Equilibrium - Thoughts and Reviews

[dh1989]

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646891_main.jpg

Plot: In a futuristic world, a strict regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions: books, art and music are strictly forbidden and feeling is a crime punishable by death. Clerick John Preston (Christian Bale) is a top-ranking government agent responsible for destroying those who resist these rules. When he misses a dose of Prozium, a mind-altering drug that hinders emotion, Preston, who has been trained to enforce the strict laws of the new regime, suddenly becomes the only person capable of overthrowing it.

I think this film looks pretty good. Christian Bale is a good actor and the film looks like a great futuristic actioner. The plot interests me and I hope to get a chance to check it out. What do you schmoes think?

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646880_main.jpg

[dh1989]

Here is the awesome final poster....

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2649847_main.jpg

Plus here are some more photos from the film....

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646881_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646902_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2649851_main.jpg

And this film also has Sean Bean in it. He was great as Boromir in The Fellowship of the Ring.

[Tom Samborski]

Cool poster, I like the job they did on Christian Bale and Taye Diggs's faces. This film looks neat, too bad it's being released by Dimension Films who decided to kill Below by underpromoting it before its release. They seem to be doing the same for this movie.

[dh1989]

Here are a few more cool photos....

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646897_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646898_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646901_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2649849_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2649850_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646893_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2630806_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646879_main.jpg

http://images.countingdown.com/images/countdowns/movies/548502/1011/2646882_main.jpg

[dh1989]

Dimension Films does do that and I just hate them for it. They killed Below, as Tom said, and they killed Impostor, which turned out to be an entertaining sci-fi. I hope this film gets some good word of mouth, so it might get a big box office run, which Dimension surely is not helping it to.

[dh1989]

And this film has the brilliant, Emily Watson, who was great in Punch-Drunk Love and Red Dragon.

[Moviefan1234]

Dimension is pushing the crappy looking "They" but not this. I don't get it! :confused:

[Scarface98.9]

The picture and look of the film is reminding me of The Matrix and Minority Report. I've seen one ad for it, and it looks promising. Hopefully Bale and Diggs finally get some exposure with a hit

[idealdiscountdude]

I have yet to see a trailer for Equilibruim and its scheduled to come out in less than 2 weeks.

I agree with y'all...it looks as if Dimension (Direct To Video) Films is dumping this one much like they did to Below. I'm surprised that they are actually marketing They.

I

[dh1989]

Originally posted by idealdiscountdude
I have yet to see a trailer for Equilibruim

Dimension has not even cut a trailer for this film. There probably will not be one. :( :mad:

[idealdiscountdude]

Originally posted by dh1989
Dimension has not even cut a trailer for this film. There probably will not be one. :( :mad:

That's such a shame when there is so much good talent behind this film.

Its pretty sad when garbage like Deuces Wild and Freddy Got Fingered get promoted and films which actually had some thought put behind them do not.

[Tuukka]

So... This is already going to be a second films this year being raped in the ass by Dimension Films? The other film is of course Below. HOW THE FUCK is it possible that they have no trailer out two weeks before the release. Is that film company leaded by total, unprofessional idiots? Cutting a trailer and putting it on internet is not costly at all, and the potential core audience for this film can be found on internet anyway, if they can't afford a theatrical release for the trailer.

[vastlynne]

In regards to the trailer...I HAVE SEEN IT.

It was during Mad-TV on Fox. It went really fast and I almost missed it if it wasn't for my screaming. :D
I'm sure they'll rerun it as it comes closer to the release date.

Just as when there's something good out there...it is being destroyed by dumb, greedy execs who thinks idiotic movies will rake in more money then something that will be embraced by audiences who appreciate a little more intelligence and thought. :o

[dh1989]

So there is a trailer? I searched the web and I found nothing about a full theatrical trailer nor is any there any mention of even a clip being online.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by solitaireshark
There already is a board in upcoming movies message board.

I know I have been there. I posted a script review over there.

[TheMovieMinor]

It doesnt matter if theres one in Upcoming, this one in every forum.

[EDsoulsurvive*]

what??? this awesome lookin movie is comin out in 2 weeks? r u serious? i read stuff bout this movie a while back and about how it could rival The Matrix. Well, i've been pretty excited for it, but i thought it was comin out sometime next year. I never EVER would've imagined it was comin out b4 the new year. Whose fault is that?? FUCKIN DIMENSION! i know it's been said b4, but wtf is up with all their shit lately (w/ below and all). It's like they dont want their movies to make money, and that's retarded. I havent seen a trailer, poster(except for the one above), or commercial for this movie, no promotions at all. well w/e, i guess ill be seein the Hot Chick...lol

[vastlynne]

Sadly, this film is only opening in the TOP 20 MARKETS on December. So if the release is decent...it may open wide release early next year. How fucked up is that??
This movie deserves more then this pile of steaming dung that is Dimension. :o

[Scarface98.9]

The marketing execs at Dimension should be shot. When they can rape two potentially good films in only 2 months, yet still promote crap like Ghost Ship, it saddens the heart, that's all I'll say

[dh1989]

Actually, Ghost Ship is a WB release.

[Moviefan1234]

Originally posted by dh1989
Actually, Ghost Ship is a WB release.

I think he was refering to "They."

