caleb interact under the watchful eye (and omnipresent cameras) of Nathan. That’s the plot setup and I’ll leave it at that, no spoilers here. But the whole idea of artificial intelligence is intriguing and has been dealt with in science fiction from the very beginning of the genre, most notably in Isaac Asimov’s I Robot. We also saw it in Her, the
Spike Jonze film starring Joaquin Phoenix who fell in love with his cell phone operating system named Samantha (Scarlett Johannson). Today, however, we’re actually on the brink of creating robots and artificial intelligence that in the near future will take over most of our tasks: cars that drive themselves, planes that fly themselves, houses that clean themselves and cook our meals, machines that operate on us and take care of all our medical needs, assembly lines that automatically create other machines to take care of all our basic needs. I just read that Gartner, an information technology research firm, predicts that by 2025 AI and robots will take over a third of current jobs, one-third by 2025 with the likelihood of two-thirds and three-thirds in the not too distant future. Does that mean that mankind may in fact get to that Utopia envisioned by Arthur C. Clarke in his novel Childhood’s End? A time when all of man’s needs will be met by robotics and no one will have to work to survive, but will be able to engage in whatever activities they enjoy? I hope so. But back to Ex Machina and its considerations of how far artificial intelligence might go. Would it be possible to create machines that not only know and use all of man’s knowledge but could also be programmed to feel as humans feel? To appreciate music and beauty, to know love and hate, joy and regret, shame and triumph, sympathy, empathy, pleasure, even sexual pleasure? Could we give a machine a sense of humor? Mark Twain sardonically said, “Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.” Could a robot blush? Would a robot need to blush? Fear seems to be the only feeling we wouldn’t need to program into an android. What would a machine fear? Death or injury? No, that’s strictly a human feeling. But even death might one day be defeated when we could store a person’s memories and experiences on a hard drive, to which later thoughts and experiences could be added endlessly, living in an artificial body and switching to another artificial body when the first one wears out. A robotic immortality. Science and technology are expanding exponentially and the future may be closer than we think. Oh, yes, and by the way, go see Ex Machina. It will lead you down the same introspective paths to the future that I found.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

6

BeeceeMay 4, 2015

I didn't really see why this movie received such rave reviews. This is essentially a three-person play, which is difficult to pull off unless the characters are all compelling and the dialogue is great. Oscar Isaac had the best role, andI didn't really see why this movie received such rave reviews. This is essentially a three-person play, which is difficult to pull off unless the characters are all compelling and the dialogue is great. Oscar Isaac had the best role, and also the best drawn character. Caleb and Ava were not as interesting as characters, and I felt that the film lagged in the middle. However, it did lead to some interesting discussions after the film. Additionally, the scenery in Norway is magnificent.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

All this user's reviews

8

ahnehnoisMay 4, 2015

Despite this film taking on the timely and intriguing issue of artificial intelligence, my number one take-away was "Damn, I want to live there". "There" being the rather spectacular robotic lab/man cave/posh pad/remote getaway that the filmDespite this film taking on the timely and intriguing issue of artificial intelligence, my number one take-away was "Damn, I want to live there". "There" being the rather spectacular robotic lab/man cave/posh pad/remote getaway that the film quickly deposits us in. It is a visually compelling work, and even when humans and robots are sharing the screen, never feels anything less than vibrant and vivaciously real.

The script is provocative, though there are a few moments that fail to have impact, notably when a character wins a lottery that is so obviously rigged I don't feel the need to tag this for spoilers, but the characters act as if it's some big revelation. This is minor though, and the film's exploration of artificial intelligence is on the whole compelling. It's a lot easier to start a sci-fi film than it is to end it, and the conclusion wraps up tightly, if not with the dramatic punch I might have hoped for.

