Archive

Recommend it

Delivered on time, 10/10, but I have to confess I was uncertain about this purchase, having watched the movie I’m not so sure.

I buy DVD's so I can watch them while I exercise, its a distraction, so normally I don't normally expect much from some of the films I buy. However this one left a very positive, and deep, impression. This film was a little slow at the start, occasional flashbacks show an underlying deeper story line. I don't want to ruin the story, sure its not an "A-list cast" - and that probably helps this film, the casting was all very appropriate and I would worry that the draw of big names would detract from the real star here - the story. Well worth a watch... the fact I am writing review a review only a few hours after watching it probably says a lot. Some stories stay with you, connecting with some part of our sub-conscious - this is is one of those stories, for me at least.

PLOT...2049: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI. His latest prototype is almost ready. This sensitive phase is also the riskiest. Especially as he has a goal that must be hidden at all costs.Archive is a fantastic little independent sci-fi gem, much like Ex-Machina its just one of those brilliant little movies that pops out of nowhere, a great story that does start out a little slow but builds more and more as the plot progresses, a one man lead movie for 90% of the time, Theo James is great and the small support cast is good too. The visual effects are really good and everything is believable. The movie has a twisted ending especially the last 5 minutes that you wont probably see coming even though allot of clues are there throughout the movie. If you love sci-fi with a great story that keeps you thinking and is not all lasers and spaceships then check it out.Blu-ray has a great HD picture especially upscaled on a 4K player.No features which is a shame.Region B, Running time 109mins, English language, English HDH subtitles.

I don’t get why some people gave this film a low score, they don’t understand art and the underline theme of loss. The acting is great especially when he had to carry the whole film by himself near enough, the visual shots of the outside shots and camera work is beautiful and stunning. Little details like the graphics on the displays and also the sequence of building the main robot graphic visuals just wow. And the robots were really impressive for a film which doesn’t have the budget like a Hollywood blockbuster but still put them to shame. This film will probably end up a cult classic like alien, and blade runner did over time as it shows you can do a lot with out a lot. I marked it down by one start as I felt the pace was slightly dragging, but it still doesn’t subtract from something special. This director/producer is apparently new and can’t give enough praise and can’t wait to see future films from this talented person. Loved it.

Usually, I don't do reviews, but I thought this was worthy of one.1. Because I liked the film.2. It's by a new director - Moon's Visual Designer.3. A lot was achieved with the (recycled) AI and computerised after-life concepts.4. Believable cast performances.Similarities to Moon, Ex Machina, Westworld, Ghost in the shell, and resonance with 2001: A Space Odyssey and Metropolis. (Replicas, but the less said about that the better). Also, Black Mirror, but I prefer to treat it as a standalone experience than forever compare to other work.I usually give a film 15-20 mins to engage & immerse me. I have an eclectic taste and this genre is one that I like a lot. So, I was engaged early on. I'm always open minded regarding what to expect from a film. I liked many things about the film:Building robots to be human-like conceptThe visual elements reminded me of similar aspects of Ridley Scott's Alien/Prometheus exterior panoramas, the serene pace of movement/camera angles, icy whiteness, the neon industrial look to the lab environment.The prototype robots physical look. J1 - an armless box, like a Star Wars 'gonk' droid, that talks in noises, like a baby. J2 - a step up, but similar gonk droidiness, but speaks and behaves like a teen. J3 - human-like and adult with a very cool look. J for Jules, wife of George, the Roboticist.The advanced AI to make them more human emotionally & behaviours characterised.Lots of themes opened up that could have been explored further. I did wonder whether George was going to end up with a hot robot wife - it could of went several several ways!

Well directed and clearly carefully thought-out attempt at a story that has been done to death in the genre.Beautifully photographed with adequate though sometimes second-hand CGI (lovers of CGI will recognise them). The story is not quite fully developed and the twist at the end is predictable, but all the same quite satifying. I have seen this film panned. It does not deserve that. Worth a look, in my opinion.