The Zero Theorem (2013)

Every once in a while, I enjoy taking a trip into the surreal worlds that could develop in our future. While many people find this type of film fantasy, I honestly believe that much of what we view as science fiction today will be reality in the future. One such movie I recently stumbled across is the 2013 flick The Zero Theorem.

Plot/ A hugely talented but socially isolated computer operator is tasked by Management to prove the Zero Theorem: that the universe ends as nothing, rendering life meaningless. But meaning is what he already craves.

When I sat down to watch this, I honestly expected an interesting journey into a dystopian future, but I found something that was more captivating and philosophical. While the movie was a touch confusing (especially early on), the individual payoff is worth wading through those moments. The viewer is the one that is left to make their decisions and find the answers to the dynamic questions posed within this surreal world.  Yes, this one will not be for everyone, but if you decide that you want to travel into this dystopia, you will find a bizarre world that boasts color, character, and philosophy. In the end, this movie has a much deeper message and meaning than most of the movies that come out and will definitely not appeal to everyone. If you do enjoy this type of movie, than you will find it extremely thought provoking and entertaining. However, if you are looking for just something for entertainment, you may want to look in a different direction.

The Matrix (1999)

Hello again, and welcome to 2015. Having taken a few weeks off to enjoy the holiday season, and so some travelling, it is time to jump back into the world here at The Ringmaster’s Realm. 2014 was a great year, and there was a lot that I will miss, but I am sure that this year will be even better. To start the year off with a bang, I decided to venture deep inside a Sci-Fi classic, the 1999 hit The Matrix.

Plot/ A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers.

I ventured back into the Matrix for the first time since I saw it when it came out. When I saw it then, I was amazed at the effects and how impressive every detail was. Now, while the effects are still stunning, the story definitely took on an entirely different meaning with the overall importance of the films message breaking through. Everything in this movie works, with a solid cast combining outstanding performances, over-the-top special effects, a detail driven storyline that continues to grow philosophically deeper the more times you see it, and the atmosphere is tight, which allows the characters to come to life within the fantasy elements of the movie. While the movie does have confusing moments and runs a touch long at 136 minutes, those are but minor flaws inside one of the most impressive Sci-Fi flicks of the era. In the end, if you have not watched this one, you are wrong; go out, find it, and watch it as soon as possible. If you are like me and have not revisited this one in some time, look it up; you may be surprised at what you find inside.

After the Dark (2013)

After last night’s late adventure to see Rocky Horror, I spent the day recovering. It has been a long time since I was pulling into the house at 4 A.M., but it was well worth it. While I am watching some flicks tonight, I do have a couple to finish reviews on. The next one from that category is 2013s After the Dark (AKA The Philosophers).

Plot/ At an international school in Jakarta, a philosophy teacher challenges his class of twenty graduating seniors to choose which ten of them would take shelter underground and reboot the human race in the event of a nuclear apocalypse.

When I saw this movie on Netflix, it actually seemed like an interesting premise that could make for an entertaining watch. Unfortunately, it never builds upon that potential to become anything that could be considered entertaining. Yes, the visuals created an intriguing world and it is somewhat believable (this is exactly the students common core is creating by focusing on the aesthetics more than the reasoning), but there are no other redeeming qualities to be found. The characters are flat and unlikable, the scripting is poor and has absolutely no understanding of philosophical concepts, and the characters create no sense of connection to the situations put forth. In the end, this was a complete waste of potential and time. Stay away!