To me, the highlight performance is Oscar Isaac, who presents the age-old ambiguity between genius and madness, and sells the story. The robot you're here to see is also an impressive achievement, both technically and dramatically. There are a few moments of action and swells of predictably electronic score, but it's ultimately a cerebral movie, one of the few of late that is truly science fiction, speculative fiction, rather than a conventional story set in space. Definitely recommended.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

9

wisertimeMay 4, 2015

Best movie so far this year. I really looked forward to it and wasn't disappointed. Even surpassed expectations. Great acting, great visuals, great pacing. I actually wanted it to be longer, but it satisfied. I would definitely watch itBest movie so far this year. I really looked forward to it and wasn't disappointed. Even surpassed expectations. Great acting, great visuals, great pacing. I actually wanted it to be longer, but it satisfied. I would definitely watch it again. Incredible debut for a new director too. Some small suspensions of disbelief, but nothing compared to most modern crap movies to be honest. Movie works on different levels too, not just AI sci-fi fantasy.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

8

netflicMay 3, 2015

A very talented programmer is called to a secret lab to perform the Turing test which is to try to tell whether he communicates with a robot or a human.
Even though he can clearly see that the robot resembling a woman is not human, "she"A very talented programmer is called to a secret lab to perform the Turing test which is to try to tell whether he communicates with a robot or a human.
Even though he can clearly see that the robot resembling a woman is not human, "she" brings up quite human emotions in him.
The movie brings up many philosophical questions:
is it possible that artificial intelligence, when created, can become hostile towards humans?
is it ethical to destroy a robot that is self-aware of itself? etc.
Far from boring, the movie offers humor and suspense.
In my opinion the movie is done very professionally and with a great style. Of course, it is not real, there are some loose ends and improbable things but it comes with the genre. I enjoyed the movie a lot. If you happen to like sci-fi, it is a "must see".… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

8

stella615May 2, 2015

Saw this movie and cannot stop thinking about it! The subtle build throughout was perfectly interrupted by hilarious moments that kept you on your toes. Across the board, the actors were dynamic and surprising which only added to theSaw this movie and cannot stop thinking about it! The subtle build throughout was perfectly interrupted by hilarious moments that kept you on your toes. Across the board, the actors were dynamic and surprising which only added to the suspense. I highly recommend this movie to any sci-fi fan or anyone interested in a film that keeps you thinking.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

4

atlgMay 2, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was a very quiet and slow movie. The special effects were very good--Ava made a convincing Artificial Intelligence (AI). I didn't care for the ending, but it was in keeping with the rest of the film. Basically, I think this movie is what happens when you do NOT employ Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics" when you make your AI.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

All this user's reviews

7

jdb26354May 2, 2015

Ex Machina leaves me in grim awe of the masterpiece, because this was a well-written, well-acted film on an interesting topic, but it fell measurably short of that pantheon. Looking back, this could have been a play, and indeed, I can easilyEx Machina leaves me in grim awe of the masterpiece, because this was a well-written, well-acted film on an interesting topic, but it fell measurably short of that pantheon. Looking back, this could have been a play, and indeed, I can easily imagine it on Broadway. On the one hand, the set pieces, largely in interiors, must have helped bring the project in at a relatively modest budget, without making the production look cheap. However, the “lust of the eye,” which draws us out of our caves to movie theaters, is left largely unsatisfied. I offer “Blade Runner” – 30+ years old now – as an example of a big budget menagerie, on a similar topic, which can last in the mind’s eye for years. The images toward the end of Ex Machina suggest what might have been. Still, I give it a 7 for first-rate imagination, acting, and a generally plausible story line. And the movie looks just fine, for what it is.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

