Fire at Will!'s Review

Summary - Very Good 3.5

This film was incredibly clever and sophisticated, particularly as it starred Keanu Reeves, whom I had forgotten could actually act after “The Matrix” sequels. Taken from the book by Phillip K. Dick, the film is a warning against drug abuse and the future it may yield, along with Dick’s typical anti-governmental stances. Well worth a watch as it makes you think whilst stunning your perception with its amazing rotoscope animation, the drug-fuelled haze of the characters and their lives eerily complemented by the cartoony, surreal visuals.

Acting - Good 3.0

As I said, Keanu Reeves shines here, and Winona Ryder carries the film as the only woman! Robert Downey Jr. however shows again his class as an actor, generating the paranoid and delusional Barris and dominating the other characters. Woody Harrellson plays the atypical stoner idiot he’s got down to a tee, and the other actor (I can’t remember his name) does well as the druggie who is already well down the path to losing his mind.

Film - Really Great 4.5

The animation effect sets the film apart in terms of quality and visuals, truly making the foibles with the film (ie. the sometimes confusing narrative and dialogue) disappear. The music, mostly from Radiohead, perfectly complements these visuals and altogether the production values on such a small budget make the film unique.

Edge - Risqué 2.3

Not really that much to say here, other than the drug references and swearing. Nothing too offensive!

Reality - Surreal 2.6

The story is about a man who splits himself into two personalities, one chasing the other down. And they wear scramble suits so their identities are unknown. Not too surreal, but at the same time…obviously not the most realistic of stories!

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