[dh1989]

If I am not mistaken, Dimension is a subsidary of Buena Vista, who also own the infamous Mouse House(or Disney). You'd think they could put a few million dollars on marketing this film, when I am sure they slapped a big juicy marketing account on Treasure Planet. I guess they really do just care about pushing the mainstream bar, but leaving the smaller, more thought-driven films to dry impaled on a fence. Maybe Austria will win their case and Disney will have to shell out dollars over Mickey Mouse, their famed character.

P.S. I also have nothing agaist big budget mainstream films. Just look under my avatar, but I do not like it when they get pushed so heavily, other films become an after-thought lost in the shadows.

[the movie guy]

It looks pretty good by way of some pictures and one very positive review from CHUD.com. But we must think about what reasons Dimension would have for not advertizing it much... It may be because Christian Bale can't carry a film very far (and if Empire of the Sun made any money, I'm sure it was more because of a person by the name of Spielberg), it may be because the film is more of an arthouse film , but it may also be because it's a big steaming pile of crap. Well, actually, I don't think that, but I DO think it could certainly be a decent directorial debut in a not so decent movie, or vice versa.

As for Below, it was rightfully under-advertized. The direction was a letdown, as was the script. It didn't deserve to make the amount of money Pitch Black made (though the $600,000 it DID make a was a LITTLE too low... :rolleyes: ).

[Moviefan1234]

Here's the trailer. Looks awaome!
http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/e/equilibrium.php

[dh1989]

I clicked on the link that page held and it says Equilibrium, but the rest is blank. I was really looking forward to a trailer. Crap.

[Moviefan1234]

Try this one http://www.ifilm.com/ifilm/product/film_multimedia/0,4470,2454078,00.html

[dh1989]

COOL! I reccomend all of you watch that trailer. Its kick-ass 100%. This movie is going to be great. I really love the final part with all the fighting. Overall, the trailer makes the film look like a great action film and I think the film'll deliver as a whole.

[vastlynne]

WOW that trailer exceeded my expectations beyond my imagination. One thing though..I was hoping to get a glimpse of Sean Bean...oh well I'm asking for too much. This film doesn't need big-time marketing strategy...just needs an excellent trailer and handful of people to spread the good words and it'll take off from there. I'm certain it won't top the box-office but once the word gets out..it'll be a big surprise in the end. Just watch.

All I need to watch in December now is Equilibrium and The Two Towers. Need I say more? :D

ps I didn't know John Preston had a family...hmm

[darkface]

That trailer kicked 110% ass! I'm so impressed, now i definatly have to go see it. But if it looks that good, then why in the hell isn't Dimension marketing it!?!? This movie could make lots.
Hopefully they'll blitz their advertisement on the last week. Doubtful, but after the opening box office for 'They' they'll know that they have some money to fall back on.

Definatly seeing this flick!

[Moviefan1234]

I can't believe it's only opening in the top 20 markets! It looks so good! What's wrong with them?

[bluegopher]

I hope to see this but it may never come out where I live.

[Timiny]

This looks amazing. Is it coming out in Toronto?

[Memento8291]

Wow...I cannot wait for this movie....Christian Bale ROCKS!!! Fahrenheit 451 wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but this sounds very interesting

[XCoRyX]

yeah indeed,this film looks amazing,and bale is amazing...undoubtedly one of the top 5 actors around presently today....and this films plot,premise,cast,action all looks simply great and unable to miss,so its almost a must to attempt to see this one in theaters....but its been hard to get to the theaters as of lately....

[thompsoncory]

Dimension Films should not have done this to Equilibrium, because from seeing the trailer I think it could have made them a lot of money. More than maybe They ...:rolleyes:

[darkface]

here's a better quality trailer

Click Here (http://www.apple.com/trailers/miramax/equilibrium.html)

[sleekproductions]

Does anyone know what exactly are the top 20 markets... or where this film is exactly opening? It LOOKS AMAZING!

[sleekproductions]

I am so happy! I just found out that this movie is playing in my city! I am so friggin excited! I will post my review next weekend.

[TheMovieMinor]

Thank goodness sleek, I live in Boca too, so good.

[TheMovieMinor]

This movie is up to Word-Of-Mouth, so My buddies and I will try to get it sold out this Friday, to show the others, that it may be good. And I will spread the word. We are going with so far 10 and counting. Biggest group I am ever taking. Everyone loves the plot, so its working good.

[sleekproductions]

Hey Minor - what theatre, and what time are you going?

[TheMovieMinor]

The Regal Shadowood. I'm not sure exactly what time yet.


Cities Equilibrium is playing at:
New York in 6 theaters
Los Angeles in 1 theater
Boca Raton FL in one theater
Chicago, IL in 5 theaters
San Francisco 1 theater
Dallas at the Galaxy 10 - 1 theater
Houston, TX 4 theaters
Tampa, FL - 4 theaters
Seattle, WA - 1

Thats all I know right now.