All this user's reviews

9

epocApr 30, 2015

Ex Machina is a story of this massively intelligent computer geek played by Domnhall Gleeson, who wins this huge award at a competition, and as a reward gets to spend a week in the mansion of the inventor of the this world's generic versionEx Machina is a story of this massively intelligent computer geek played by Domnhall Gleeson, who wins this huge award at a competition, and as a reward gets to spend a week in the mansion of the inventor of the this world's generic version of google, Oscar Isaac. For years Isaac has been building this super attractive female A.I, and now he wants Domnhall to put this A.I under various tests to see if they have actually created A.I. On paper the opening act of this movie sounds completely laborious, but it still manages to compel with it's exceptionally well written dialogue which works absurdly well with acting strengths of the 3 main characters. We see from the get go how smart both Domnhall and Isaac really are. It's clear they have found a niche in intellectual dialogue, as every line was delivered as if they fully understood the subject at hand, and their personal chemistry and perplexing sense of humour is down right fascinating. Then we have Alicia Vikander, who plays the A.I. And I can already tell she's already got a long career ahead of her. The way she can be so stiff and robotic yet act purposefully to the contextual drama is beyond me, yet some how she manages to pull it off. I think this movie has kick started the career's of 3 top notch actors. However, it's really the 2nd and the 3rd act that bring this movie up. As the A.I starts reacting to tests in extremely scary ways, conflict and tension grows between the 3 protagonists. But what really brings this aspect to life, is again the superb dialogue. It's worded so cleverly that it's hard to tell any ones true meaning, even in the most simple of lines. It constantly makes you re think who you should really trust with every line spoken. One minute your trust lies in the A.I, but then with another line of dialogue it changes to Isaac, creating nail bitting levels of tension. Despite this, there is one major draw back to this movie. While the dialogue is so complex with several layers of meaning in each and every line, the overall narrative is extremely cliched and goes for the pretentious examination of humanity plot line, resulting in the 3rd act suffering. A lot. However, this is still an excellently rounded and masterfully crafted movie, and a highly recommend watch.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

All this user's reviews

1

DOUGKApr 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dumb, dumb, dumb. The story is dumb in so many ways while pretending to be intelligent that it is a terrible waste of time. The acting is good but wasted. Why would the "genius" be doing any of this? Robots will not be created with emotions and why would anyone want them to be? What was the point of anything in the movie? What would the robot do in the wider world? Who would charge her battery? Nothing makes any sense.… Expand

5 of 23 users found this helpful518

All this user's reviews

9

jedisithdudeApr 29, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ex Machina is a great film that intrigues, delights, and makes you think after the movie as well during it. This story follows Caleb, who is a coder who is invited to go to his CEO's estate for a few days. The CEO, who is named Nathan, reveals that he was flown out there to be the human component in a Turing Test with an A.I named Ava. What follows are sessions with Caleb and Ava and subsequent conversations between Nathan and Caleb that eventually reaches a climax. All of the actors, including Domnhall Gleeson and Oscar Issac were awesome, however Alicia Vikander, who plays Ava, stands out among them. The only qualm I have is how the ending was executed with Ava leaving the facility. However, this doesn't detract from the film for me at least. If you're a fan of sci-fi and like smart movies, then go see this movie right now. You will not regret it.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

All this user's reviews

6

TVJerryApr 28, 2015

A nerd programmer wins a visit to the remote estate of his boss (Oscar Isaac), where he becomes part of an artificial intelligence experiment with a seductive robot. Although the first hour slogs along without much happening, the final 30A nerd programmer wins a visit to the remote estate of his boss (Oscar Isaac), where he becomes part of an artificial intelligence experiment with a seductive robot. Although the first hour slogs along without much happening, the final 30 revs up the narrative. The premise is interesting, the environment is attractive and the EFX are cool, but the twists are somewhat obvious. Even though it may not end where expected, in retrospect, it's comes to a realistic and upsetting conclusion. This isn't a flashy sci-fi spectacle, but a quiet and somewhat intriguing cautionary tale.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

