Quick Review - Ghost in the Shell

To begin, let's get this out of the way: I didn't watch the internationally beloved anime before seeing this movie. With that being said, I thought it was amazing. I loved the characters, loved the story, loved the sci-fi, simply thought it was awesome. Tonally, it's an action movie about self-discovery with some hardcore science fiction and dazzling visuals. It has interesting overtones about what it means to be human but it's not bogged down trying to be a huge, intellectual movie like, I assume, the anime was. Does this make it a worse movie? Depends entirely on expectations. If you're entering the theater expecting to have the same sensations that you had during your initial viewing of the anime, you're probably going to be disappointed. But if you're going in hoping to see a well-crafted action movie with a fascinating cyberpunk background then it'll be money well spent. 

When I say well-crafted, I mean that it's coherently edited (unlike the trashpile that was Suicide Squad) with some true standout moments of mesmerizing cinematography. This was likely helped along by some of the original movie's scenes that, I've heard, have been faithfully reproduced, at least visually. Regardless, elements that are introduced early in the plot make an appearance later. Nothing is left dangling or incomplete. The script and director have painstakingly constructed a vision of this world that has no wandering threads or gaping plot holes, a feat so many sci-fi directors apparently have an issue with.

Scarlett Johansson is utterly compelling throughout, modulating her movements just enough to convey that she isn't quite human. The team that surrounds her is comprised of additional interesting characters including her down-to-earth, ever loyal partner and her boss, a man of few words but loud actions. The villain perhaps could have used a little more momentum in the beginning of the film but truly comes into his own after the obvious twist drops. The frenetic action is held steady without shaky cam and delivers some visceral, punishing moments that are reminiscent of John Wick and 300. The story revolves around Major (Johansson) discovering her past and unearthing a terrorist conspiracy which is a relatively basic plotline but the added aspects of her being a cyborg who questions her own existence and the universal nature of robotic enhancement makes it feel fresh again. 

Ignore the bad press from the hipster critics who don't feel that it measured up to the original anime because there was less talking and more explosions. The tone fit right in for this movie. I didn't feel like it needed any more exposition or soul-searching. I say this as a complete newbie to the franchise but now I'm more invested in discovering the source material than ever. Is this the greatest movie ever? Definitely not but it's a leagues better than the majority of cinematic drivel that will be coming to a theater near your this year. This movie is a terrifically audacious action blockbuster with a hardcore cyberpunk shell encasing a surprisingly moving heart. 

Final Verdict: 9/10

Pros: Cyberpunk, NeoNoir Landscape, Scarlett Johansson, Well-Choreographed Action, Side Characters, Fascinating Ideas that Keep you Thinking

Cons: Relatively Basic Storyline, Lack of Mystery Regarding Twist, Opening Act Could Use More Villain Development