When I found out a few weeks ago that I was being sent a copy of the upcoming DVD release of Surrogates to review, I was neither excited nor disappointed. Mainly because when the film was released in theaters this past September, it was one of those movies that I gave an "Eh, I'll rent it" response to when asked what I thought of it. And even though I was familiar with the highly popular graphic novel in which the movie was based on, I just wasn't impressed enough by the film's trailer to run out to my local marquee and see it upon its theatrical release.
Turns out I was correct in my decision to hold off on seeing Surrogates until it came out on DVD, as the film was surprisingly entertaining; a fun science fiction tale to get lost in but with a few minor glitches that might have provided more disappointment if I had purchased a $12 movie ticket to view it. But seeing it as a rental was an enjoyable experience, leaving me with a much more positive impression when the end credits began to roll.
Surrogates starts off with an opening credits montage that brings the viewers up to date with the film's alternate reality where a brilliant doctor has invented a technology that allows human beings to operate remote controlled robotic versions of themselves with nothing but their minds, feeling and experiencing everything the machine experiences. Originally created for humans suffering from disabilities like paralysis, like the doctor himself, the technology soon becomes so advanced that anyone is able to purchase a "surrogate" for themselves, allowing them to live a flawless, carefree life vicariously through their mechanical versions.
With the vast majority of the world's population becoming hermits while using their surrogates for all of their daily activities, life has become all but perfect on planet earth. That is, until the son of the doctor who invented the technology is mysteriously murdered while attached to a surrogate, marking the first homicide in 14 years. FBI Agent Tom Greer, played by Bruce Willis, heads the investigation that takes many twists and turns, leading Greer to abandon his surrogate as he starts questioning their extensive use in a society that is now essentially run by machines.
As I said earlier, the film is based on the highly popular 5-issue comic book series that was drawn by Brett Weldele and written by Robert Venditti, who was obviously influenced by classic sci-fi tales like Terminator and Blade Runner as he explores many of the same concepts. The film version of Surrogates was directed by Jonathan Mostow, the man who previously gave us such titles as Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and the submarine drama U-571.
With Surrogates, Mostow envisioned the story and characters in a much more polished, saturated look then the dark, gritty source material it was based on, a move that turned a lot of die-hard fans of the comic book off. I, on the other hand, feel the film's clean-cut look added to this notion of a faux world of perfection due to surrogacy. A world where all the men desire to look like mannequins from the Gap and the women look like the fembots from Austin Powers.
Surprisingly, Surrogates is actually one of those rare movies that's based on a comic book that would have actually benefited with a longer running time. With the film's duration clocking in at just under the 90-minute norm, the film's entire third act seemed incredibly rushed just as the story's progression started picking up steam. And the character development of Tom Greer (Bruce Willis) seemed a little short-changed and needed more screen context to justify the earth-shattering decision he makes at the end of the film (no spoilers here).
Now as far as the actual DVD goes, unfortunately if it's special features that you're after, you are better of opting for the Blu-ray release of the film instead. The DVD only offers a rather stale commentary track by Mostow and a Breaking Benjamin music video of a song that never even appeared in the film. Nonetheless, Surrogates is definitely worth a viewing as the film's intriguing premise and entertaining action might surprise you, especially if you're a fan of the comic books. So if you were like me and shrugged it off back when it was in the theaters, you'll get another shot at it; Surrogates is available on DVD and Blu-ray now.
Adam Krause is a huge film buff. If he is not watching a movie, he is most likely writing one or about them. To read film reviews, blog posts and more articles like this one, please visit adamkrause.webs.com. Or visit http://www.staticmultimedia.com, a website that Adam writes for that thoroughly covers film, television, video games and music for all of your entertainment needs.