6

GameloreApr 27, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Actually quite a bad piece of sci-fi. A good example of an awesome subject-matter rendered completely boring. Reminiscent of the target audience for The Internship. To make an entire movie about containing AI, and to have such such obvious security flaws made any AI escape feel intentional. It's kind of like making Jurrassic Park and the main characters simply sympathetically open the door for the dinosaurs. It insulted the audience by making the protagonist out to be an unbelievably dumb character who you don't want to follow. Moreover, the pacing was pure **** Tons could have been cut better. Absolutely awesome photography, though (see: Under the Skin for pacing of this style done right). The android was well acted and there were a number of applause-worthy acting scenes scattered throughout a series of increasingly stupid paths that the main character took the audience down. By about halfway through the movie, after the main character was clearly compromised, the movie had a hard time evoking that earlier emotion from me, however. Ultimately, even the secondary character (the boss) became unbelievably stupid to me by not having a means of healing or defending himself or building in a way to summon help. Perhaps another way to interpret the movie is that the boss intended for a natural bar for his creation set both at the level of manipulation using another human to escape AND at the "sufficient" sophistitcation necessary for launch, and that his seed was sewn inherently upon death by this creation. But the movie poster ("what will happen if I fail your test?", indicating sympathy toward the robot) and choice of perspective in the movie (the stupid cog in the wheel) indicates that this isn't the intended point of view. And even if the latter interpretation were intended, it's still only a slight revelation to imagine that the event was precisely calculated -- but again, I feel like the chosen perspective, and reaction by the "boss" precludes this interpretation. One good thing: At least it didn't sully any *actual* grand ideas for sci-fi or storytelling and the movie built a lot of hype for good sci-fi (for some reason).… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

All this user's reviews

3

gfnyApr 27, 2015

Laborious with only a few actors, and probably made in two rooms at the studio. Painfully slow movie made by teenagers. The theme is sound but the execution was terrible and the plot non-sense. The trailer and critic reviews trick you intoLaborious with only a few actors, and probably made in two rooms at the studio. Painfully slow movie made by teenagers. The theme is sound but the execution was terrible and the plot non-sense. The trailer and critic reviews trick you into thinking there is more to the movie than there actually is. If you have to choose between root canal and this movie, opt for the dentist.… Expand

10 of 23 users found this helpful1013

All this user's reviews

9

chuck_dApr 27, 2015

...found myself holding my breath. Eyes wide like cherry pies... edge of my seat, OMG moments.. I went to see it on a whim and I'm so glad I did. Each character is engrossing and the movie brings you right inside. Does NOT rely on bangs...found myself holding my breath. Eyes wide like cherry pies... edge of my seat, OMG moments.. I went to see it on a whim and I'm so glad I did. Each character is engrossing and the movie brings you right inside. Does NOT rely on bangs and booms and all the ignorant trappings so common with most of today's movies. This one is dialogue-driven and smart. I cant wait to see it again. Likely Oscar contender...… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

All this user's reviews

9

BikerjamesApr 27, 2015

Probably my favorite film about Artificial Intelligence. Much better than last years "Her". I enjoyed the slow pace and the lack of a constant annoying loud soundtrack like most movies have. A constant interplay between the two intelligentProbably my favorite film about Artificial Intelligence. Much better than last years "Her". I enjoyed the slow pace and the lack of a constant annoying loud soundtrack like most movies have. A constant interplay between the two intelligent main characters (three if you count Ava) will have you guessing to the end. I thought Oscar Isaac was great in the Coen Brothers film "Inside Llewyn Davis" and he is the standout in this film as well. The entire film, including the few humorous moments, had a creepiness to it that I enjoyed. I wish more films were made in this style.… Expand

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

All this user's reviews

4

JamesLApr 27, 2015

A real snoozer that had no intrigue, interest, or limited appeal to me. Some directors just get too damn smart for themselves and make a movie like this thinking it is a brilliant work. In reality, it is a long bore in which we the audienceA real snoozer that had no intrigue, interest, or limited appeal to me. Some directors just get too damn smart for themselves and make a movie like this thinking it is a brilliant work. In reality, it is a long bore in which we the audience see the conclusion way in advance and wonder how this made the big screen enjoyed this .Painful to watch .… Expand