[sleekproductions]

chud.com has a list of all the places that are getting it... and it's a lot more than what themovieminor posted

[Moviefan1234]

From www.chud.com:

HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MARKETS THAT WILL BE GETTING EQUILIBRIUM THIS WEEK. NOT ALL, BUT MOST:

NY
LA
Boston
Chicago
Philadelphia
San Francisco
Detroit
Dallas
Atlanta
Seattle
Portland
Albany
Buffalo
New Haven
Hartford
Cinn OH
Cleveland
Columbus
Toledo
Washington D.C
Richmond VA
Baltimore MD
Norfolk Va
Ft Worth
Houston
San Antonio
Grand Rapids
Nashville
Birmingham
Savannah
Charlotte
Raleigh/ Durham
Charleston SC
Greensboro
Greenville SC
Greeneville NC
Fayetteville NC
Denver
Colorado Springs
Las Vegas
Honolulu
Phoenix
San Diego
Milwaukee
Minneapolis
Sacramento
Kansas City
New Orleans
Memphis
Tampa
Miami/ Ft Luaderdale
Orlando
Jacksonville
Ft Meyers/ Naples

[TheMovieMinor]

Thats a lot of places. Not bad, not bad at all.
I thought it was the top 20 markets. So what does the 20 markets mean?

Anyways, Equilibrium is getting a better amount of theaters than I thought, about 100-150 maybe. Not bad.

Sleek I will probably see the 7 something show. I pretty sure bout it since some of my buddies have a 5 oclock class and all.

[Moviefreek]

Man....I did not hear of this movie untill a few days ago when i saw that it was being released. Then I saw the trailer and could not wait to see this film and then i find out its a limited release and it makes me upset..I think this movie would make some good money. It is showing an hour from here, I might have to make the trip

[Horror whore]

Originally posted by Moviefan1234

Toledo


Yeah, I saw in the paper today that it's playing at my "art cinema". I would see it, but (a) I have no clue what it's about and have seen no advertisements and (b) my art cinema is a half an hour away compared my regular theater (which is in walking distance).

[rushmore beauty]

Originally posted by Horror whore
Yeah, I saw in the paper today that it's playing at my "art cinema". I would see it, but (a) I have no clue what it's about and have seen no advertisements and (b) my art cinema is a half an hour away compared my regular theater (which is in walking distance).

a) Go to www.apple.com/trailers and watch it.
b) SO FUCKING WHAT!!! Watch the trailer and I'll see you at the movies.

[vastlynne]

Something I found that I haven't seen before...

<<slight spoilers ahead if you already haven't watched it yet>>

A chilling picture of John Preston and his former partner (http://www.compleatseanbean.com/Equilibrium.jpg)

[TheMovieMinor]

Yes, I have seen this film now. Friday Night. It had about 15 people in there. This film had to be on top, one of the best sci-fi, action flicks. The plot actually stuck to the movie pretty well. A little better description of the plot. John Preston (christian bale) is a clerick, who is 1st class of being the best fighter and best of everything. He reads peoples feelings. he stops taking doses of Prozium, and learns everything about the world that once was. Excellent Movie, 9.8/10.

I recommend everyone to see it when it arrives to your place.
Fight scenes were tremendously awesome, quite different.

[Fergus]

HO--HO--HOLY CRAP!!!

That was my consistent, repetitive reaction throughout my viewing of the film, which I'm proud to say, is the best experience I've had watching an action film since The Matrix was released, that was 3 years and eight months ago. First of all, Dimension should be crucified for not promoting this film (their second in the past two months) because obviously a ton of work went into making this film, especially the action scenes which are new and different than anything you are used to seeing. Heck, I still haven't seen Die Another Day, and yet, I'm not much interested anymore, because there is no way it will surpass the new film from Kurt Wimmer.

Now, I confess that I'm building all you schmoes up to think this is an ACTION HEAVY film.....IT'S NOT. The reason I liked as much as I did goes to the well developed characters living in this Utopian world in the 21st century. And there was more time devoted to character development than I expected, and in a few scenes I found myself switching positions in my seat, but the film works better with these developments. I will confess I did notice the shortcomings, such as the plot hole involving:

*******SPOILER*****************
the red ribbon Bale takes. The leader of the resistance, played by William Fichtner asks him questions about taking the red ribbon and smelling it....anyway, there is no indication to me, in any scene, or even by some suspension of disbelief. There is no way the people of the resistance could've known about the ribbon. It is a small detail, but noticeable, especially if I picked it up, because petty suspensions of disbelief usually don't bother me, as long as I can make some sense of it. Here, I wasn't fooled.
*****************END SPOILERS***********

And sometimes the dialogue was a little corny, only in spots, but done to the best of the actors' ability.

The production design was very cool. Simple colors and sets, but very effective, and I guess you could say, "Orwellian in nature." Also, the camera work was very stylish, more than in any mainstream movie, which also makes the film unique in its own right. An "Artsy Action" movie----never heard of it.

Overall, I was very impressed, with my adrenalin pulsating furiously when I walked out. The best action movie of the year, and I highly DOUBT any film will surpass that, I promise you. I will see this again definitely, and as for my rating... a promising...

8/10....minor faults and all.

[rushmore beauty]

I cannot wait to see this flick. It's gonna rock.

[the movie guy]

EQUILIBRIUM -

AMAZING! The performances (esp. Bale) are great, the story is smart and surprising (many twists that I didn't see), and the action... Oh, the action...

... More exciting than the action in The Matrix, and doing so in it's own original style - not copying, like most action movies do these days. It's LESS action than The Matrix, but when it hits, it hits mighty fucking hard. (It's also VERY FAST, which I find makes for a lot more excitment than slo-mo has to offer.)

