by B.W. Harold

Created on: October 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 10, 2011

Surrogates

Cast: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosamund Pike, Ving Rhames, and Boris Kudjoe

Rating: PG-13

Release Date: 2009

In the future man-kind has found a way to help those who can't leave their homes do so. "Surrogates" is a cautionary tale about man's relationship or dependency on technology. The opening sequence is a montage of news clips chronicling the development of surrogates' technology. This beginning helps the audience to understand why the world seems so...fake.

Every character in the beginning looks like a Hollywood extra. The sense of surrealism is perfectly staged. When a weapon surfaces that not only fries the Surrogate, but kills the operator. Tom Geer (Bruce Willis) a police officer makes it his personal quest to stop the killing. With the help of his partner, Peters (Radha Mitchell) Geer finds himself in the real world for the first time in years.

The moral grounds of what it means to be human make up the film's backbone.  The film explores the cost of grief and escapism. With twists and turns one would expect from a film with such a premise, "Surrogates" is a stylish murder mystery. Peppered with political intrigue, Bruce Willis probably gives one of his best performances since "The Sixth Sense."

Ving Rhames appears as "The Prophet" the leader of the surrogates resistance. He preaches self-acceptance and "unplugging." Mr. Willis has a great supporting cast other than Mr. Rhames. His wife is played by the talented Rosamund Pike. Her ability to play her surrogate self and then switch to her tortured mortal self is nothing short, of acting chops at work. By far the most intriguing character she is equally matched with Mr. Willis.

Radha Mitchell begins the movie as the happily oblivious sidekick. But by the end her acting range is tested...which she passes with flying colors. She is quite dismissible at the start, but slowly evolves into an interesting character. Or at least her surrogate does.

Over all the film is a product of the great aspects of a good film. Great effects, great casting, great concept, and awesome execution of that concept.  The concept is a polarizing one and will leave audiences wondering, "What happens next?"  "Surrogates" isn't as gritty as say oh, "Terminator" or "The Matrix." But it's still a fun ride that pulls the covers back on human nature and what technology does to either aid or hinder it. Recommended.

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