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

All this user's reviews

6

AxeTApr 26, 2015

It is mesmerizing. It is intelligent. It is obviously a story that is informed by some high level intellectual thinking. It is of a distinct and fine style, tone and pace and well acted.
What it is not is climactic in a way that is notIt is mesmerizing. It is intelligent. It is obviously a story that is informed by some high level intellectual thinking. It is of a distinct and fine style, tone and pace and well acted.
What it is not is climactic in a way that is not underwelming and ultimately predictable.
Once again that is especially true in light of all the over-praise by the jackass critics club next door.… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

All this user's reviews

10

ledaumasApr 26, 2015

Great script...really makes you think about the workings of our intelligence and our attempts to manipulate. It's hard to figure out who's the honest one and who's the deceptive one. Just like life, but with an A.I. Robot.

8 of 15 users found this helpful87

All this user's reviews

8

jeremypApr 26, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A mesmerizing, intelligent, visually stunning yet small movie. We start with the character of Nathan, a brilliant computer genius par excellence with the personality of a bouncer in an expensive whorehouse, which in fact he is, played brilliantly by Oscar Isaac. Imagine Einstein acting like Stalin. His creation, Ava, is adorable, if see through, and the movie toys with whether she's going to be superior or malleable. Caleb, computer programmer and like able geek, is Nathan's foil. Does he also turn out to be Ava's?
Rather than seek for higher ground it is content to flatten out as a tale of a power mad narcissist playing games for his own amusement, and paying the price when the servants revolt.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

9

jdog90000Apr 25, 2015

This was a great movie! I really appreciate how well made it is and how little it matters that there's basically only 4 or 5 actors in the movie. It looks great and it's pretty thought provoking. If you're interested in AI you will definitelyThis was a great movie! I really appreciate how well made it is and how little it matters that there's basically only 4 or 5 actors in the movie. It looks great and it's pretty thought provoking. If you're interested in AI you will definitely enjoy this film. There were some surprisingly hysterical scenes that came out of nowhere and had the whole theater laughing. The movie was also very creepy at points and was just overall very very interesting and unique.… Expand

8 of 15 users found this helpful87

All this user's reviews

4

ryecaApr 25, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Felt like stoner sci-fi with absurd dialogue, a bit cliche modernist hotel/house, and robot babes. Predictable, but that doesn't really matter. I can't imagine justifying high ratings; the movie is mediocre. I am prepared to suspend disbelief, but when a movie violates the rules of the fantasy it has created itself, it seems a bit meaningless. The whole movie is based on the premise that the "turing test" they have prepared is really to test the AI's ability to escape confinement by lying, seducing, etc. Wouldn't Oscar Issac realize that winning the test means the AI actually DOES escape? Well, in the end he seems wholly unprepared for that obvious eventuality.

Minor points - if you have somebody "boxing" at least give them a bit of training on the heavy bag. Isaac looks a fool. Also, if you rant about some Jackson Pollock painting, do a little research first. Isaac sounded a fool. Finally, don't call the company "Bluebook." That is just heavy handed.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

All this user's reviews

6

gokellyApr 25, 2015

Good movie but I dont understand where all the rave reviews are coming from. The performances are great though with Oscar Isaacs character in particular a very fresh take on the whole tech genius (really could see myself going for pints withGood movie but I dont understand where all the rave reviews are coming from. The performances are great though with Oscar Isaacs character in particular a very fresh take on the whole tech genius (really could see myself going for pints with this guy).
One of my favourite movies is bladerunner and Im always on the lookout for good AI movies but it was pretty obvious where the story was going to go. If you've seen a few sci fi/AI movies before I dont think you'll find anything new here.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

All this user's reviews

10

MacromediaFlashApr 24, 2015

This is a very tightly constructed and smartly written movie. Frequently with movies I'm too busy picking at plot holes and obvious contrivances to enjoy them. But not this one, because there weren't any that I could see. Everything thatThis is a very tightly constructed and smartly written movie. Frequently with movies I'm too busy picking at plot holes and obvious contrivances to enjoy them. But not this one, because there weren't any that I could see. Everything that happened was driven by the actions the characters took and those actions were made sense with what we saw of their personality and motivations. The most important thing for a movie like this to have is logical, internal consistency, and this one has that. There were a few times while watching it where I thought the writers had made a mistake or opened a plot hole; but each of those times, within a few minutes, the characters on screen addressed my concern in a way that fit within the story and the characters. Not many movies get this right but this one does.