I have only two small complaints... The visual effects are "Jason X"ish (that means "not good") but they are scarce, brief, and not TOO distracting (they just aren't Academy Award-worthy). Also, about 10 minutes of the middle of the film are a little slow, but I'm a big boy with a strong attention span, so it didn't really bother me. It feels like an ESPECIALLY small complaint considering the last 20 minutes of the film have possibly the four COOLEST action sequences EVER, so you'll leave the theatre grinning. (And, that's right, I said 4.)

GO SEE THIS FILM!!! (If you can.)

9.3/10 or (a high) A-

[Strider]

I just got back from checking out Equilibrium. I enjoyed the movie a lot, but it felt like a wanna-be Matrix, and that's the movie's only downfall.

On the other hand, the movie is a solid sci-fi/action flick with solid performances. Christian Bale really gives Keanu Reeves a run for his money here. However, Sean Bean was so wasted, didn't really have much to do.

Also, the story by Kurt Wimmer, while borrowing a few things from "The Matrix", is still intriguing. Wimmer does a good job at the directing as well.

In the end, Equilibrium was not even *this* close to being as good as The Matrix. Still, if there's anyone who can't wait until The Matrix Reloaded opens in Summer 2003, Equilibrium will do... if you're looking for a solid sci-fi/action with a brain, of course.

Grade: 7/10 or *** 1/2 out of ***** stars

Strider

[BarkingSparrow]

The mainstream critics are pretty much reaming this movie, a 19% rating on Rottentomatoes and a 32% rating on Moviecritic.

The hoi polloi however, appear to really like it (judging from reactions here and on IMDB).

Any idea when (if) it'll go wide release?

[MrBlack]

I saw it--- I have been looking forward to this movie, and it was worth the wait.

I will get my qualms out of the way first-
**************SPOLIERS******************
The ending- oh my it sucked. The COMPLETELY infeasable ending. O.K, I will go through what happened. Father talks to preston about how he just allowed for the arrest of the other cleric just to make preston feel happy... (this must be in relation to allowing for him to get the underground arrested) then SUPRISE, it is the lead cleric who is father! (the way it was done, not very suprising). After that he kills all of the guards and just 2 ROOMS AWAY is the leader of the whole city... it seems that he is not very well guarded. Its not like I don't love the movie for it's story, but that ending just bothered me for some reason.

Also the Techno music got obtrusive occaisionally, but did work usually. In the emotional scenes when the techno music played.. Man did it ruin the moment for me. But it usually worked.
*****************END SPOILERS**************

The movie's action sequences were all amazing, the emotional / serious scenes were very well done usually as well. Sean Bean, Christian Bale, and Emily Watson were all great. Bale was the best, as always.

Do not expect the action to be every few minutes, so if you go into the movie just for the action, you just may get bored. Thats not to say that the story sucks- it is very well done, and I think that most people will appreciate it. Overall a VERY cool movie, a drama/action, not to be picked at too much, but to be enjoyed easily.

8.3/10

[dh1989]

Originally posted by BarkingSparrow


Any idea when (if) it'll go wide release?

From what I have personally read about this film, it appears the release this weekend is all Dimension has planned for this flick. I'd love to know why they have so little faith.....

[Moviefreek]

Its sad thou...on Rotten Tomatoes it rates a 19%, doesn't seem critics are favoring it to well....but i wanna see it, and it sucks its an hour away from me...is the drive worth it???

[TheMovieMinor]

Originally posted by Moviefreek
Its sad thou...on Rotten Tomatoes it rates a 19%, doesn't seem critics are favoring it to well....but i wanna see it, and it sucks its an hour away from me...is the drive worth it???

Hell Yeah! Your fav. will switch from The matrix to Equilibrium.

[Strider]

Originally posted by Moviefreek
Its sad thou...on Rotten Tomatoes it rates a 19%, doesn't seem critics are favoring it to well....but i wanna see it, and it sucks its an hour away from me...is the drive worth it???

Hmm... yeah, I say the drive is worth it. Just don't expect Equilibrium to be as good as your fav flick.

Strider

[Scarface98.9]

Here's a very enthusiastic review of Equilubrium from a critic not counted by rotten tomatoes:

http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/379/379351p1.html

And from what I've read, it's gonna get 2 thumbs up from Ebert and Roeper (if it matters to anyone)

[sleekproductions]

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0238380/586-R.jpg


Equilibrium was a very good movie, with terrific action scenes. But reflecting on it after just two weeks of having seen it, it's not all that memorable. While it provides for terrific entertainment while watching it, and some great discussions afterwards, in the end it's just entertainment. It's smart, yes... but it isn't truly moving. There are two scenes in particular that still stand out in my mind (other than the action) and they are

SPOILERS
thedogsceneandthescenewherehediscoversthemusic.
END SPOILERS

But in the end... it falls short of what other films of this sort have done. Don't misunderstand me... I think this is a VERY GOOD movie... it just had the potential to be more...

