The Final Cut

Another review written for later release this summer on SNMR transferred here as filler.

GREEN'S PERCEPTION IS NOT ALWAYS REALITY REVIEW:


A cutter is one that assembles a feature length "rememory" of a loved one's life when they die, based on video obtained from their Zoe chip, which is implanted in the brain. These rememories are made with the assistance of a machine called the guillotine.

When it comes to cutters, no one is better than Alan Hakman (Robin Williams). He is asked for specifically by the widow of a top Eye Tech exec and given the assignment of cutting a rememory for him. Eye Tech is the company that makes the Zoe Chip and what makes this assignment so dangerous. If this exec's chip falls into the wrong hands, it could mean disaster... Then, while cutting, Alan learns a few secrets that could reshape the course of his life.

Once again, this is a movie that I had never heard of prior to borrowing it from the library. I had high expectations for the movie based on what I understood of the premise but they weren't quite met, probably because the story was more character driven than I'd expected and less sci-fi.

Robin Williams has become a very good actor and is wonderful in the lead role but then the problems begin. Mira Sorvino is fine as Williams' girlfriend and James Caviezel is good enough as the bad guy, but these two characters seem woefully underwritten. The other supporting cast were fine. I would have also liked to see more development of the story regarding the chip and it's history and why opposition to it was so fierce.

For a first time writer/director, Omar Naim does a relatively good job with his story, despite the elements I see lacking. Even so, his future as a director looks bright.

The DVD extras include an excellent "making of" feature as well as short features on production and special effects that added to my enjoyment of the overall movie experience.

This movie is a worthwhile rental, even better if you can borrow it from the library for nuttin'.

*** out of *****

The Final Cut (2004, PG-13, 95 minutes), starring Robin Williams, Mira Sorvino, James Caviezel, Mimi Kuzyk and Stephanie Romanov. Written and directed by Omar Naim.