Ghost in the Shell

“We cling to memories as if they define us, but... they really don't. What we do is what defines us.”

Filmology Rating: 2.5 out of 4

Major (Scarlett Johansson) is the first of her kind: a human who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier. She is part of a team that is devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals. As she prepares to face a new enemy, Major discovers something that questions her existence. Was her life was stolen instead of saved?

I just want to start off by saying that I have not seen the original anime “Ghost in the Shell” movie so I really don't have anything to compare thisfilm to. I have heard that it is one of the more memorable anime movies. I have a feeling that this movie will be somewhat of a letdown if you are a big fan of the original anime.

Let’s start with the positives first. Scarlet Johansson was really good in how she portrayed her character Major. I thought that the struggle she went through was very believable. With Major being the first of her kind, where does she fit in? She knows she isn’t human anymore, only her brain is while the rest is cyber-enhanced. There was this really great scene where she meets with a woman and just asks what things feel like. Major wants so desperately to feel once again but her machine shell can’t. It really was a beautifully sad scene where she battles with who she is.

The most obvious appeal to this film is its visual aspects. With neon bright colors everywhere within a dark and gloomy city, it really made for a stunning contrast. Paired with a great soundtrack and some good action, the visual appeal was definitely there. The action felt like a combined mix of the Wachowskis action style (Matrix trilogy) with that of I Robot and Lucy (also staring Scarlet Johansson). However sometimes it began to take itself too seriously and the action became a little too serious to bring that fun viewing factor full front.

“Ghost in the Shell” really is fitting with the theme of the film. Being a human ghost with a conscious trapped within a shell of cyber-tech was a strong central aspect that I really liked. This theme was mainly focused on within the first half and it was working really well. The emotional appeal and connection was there for me as I felt for Major and her longing to find her place within the world. However, as the plot reveals itself and new themes come into play, the emotional appeal and punch wasn’t quite there anymore. I don't think that the conclusion was as emotionally impactful as the film wanted it to be. I have no idea how the original anime ended but I hope it ended with a bigger punch to the ole’ emotion box.

Overall, “Ghost in the Shell” was a fun ride with all of its visual appeal but lacked a little towards the end with its emotional tug at the heartstrings. If it looked appealing to you I’d say see it, it’ll be a fun viewing experience but if you were on the fence about seeing it, I’d say wait to rent it.

Rating: Rent It

-Nick