8/10

[dh1989]

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0238380/646.jpg

Rating: 9/10

This film is great, and I mean great! The film is very artfully done. This not a cheap Hollywood film, it is a classy drama with some kick-ass action. Now if you go in for actions scene, you'll leave with a smile on your face. The film has lightning cool action with tons of awesome gun-play, and some great sword fights. The Clericks are amazing. Their style of fighning is breathtaking. This film also features great acting. Christian Bale is perfect for this role because of his icy look, and his uncanny ability to play any emotion wonderfully. An Oscar-worthy performance. Sean Bean is wasted, but for the few scenes he has, he is great. Especially the scene in the Nethers about 20 minutes into the film. Taye Diggs is cool. He is the perfect bad guy, and you really get the impression he could kick a lot of ass in a few seconds. Emily Watson is brilliant. She has a small role, but it is pivotal. The score is great. Some of the classical tunes are really exciting, and I stayed to listen to the credits. I want this soundtrack, if there is one. The special effects are okay. Some of the digital aerial shots of the city are very artificial looking, about as good as a PS2 game, but it does not bother you much. Kurt Wimmer did an excellent job writing and directing this flick. He has a very sharp, distinct, and terribly exciting visual style. He has a very cool vision of the future: more stark, and sad, than over-the-top rocket pack land. His writing is great. The plot unfolds nicely, and some of the scenes really hit you. Dion Beebe, the cinematographer, is amazing. The film has many stylish shots. They'll show a scene reflected in an eye, and it pays off nicely. The twist at the end is also intriuging, and smart. Overall, this one is an amazing ride. And even if you have to drive a long time to see it, its worth it. This film is an ultimate cinematic experience!

[TheMovieMinor]

(clapping)
DH, you struck the big time. Every word in the summary is perfect. That is exactly what is needed to be said. Lika-alot.

9/10 movie, 9/10 DH's review.

[dh1989]

Thanks. :) I am glad you enjoyed my review.

[Moviefreek]

this makes me happy...seeing this good reviews and excited. The Matrix fan i am, hopefull this will satisfy me, that hour drive may be around the corner...on yahoo from the USERS not CRITICS..the movie rates a 4.8/10 and seems to be on what you are saying on IMDB it has 7.6/10....man...this is aweseom..i hope deminsion changes their mind and goes wider with this movie..if word gets out that its this good it should have no problem gettin some legs and goin...a sci fi Big Fat Greek Wedding...that would be great.

[HA-4]

for me the film was so-so...kinda disapointing (especially because it is afterall a direct rip off of "1984" and "Fareinheit").
the score wasn't very good either....

HOWEVER!...and I insist on this...
every single action sequences are at least (and i don't think i'm exagerating here)...

at least 20 times more impressive, than the matrix's bullet-time and slow-mo.

what you see in EQUILIBRIUM is absolutely insane!...ultra violent,turbo action sequences. everytime bale is using his technic "the gunkata"..it is a monumental carnage!

i have rarely seen anything like it...(only in japanimation maybe..)

anyone remembers this exellent anime/manga called :
"fist of the north star" ? (aka hokuto no ken)..
well, in equilibrium, they are using a similar style, only instead of throwing repeated punches and kicks...they are using pistols,shotguns, blades...

the lobby scene in equilibrium (like in the matrix), is also quite impressive. (shorter but better..much better than what was shown in the matrix)...neo,morph and trinity are a joke, compared to bale's john preston....

But apart from the unbelievable action moments..don't expect to be blown away by the plot..(very derivative and unconsistant).
still...
you'll have lots of fun!

[XCoRyX]

im so damn happy,my you know what has just finally calmed down...its playing in 2 theaters here in philadelphia,and im going today (technically,its past 12:00 am)....i cant wait!

[anakinsrise]

i went to see Equilibrium (2002) it was great!!! and here is my review.THE GOOD: On a scale of 1-10 8 1/2 gunkata moves!! Ok i admit it i am a sucker for surprises,and when the come in the form of movies,even better.Its a shame Dimension Films,hardly promoted this movie ,but overloaded us with the ad campaign for the crapfest garbage flic,titled They (2002) .but thats another story.but with EQUILIBRIUM,we are given a great plot ,and story.Imagine a world without feeling,no remorse,guilt,sadness,joy,no art,books,television,movies!!! This is the world thrust before us in EQUILIBRIUM.Out of fear of the world war 4 starting man now controls all feeling through the drug prozium.Which brings to the Ultimate thought cop,Clerick John PrestonChristian Bale.Who is as cold and unfeeling as he is an accurate marsksman.For example,even in pitch black darkness the man doesnt miss his target.But one day john doesnt take his prozium,and he is awakened to feelings long locked away,the beauty of a sunshower,guilt over letting his wife,and his partner die,and the beauty and touch of a woman,Mary O'Brian,Emily Watson who he arrested earlier.But there are some who want things to remain the way they are including Cleric Brandt,Taye Diggs and Master ClerickAngus MacFadyen.i really applauded the story and bale's performance,as that of diggs,and watson too.Couple this with some eye popping,fantasticly choreographed action sequences,all i can say is GUNKATA ,GUNKATA ,GUNKATA!!!you cant help but let out a few loud oohhh's and ahhhh's.And we are with john all the way as he struggles for freedom along with an underground resistance.THE BAD: Some of the characters disappear from the screen too quickly for me,but hopefully we will see more of them on the DVD.And EQUILIBRIUM can be a bit preachy at times,some points are already established but the script seems to go right back to them and it made me groan ok we get it dont beat us over the head!!! IN CLOSING: This movie really appealed to me,and i found myself smiling right along with john preston through his struggles,with his son and daughter as they smile,at the sounds of explosions and cheers,because they are fighting for and gaining back what we all hold dear especially in these trying times:FREEDOM!!!!

