“Surrogates” lacks action movie wow factor

Jonathan Mostow’s “Surrogates” may have been advertised as a science fiction action movie, but it seemed more like a detective movie. Although it was an entertaining movie, “Surrogates” lacked the wow factor that similar movies such as “The Matrix” and “I, Robot” offered.

Set in the future, the majority of humanity is living the ultimate La-Z-Boy lifestyle via their surrogate robots, never having to leave the safety of their own home. Though this has dramatically lowered crime, sexual disease and accidental death, things won’t stay perfect forever.

In an unprecedented case, two humans have died as a result of damage to their surrogates. Now, the rest of the world faces the same threat, as FBI agent Tom Greer (Bruce Willis) must stop whoever is behind it. As a result of irreparable damage to his surrogate, he must do so without the machine he has come to rely on.

Audiences may have had a few gasps of surprise later in the movie, but some scenes would have been even more shocking had more tension been built up. Sometimes, things were so fast-paced that it was hard to follow the movie. Sub-plots and character development of the supporting cast seemed to fall short, leaving the audience wanting more. The plot was slowly and almost painfully laid out. When the plot finally picked up the pace, it seemed to be rushed.

Anyone expecting the “Die Hard” action scenes Bruce Willis is known for will be disappointed. Though there were a few noteworthy scenes, such as a helicopter explosion and lots of gunfire, most of the action in this movie was surprisingly disappointing. In chase scenes, we see surrogates jumping from car to car like stereotypical superheroes. While impressive at first, it became silly after the third or fourth jump.

The movie looked amazing stylistically. Since surrogates can be made to look however their users want, we see a parade of beautiful people as a result of impressive computer graphics. When we see Greer progress throughout the movie as a human, he slowly begins to look more and more like the hurt and bloody John McClane that Bruce Willis is known for.

Another great aspect to this movie was the flying cars and hundred-story futuristic buildings that actually did not exist. Had they existed, the movie would have seemed more like a joke. It was nice seeing what appeared to be our world, but with a twist.

While “Surrogates” is a great concept for a movie, the film could have been much better. A director’s cut could probably fix the problem of attempting to stuff the film into 88 minutes, but it will likely be some time before such a version is released, if at all. Even if you’re a sci-fi fan, you may want to wait until “Surrogates” comes out on DVD.

Grade: C