Amelia 2.0

source: Amelia 2.0

Not having the critical acuity of Roger Ebert, I judge movies entirely by how much money I want back on the way out of the theatre. Watching Amelia 2.0 was delightful entertainment throughout and I didn't want any money back (though I found the popcorn overpriced). I am not a sci-fi fan. In 1977 I demanded and got my $4 back after a screening of Star Wars (but am still awaiting the public apology). Amelia 2.0 did not put me in mind of Star Wars and all that cgi gimcrackery, but did put me in mind of the 1978 movie Coma, after which I did not want any money back. All I remember about Coma - except Genevieve Bujold - is that it had something to do with malevolent forces and futuristic genetic manipulations and that I was satisfied with it. That's how I feel about Amelia 2.0. Enjoy the movie.

If the teenage son of the owner of a local news station had to do a term paper for a first year philosophy class, and the news station owner decided it might get a better grade if it was a video, and told the crew at the station to make it, the video might come out something like "Amelia 2.0". It's difficult to compare it to a movie or even a TV show because nowadays those almost always have relatively skilled professionals working on them, even if they have no talent. Regardless, the video addresses an interesting topic, but not in any meaningful way, and without the usual dramatic elements of fiction, even at the level of a docudrama or biopic. It does have some competent professional actors, but they weren't given actual characters to portray, so it's sort of like they walked in off the street and were given lines to read. The editing was pretty tight though.

I actually enjoyed this movie. It's not as challenging as it could be but there are some interesting twists and turns and all the leads put in good performances. The main question of the film is: has whatever makes up the 'soul' of Amelia been transferred to the android body, or is it just a computer copy (a simple copy and paste)? From parts of the procedure it looks like it's the latter, with the process called 'mapping' rather than a transfer. So if you follow that line of thought then the rest of the film is rather pointless. But if you think the scientists have really managed to transfer Amelia into the android then the arguments put forward have more depth. The scenes with the senator who opposes all such research are well-written, especially as he faces his own mortality. I'm not sure about the bit just before the end where the corporation decides to use the Amelia mapping data to create androids for everyone. If they truly believed they had transferred Amelia into the android then they would be (effectively) cloning her thousands of times over and then allowing people to reprogram her - not something an ethical corporation should do. Mind you, we're left in no doubt that ethics are not on the mind of the corporation. Just the doctor - who is then left out of the loop. The other ending - where the husband takes matters into his own hands - was much more satisfying and is probably where the film should have ended. Though finishing it with Amelia taking her own decision worked as well. It's not that demanding a film but it is thought-provoking is certain ways. Another reviewer bemoaned the CGI of the helicopter on the roof of the corporation and it IS dodgy, but mercifully brief. Other shots of the corporate HQ are also brief (and some at night) and are much better. And yes, there are comparisons to Ex Machina in the plot line but as I found that film very predictable and this one at least had a twist towards the end then I'd recommend an unchallenging viewing of this film on a lazy evening.

Some people have compared it to a modern Frankenstein story, but I don't think that this particular concept was appreciated for what it really was. Living in a modern world has led everyone of us to feel at one point that we live in a paper cup society where everything is or could be replaceable. This movie represents exactly what it was meant to represent "all science, no philosophy". It's all these questions that we want answers to, knowing full well that we won't get them because we're not meant to know, just like we're not meant to live forever. These questions will continue to haunt our society long after we're gone, only to one day come to the realization of what we all knew all along that our arrogance will be the catalyst of our own demise.

This was a movie made on a low budget, and I feel they did a fantastic job. I feel the strongest acting came from the supporting roles, but overall, great acting. Some people classify this as a science fiction movie, which it is, however, I feel the underlying message of love and existence and morality is what is meant to be delivered through the science fiction setting. It really does inspire you to think about which side of the issue you stand on. In my case, I changed my viewpoint a few different times throughout the movie. I felt the sound design could have use a little more support and a little slow-going in the first 10 minutes or so of the movie, but I would watch this movie again, and recommend it to my friends. Hats off to everyone involved in making this film. You all did a fantastic job.

Adam Orton is a promising young Director with great attention to detail. I can't wait to see what he'll make next! A independent film is a challenge to make on a low budget, but the creative team overcame the special effects obstacles, and the performances were exceptional! With the vision of the director, the editor was able to construct a high concept story into something vivid the audience can enjoy.

This was a blatant attack on Republican conservatives making them out as the bad guy wrapped into a badly acted Sci,-Fi movie

This movie has provoked a hidden curiosity, maybe more so fear in me of how technology can/will dangerously minimize our human abilities. I think it's an important movie. It produces a motivation for education on what is to come for us in the not so distant future. Making the choice to deny our natural human emotions whether they are pain or joy, will have a negative consequence on all of humanity,makes me want to teach my grandchildren to garden, and build things so they don't forget what that is.. K.S.

This movie is a story of Amelia who lived with her husband but one day bad luck strikes she dies at a young age so a company approaches her husband telling him that they have a way to bring her back. The story line was good but I don't think people are going to be very impressed after watching this movie because we have encountered many movies with this same kind of stories. The girl who did Amelia could have done a better job cause at some scenes of this movie when she becomes all bubbly she sounds like a retard. But rest of the actors did a good job. The ending was good and unpredictable. Yes i would ask everyone to give this movie a shot I know you guys have encountered movies like this before. My Rating 6/10