[bskutle]

OK folks, the studios' got some 'splainin' to do. The past year, some very fine movies have been given the shaft by less-than-grateful studios looking to just unload some "dead weight." Disney looked to give Miyazaki's wonderful "Spirited Away" a boost, but the result has been another Disney-held Miyazaki
dud (look at Miramax's handling of "Princess Mononoke" back in '99). New Line- understandably focused on the epic "Lord of the Rings" series- unloaded Andrew Niccol's smart satire "S1M0NE" at the end of the summer...and it tanked. Lion's Gate promoted Bill Paxton's lasting "Frailty" good to start out, but
no one bit on the bait, and the film is merely a cult item.

And then there's Dimension, the genre film house that "The Crow" and "Scream" built. Now, nothing wrong with promoting "Spy Kids 2"- that's fun. But what about "Wes Craven Presents: They?" He didn't even direct the damn thing! This deserves promoting? Whatever.

So, what has Dimension ignored? Start with January's "Imposter," based on a Philip K. Dick story. Not a sci-fi classic, but certainly more intriguing than the usual junk that gets dumped into theatres the first month of the year. How about "Below," a WWII submarine ghost story from the acclaimed
writer-director of "The Arrival" and "Pitch Black?" The 'net was a buzzing, but it saw only a handful of theatres around Atlanta, but was quickly gone as Warner Bros.'s "Ghost Ship" saw brisk business.

Now comes "Equilibrium," a science fiction thriller set post-WWIII where the solution to war- to preventing a fourth World War- is...don't show emotion. You do, you're dead. This strict law is enforced by "clerics," sort of like the Pre-Crime division in "Minority Report," one of whom is played by Christian Bale from "Empire of the Sun" and "Reign of Fire." Sean Bean (Boromir of "Fellowship of the Ring") plays one of his partners, a suspect of being a "Sense Offender," while Taye Diggs ("Go!") plays another hot-shot cleric. The thinking I guess on Dimension's part is, "It looks like 'The Matrix'- why position it to be considered a 'Matrix' clone? Dump it." The thing is, you talk to the right people, it's got great buzz. You see, every manager and employee at my theatre who screened this flick before and when it came out this weekend raved about it, loved it, and preached the "gospel" as it were to all who asked. Of course, I had to check it out.

Well, I have, and I have two questions. 1- "Why wasn't Christian Bale Neo in 'The Matrix?'" 2- "Why isn't Dimension promoting this sucker?" Now, by now you must know, I was less-than-impressed with "The Matrix." The action was cool, but in terms of story, it was cliched, long-winded, pretentious, convoluted, unoriginal, and almost lulled me to sleep midway through. It changed it's own rules mid-film, and the whole "virtual-reality" angle had been given better service in Alex Proyas' brilliant "Dark City," still the
pinnacle of the hybrid between sci-fi and film noir.

"Equilibrium" makes up for that film's deficencies. It's a smart Nth-degree examination of what might have happened had Hitler won WWII, which brought up an interesting paradox/question as I watched the film- How can emotion be cut off completely? In the film, the inhabitants of the Utopian city of Libiria take a drug that somehow cuts off emotion, but it would seem to me that feeling could never be cut off completely, as everything we do would
seem to illicit even the slightest sense of emotion. I guess it might be easy to not show it, but it appears that the clerics like Diggs and Bale can "sense" when a person feels emotion, whether they show it or not. The clerics are trained sociopaths, asked to take lives- and destroy any "banned" items like art, music, and film- without questioning why. In "The Matrix," a lot of bullets were fired, a lot of lives were taken. In "Equilibrium," Bale- and the audience- are asked to question why.

And then there's the action. Put simply, "The Matrix" looks like hack work compared to the likes of this. The action is rooted in the idea of "Gun-Kata," which is supposedly a form of martial arts based entirely around guns. The arty, slo-mo wire-fu of "The Matrix" could only hope to keep up. Writer-director Kurt Wimmer (previously known for scripts to "The Thomas Crown Affair" and
"Sphere") stages the action with riveting fluidity and style that'll floor you, and make you wonder why you were even impressed with "The Matrix" on that level.

So where does this stand in the pantheon of sci-fi/noir? Well, obviously I think it tops "The Matrix" (D+). What about Ridley Scott's classic "Blade Runner" (B-)? Yup, tops that too. And Jean-Luc Godard's "Alphaville" (A)? It's probably on-par with that. And Arnie's "Total Recall" (A-)? I'd put it ahead of that. And "Imposter" (B-) earlier this year? It's ahead of that. What about Spielberg's "Minority Report" (A+)? Nope, that's still ahead of it. So is "Dark City" (A+). This is an exciting time for science-fiction.
With filmmakers like Proyas, Spielberg, and Wimmer helping to resurrect- and maintain- the art and intelligence of sci-fi artifice, the 21st Century- only 30 years ago seen as a radical, visionary time in filmmakers- looks to open the minds- and imaginations- of those in search of new visions to remember, new quandries to contemplate.

Now if only studios would put a little effort into selling them...

Grade for "Equilibrium"- A

Viva La Resistance!