All that said, while the plot didn't play out exactly as I expected going in, it doesn't have any completely out-of-left-field twists either. If you are paying attention, you can mostly guess where it's going.

The movie contains some intense scenes, full frontal female nudity, and frank sexual dialog. None of it is completely gratuitous, it's all in service of setting an atmosphere or adding depth to a character. But still, this isn't a movie to take the kids to. Take the R rating seriously and leave them at home.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

All this user's reviews

9

Karl-ErikMillsApr 21, 2015

"They just don't make movies like they used to" is commonly said these days which is all too true. What Ex Machina has done is create a new way of making movies, a better way then "the good ol' days". Between the entrancing performances, the"They just don't make movies like they used to" is commonly said these days which is all too true. What Ex Machina has done is create a new way of making movies, a better way then "the good ol' days". Between the entrancing performances, the eerie forest retreat and the physcological horror that makes you question your own existence, this movie has made history and launched us into a new age of filmmaking, helmed so far by Alex Garland, the debut director of Ex Machina. The film bottled up so much feeling and suspense that it was hard to comprehend, a strength lacked by Blomkamp's Chappie. The simple truth is that Ex Machina is an honest movie, and although it isn't the better than classics like Pulp Fiction and Citizen Kane, it is perfect for what it is.… Expand

8 of 17 users found this helpful89

All this user's reviews

8

Brent_MarchantApr 18, 2015

A very stylish, thought-provoking, entertaining science fiction release that gives us much food for thought about our relationship to technology, not to mention our very future. This well-written, well-acted offering is generally quiteA very stylish, thought-provoking, entertaining science fiction release that gives us much food for thought about our relationship to technology, not to mention our very future. This well-written, well-acted offering is generally quite suspenseful, if a bit slow-paced at times. Like a good game of chess, this one will keep you guessing right up,until the end.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

8

zouz123Apr 15, 2015

Nice movie overall, a bit slow and doesn't suit all tastes, but will definitely keep you thinking when it's over. It's brilliantly executed and actors nailed it, and story is portrayed inventively, I have personally not seen something likeNice movie overall, a bit slow and doesn't suit all tastes, but will definitely keep you thinking when it's over. It's brilliantly executed and actors nailed it, and story is portrayed inventively, I have personally not seen something like this before.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

All this user's reviews

6

ProductiveMindApr 14, 2015

Humanoid artificial intelligence, the way we see the future. Every movie now a day is going to try and turn what we have in the future into a more defined depiction in our reality. Alex Garland, the film's writer and director has designed aHumanoid artificial intelligence, the way we see the future. Every movie now a day is going to try and turn what we have in the future into a more defined depiction in our reality. Alex Garland, the film's writer and director has designed a movie to make us try and see new perspectives on science and man. Alex, making it a thriller has no limits of pushing us out of our seats not for this movie but for the idea of an AI as we approach closer to the pure creation of AI's. The filming was set in the Juvet Landscape Hotel in Valldalen, Norway, a good set for the location. This movie makes me want to go to Norway ever so more. The marketing used for the movie was nothing but genuine genius. To set up a tactic for people using tinder to trick the using into seeing the advertisement but conversing with just scripts and beings who would then send tinder using a link to an instagram just to see the film's poster. Out of all the scaling, they over worked a good part of their vision into making it more exciting while leaving the originality in the dust. 6.0… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

