The Machine

Sci-fi fans will experience significant déjà vu watching Caradog W. James's low-budget British feature, which cobbles together the style and substance of a dozen classic genre films to tell a predictable tale. Set in an appropriately dystopian future, The Machine finds Ministry of Defense computer expert Vincent McCarthy (Toby Stephens) building androids from brain-dead human soldiers that can later be used as weapons in a war against an enemy Chinese army. When sexy scientist Ava (Caity Lotz)—who gives Vincent both professional and personal support—winds up being killed by a sniper, Vincent creates a robotic version of Ava that (not surprisingly) takes on a mind and spirit of its own, leading to all sorts of mischief. As all of this transpires, Vincent ends up launching his own revolt against his military superiors. Drawing heavily from Frankenstein, Metropolis, Blade Runner, and RoboCop, among others, The Machine is a loud and frenetic film that feels much too familiar. Not recommended. (P. Hall)