Brian Skutle

[JohnnySwinger]

I just SAW this 30 minutes ago!
AWESOME!
Here are some specifics:

ACTION 10/10 - I screamed 'shit' about 1,000 times, So great! BETTER THAN THE MATRIX!

ACTING 9/10 - Christian Bale was PERFECT. Everyone else quite good.

CINEMATOGRAPHY 9/10 - Great. The camera was always where I could see everything and the lighting, PERFECT. Loved it!

OVERALL - 10/10
Never thought I'd give another movie 10/10 but, this one earned it! Loved EVERY SINGLE second of it. Bale , YOU ROCK!

RECOMMENDATION -
GO SEE THIS MOVIE! NOW!

JSwinger

[Puck Bond]

Equilibrium is a slick piece of action/sci-fi filmmaking with a good cast and some great fight scenes and gun play, that has some interesting things to say about what makes us human, feelings and emotion...but surprisingly to me I just didn't get into it and I left the theatre feeling indifferent about it. It is the early 21st century and after WWIII most of everything has been destoyed. In order to avoid war ever happening again, the survivors have set up a society where human emotions have been outlawed(apparently the disease of human existence)...leaving a machine like, mechanical existence for those who choose to abide, but there is naturally a resistance movement. That's where the Clerics come in...Christian Bale plays a cold, hard, supreme fighting force of a weapon that enforces these laws...until there comes a time when he has to execute his partner played by Sean Bean(who is sorely underused). Bale begins skipping out on his dose of "interval" a liquid injection surpressing human feelings...and soon starts to feel, have emotions, care for people in particular Emily Watson(who we also do not see enough of) and other things...and soon sees the utter brutality of the new society's regime, which includes "sense-offenders" being shot on site...I did feel some of the execution scenes were a bit excessive. Bale then goes about trying to help the resistance movement to overthrow the regime, but also has to deal with cleric and new partner Taye Diggs, who for me was not convincing and nasty enough for a villain. Especially in their ending fight sequence that didn't take more than 2 seconds! The shot is cool, but he seemed a little too weak. Another problem I had is though this is not a Matrix rip-off meaning the action style and gun battles are inventive, and are at times awesome(especially when Bale is surrounded by guards)...but it does borrow from other recent sci-fi films...the sets and police/force felt like left overs from films like Minority Report and Impostor as is the basic plot similar. As a big action fan...i was slightly disappointed with this film or maybe in myself for not liking it as much as maybe I should or thought I would. It is well made with a good cast with some cool action, but something just didn't sit right...maybe future viewings will change my feelings.

[SonicDeathMonkey]

I'm not gonna sit here and spout off about how great it was because everyone else already has(hint-Go see the movie....now). I want to know, like many of us that have seen it, why Dimension isn't pushing this for a bigger relelase and advertisements and what not??? I'm baffled. I guess they have their priorities though. I though this was a great movie.

Now on to what people are bitching about more. First off, it's not a rip off of The Matrix completely. It's like everyone is saying, "The Matrix was the first movie to ever use martial arts with style and slickness and so it can NEVER be done again because if it is than that's unoriginal.". Bullshit. With a capital B. Than I guess the Matrix ripped off Every Hong Kong movie ever. Hmmmm....

Next, the storyline which it ripped off from The Matrix. The idea of waking people up and blah blah blah. I think the concept of fascim has been around for longer than 1999. Wouldn't it be fair to say that The Matrix just tweaked the story of Farenheit 451(which this movie is based off of...roughly. In theory.)? I'll admit there are similarities but I want you to name a movie that is completely original. Exactly. Every story is just a variation of pre-existing stories that have been around for centuries. If you're looking for Memento and Fight Club than you're obviously a genius for going in expecting to see mass amounts of ass kicking yet walking out with a deeper sense of your life and existence. I like that last line, remember it. I know I sound like I'm bitching but I'm simply addressing the exorbitant amount of crying that has been coming from all those pseudo movie critics that you've surely seen by now(Die Ebert). I love this movie. It was put together well. Had a nice flow and transition. Editing, sound effects, and most of the special effects were awesome. But overall the movie just flat out kicked ass. I, like most that will see it, highly recommend this movie.

[SonicDeathMonkey]

I should mention that the ONLY problem I had with this movie was

Spoilers? I guess

That both The Matrix and Equilibrium had a lobby shootout scene. Though different lengths and of different composition it still felt, to me at least, a little bit like I'd seen it before.

On that spoiler thing...I consider it a spoiler cause I hate finding anything out about movies at all. Even if it is something dumb like that which gives nothing away plotwise at all. Oh well...

[vastlynne]

Originally posted by SonicDeathMonkey
Critics fear my opinion and quickly changed theirs after reading this.

hey are you that Maddox guy with the "Best Page in the Universe" or are you just ripping his stuff??

[vastlynne]

http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2002/20021211l.gif

Yet another review:

Equilibrium

Wed, December 11 2002 - 7:57 AM
by: Tycho

It is safe to say that we were both pleasantly surprised by the movie Equilibrium. Perhaps him more than me, but I'm still just learning to enjoy movies that don't have French titles.

Now, this is not to say that absolutely every human being when presented with Equilibrium will fall to their knees and begin to worship it, or burst into extemporaneous song. Indeed, I was cautioned just before I went by (the powerful) Mach5, who linked me to the review he'd done on the film with a desperate urgency. You are welcome to read what he as written, as well as gauge the freshness of the movie at Rotten Tomatoes, as they will stand in contrast to anything I write here. Trying to argue about a movie is, as I told Mr. 5, like trying to argue whether or not chocolate tastes good.