5

hotfromcauldronApr 11, 2015

Ex Machina is a voyeuristic romp of a menage a trois between two men and a machine.
Oscar Isaacs’ hilarious Hughes- Hefner mad scientist believes women should serve but not speak yet is on the verge of inventing sex dolls with soul. TheEx Machina is a voyeuristic romp of a menage a trois between two men and a machine.
Oscar Isaacs’ hilarious Hughes- Hefner mad scientist believes women should serve but not speak yet is on the verge of inventing sex dolls with soul. The Machiavellian machinations grow tiresome as his subjects converse through prison windows. But stick with it. Turing must be turning in his grave to think he could have bedded Christopher - his computer. What’a next ? An iwatch orgasm? It’s app to happen.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

All this user's reviews

4

LowbrowCinemaApr 11, 2015

Polished to the max, EX MACHINA feels heartless and over thought. Yet, it really didn't make me think of much than how it great it looks. You've seen it all before. Filmmakers have been exploring this terrain for at least 50 years. Even thePolished to the max, EX MACHINA feels heartless and over thought. Yet, it really didn't make me think of much than how it great it looks. You've seen it all before. Filmmakers have been exploring this terrain for at least 50 years. Even the structure with its naive young man brought to a compound by a wealthy bully has been done to death. We need something new and unfortunately, EX MACHINA does not deliver.… Expand

6 of 15 users found this helpful69

All this user's reviews

8

ThegodfathersonApr 10, 2015

Ex Machina is a razor sharp thriller, that is brilliantly thought and crafted. Alex Garland's beautifully innovative film explores Computer expert, Caleb, played by Domnhall Gleeson. Who is invited to stay in the company's CEO's (Oscar Issac)Ex Machina is a razor sharp thriller, that is brilliantly thought and crafted. Alex Garland's beautifully innovative film explores Computer expert, Caleb, played by Domnhall Gleeson. Who is invited to stay in the company's CEO's (Oscar Issac) estate for a few days. There he meets A.I beauty, Ava (Alicia Vikander) and falls in love with her. What follows is an emotional fight between man, machine and love. The film is thoughtful although painfully long and tedious. Ex Machina has great acting from Issac and Gleeson but Vikander steals the show as Ava. All in all, it's a must see film that is very innovative and thoughtful despite pacing flaws.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

All this user's reviews

10

ciorgaApr 10, 2015

Alex Garland is a genius. No matter what his movie's are about they are simply extraordinary. This one is definitely worth the time. I highly recommend watching it.

32 of 55 users found this helpful3223

All this user's reviews

1

foxgroveApr 10, 2015

Despite another good performance from rising star Oscar Isaac this baffling sci-fi movie is laborious in the extreme. Actress Alicia Vikander is omnipresent at the moment and here plays Isaac’s A.I. creation involved in mind games with thirdDespite another good performance from rising star Oscar Isaac this baffling sci-fi movie is laborious in the extreme. Actress Alicia Vikander is omnipresent at the moment and here plays Isaac’s A.I. creation involved in mind games with third party Domhnall Gleeson. Loaded with superlatives from critics this has almost nothing to commend it aside from Isaac and the very occasional frisson. This could make clock watching an art as it is long, slow and ooh so boooring!… Expand

7 of 29 users found this helpful722

All this user's reviews

8

LamontRaymondApr 10, 2015

It's a visually interesting, and thematically exciting film that hearkens back to such films as Blade Runner and Westworld, but it's especially relevant these days as more and more scientists are dreading the dawn of true A.I. Alicia VikanderIt's a visually interesting, and thematically exciting film that hearkens back to such films as Blade Runner and Westworld, but it's especially relevant these days as more and more scientists are dreading the dawn of true A.I. Alicia Vikander does a pretty remarkable job as Ava, and Oscar Isaac is amazing, as usual. I thought perhaps Domhnall Gleeson could have done more with his role, but that's nitpicking. This is a no-brainer recommendation, especially this time of year.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

All this user's reviews

Ex Machina

User Reviews