I decided to watch Cypher after seeing it labeled sci-fi thriller-- now that I have seen it, I would rather label it a cliché spy film with slight sci-fi undertones.
The movie centers around the concepts of unknown identity and corporate brainwash, which sound pretty interesting on the surface. But then you add the whole femme fatale part, turn the geeky protagonist into a slick, skirt-chasing spy and create a plot with more holes than swiss cheese-- and you have Cypher.
I have seen one other Vincenzo Natali movie, Splice, and I feel both films start with a great idea, but become caught up in clichéd plot techniques and flat, lifeless characters.
If you're into slick spy films, then you will most likely enjoy this. But if you want concepts like brainwash and unknown identity put into a unique, stylish, science fiction film (as I did when reading the user reviews for this movie), then forget about Cypher. Dark City is definitely the much better alternative.
5/10 -- not as amazing, smart or thrilling as people are making it out to be. Watchable, but definitely not amazing.
If you have seen this film and disagree with me, please respect my opinion. I wrote this to help potential viewers, not to please those who have already seen it. Thanks.
The movie centers around the concepts of unknown identity and corporate brainwash, which sound pretty interesting on the surface. But then you add the whole femme fatale part, turn the geeky protagonist into a slick, skirt-chasing spy and create a plot with more holes than swiss cheese-- and you have Cypher.
I have seen one other Vincenzo Natali movie, Splice, and I feel both films start with a great idea, but become caught up in clichéd plot techniques and flat, lifeless characters.
If you're into slick spy films, then you will most likely enjoy this. But if you want concepts like brainwash and unknown identity put into a unique, stylish, science fiction film (as I did when reading the user reviews for this movie), then forget about Cypher. Dark City is definitely the much better alternative.
5/10 -- not as amazing, smart or thrilling as people are making it out to be. Watchable, but definitely not amazing.
If you have seen this film and disagree with me, please respect my opinion. I wrote this to help potential viewers, not to please those who have already seen it. Thanks.