Movie Information
Release Date: July 10, 2015
Director: Tarsem Singh
Writer: David Pastor (screenplay), Alex Pastor (screenplay)
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, Matthew Goode, Ben Kingsley, VIctor Garber, Derek Luke, Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen, Melora Hardin, Michelle Dockery, Sam Page, Brendan McCarthy, Thomas Francis Murphy, Sandra Ellis Lafferty, Emily Tremaine, Griff Furst, Cedric Palmisano, Tom Waite
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 116 minutes
Production Company: Endgame Entertainment, Ram Bergman Productions
Genre: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Language: English
Country: USA
Budget: N/A
Technological advances in science are always on the horizon. It’s mind boggling; what was impossible twenty years ago versus what science can accomplish today. Self/Less is an example of this phenomenon, featuring Ryan Reynolds front and center. Yet again, he’s a chameleon on screen, soaking up nearly any role he’s cast in. He’s a great talent, but doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.
The title of the film has significant meaning to it, and drives the main character and story forward. It tugs on your moral compass, and dances on the line of right and wrong. It begs you to take responsibility in your life, and challenges you to realize how important it is to do so. How far are you willing to go to save a loved one? It’s a question that can’t be answered easily, which makes the film entertaining.
The action that’s present does its job, but I can’t call it an action film. It’s neither a drama, comedy, nor adventure. It has elements of them all, but still contains no pop. The plot is initially predictable, with you able to guess it scene by scene, but then finally mystery presents itself, so there’s little excitement. Though the excitment comes in small doses and so does the flow of the film. It’s about twenty five minutes too long, but ends with a happy ending.
Self/Less is all over the place, which becomes exhausting at times. The whole thing feels bland; its attempt at a twist doesn’t satisfy. I feel the story is possible precursor for the future to come and where the line of life and death should be drawn. We all have a short time earth, and it’s up to us to make the best of it. That’s the message, if any, to be learned. You can’t cheat death, and you must face the inevitable; we all can’t be here forever.