I am not, myself, terribly fond of chocolate. I think the color unseemly, and this suspicion underpins everything I believe about it. That conversation is over already, you can tell me that you had some chocolate syrup on some ice cream, and that was quite tasty, or you bought an exotic truffle from a Chocolatier and you thought it would kill you it was so good. I don't care. How you can eat something that color is beyond me.

It is the same thing with Equilibrium. I firmly believe that objectivity is mythological in this context, people just like some things or don't like them, and then they craft elaborate mechanisms after the fact to explain why or why not. Many reviewers, for instance, get really caught up on some of the material the film uses for inspiration - classic dystopian works like F451 or Brave New World - isn't treated the way they think it should be. I don't know if somebody told them it wasn't an action movie, or what, but this narrative quality compares favorably with most, if not all, movies of the genre. I don't know if you've seen Commando. It's not Proust. Nor is Equilibrium Orwell. It takes what it needs to and hurtles forward.

The cries of "Matrix Ripoff" were predictable, but sort of sad. To paint The Matrix as some kind of solitary, unaided fundamental of modern sci-fi action without recognizing the liberal plunder of Gibson, Stephenson, and Woo is laughable. I don't want to hear it. You don't have to hate Equilibrium to like The Matrix, or vice-versa. They aren't sporting teams, they're fucking action movies. And if you think that Gun-Kata, the fighting style of the Grammaton Clericks is somehow derivative of The Matrix, then you are an alien being from another planet. Who knows how, or why, but they pulled off two of the most inventive action scenes I've ever witnessed. I actually covered my mouth with my hand and stopped breathing.

I guess it depends why you're going to it. I expected sci-fi lite with inventive action scenes, and pow, direct hit. If you're expecting 1984: The Movie it is not for you, and if you're expecting a big-budget special effects spectacular this is not for you.

(CW)TB out.

--from Penny-Arcade (www.Penny-Arcade.com)

[SonicDeathMonkey]

Go see this movie. No challenge.

[RogueSpear]

I finally get to see this tonite after I get off of work. If it's half as good as the other movie Dimension fucked over this year, Below, I'll definately be leaving the theatre with a big smile on my face! :D

[TheMovieMinor]

"The Untrusted Spy"

An upcoming film about a gang and their untrusted spy. I think they showed a trailer in front of Equilibrium, didnt they?

[XCoRyX]

Still havent gotten around to seeing this one....i sure hope i can soon...i might go after school,because the theater showing it is rather far.But,i want to see it so much,i guess its the price to pay eh?

[SonicDeathMonkey]

I seriously want to know why Dimension didn't push this AT ALL. Does anyone know or has anyone heard anything????

[TheMovieMinor]

Originally posted by SonicDeathMonkey
I seriously want to know why Dimension didn't push this AT ALL. Does anyone know or has anyone heard anything????

Yeah, I usually hear a lot of things. Right Now I hear Weezer playing through my headphones. The song is called "The Good Life." But usually I hear back conversations, and pretty much anything. Why do you ask?

Rephrase the question buds.

[SonicDeathMonkey]

Clever. Not really though. Has anyone heard or know of any reason why Dimension isn't pushing Equilibrium? Satisfied?

[SonicDeathMonkey]

oh

[TheMovieMinor]

I wanted to see this again, but my theater is a group of assholes. I would of first of all put Equilibrium on 5 screens, just to show its a cool film. But since they only put it on one screen, the second week I expected no changes, but what they did was they put it on showing only - 915. That sucks. I was watching Nemesis at the time, so I couldnt see it, it will probably be gone, only if a boost at that showing was good.

[usuallysuspected]

I saw this movie last night and I must say I came out one happy guy, Its rare that a movie like this comes out of nowhere, the sad thing is that this movie shouldn't have come out of nowhere. The execs at Dimension should burn in hell for not marketing this great movie. I gave it a 8.5/10

[Ass-Spelunker]

A-frigin-men. This movie was the bees knee's. Left the theater very much enjoying that movie and wanting to see it again. Unfortunately by the time I have a chance to see it again, it'll probably not be playing anymore because this movie didnt get the kind of push it deserves.

-AS

[SLAW]

This is such a great film. I can't believe JoBlo and Arrow have not reviewed this.

[Ass-Spelunker]

great post vastlynne. That review from PA by Tycho was actually the reason I went and checked it out. :)

-AS

[Jim H]

A quick question: are there any other Gun-Kata movies?

Oh yes, and I live in Missouri fairly close to St. Louis.. What's the closest place? Heh, looked to me to be a few hundred miles away unless I missed something.

[usuallysuspected]

I so glad I went and saw this movie when I did because it is already out of the only theatre plaing around where I live. That pisses me off too because I was going to see it again and show some more of my firends how bitchin it was. I hope this doesnt turn into the best movie that no one ever see's.

[chikusho]

hmm...i saw the trailer, and i didn't think it seemed interesting. But after seeing everyone's comments on it, i might just go see it.

I was very disappointed in a review of it in the New York Times. The person reviewing it was very sarcastic and cynical, which i didn't think was right.

Anyway, it seems like an interesting story.