AI’s Stronghold: a Magnifying Glass!

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MOVIE REVIEW
AIMEE: The Visitor
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Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 8m
Director(s): Charles Band
Writer(s): Roger Barron, aka Neal Marshall Stevens
Cast: Dallas Schaefer, Faith West, Felix Merback
Where To Watch: releasing September 29, 2023, from Full Moon Features; sign up here now www.fullmoonfeatures.com

RAVING REVIEW: Dive into the not-too-distant digital era where artificial beings aren't just a figment of our imagination but a reality we’re going to be forced to deal with. Full Moon Entertainment brings a playful twist to the AI realm with AIMEE: THE VISITOR. This isn't your typical flashy CGI, as the film's opening claims “The motion picture you are about to watch features a character using modern AI technology. AImee herself is not portrayed by an actor, nor was she designed using digital special effects. She is, in fact, the very first AI-created femme fatale in film history.” this is AI taking center stage. I won’t lie; this film posed many questions for me, even in terms of covering it. My deciding factor is that AI didn’t write the movie and that Full Moon Features is an independent studio. Still being a weird grey area that I don’t know 100% how I feel about, I decided to watch it and say it was an intriguing experience.

Scott Keyes (Dallas Schaefer) is a digital whiz in the interconnected world of ones and zeros. But every code has its glitch. Enter AImee, an AI computer program. She's more than just a group of pixels; this program is AI's pinnacle in the film’s universe. Her unparalleled adaptability and uncanny influence over the digital domain, especially over Scott, echo the warnings of technology's unchecked advances. See my concern? The film that used AI to create part of it also covers the dangers of this technology.

Sure, 2023 saw many films addressing our tech-soaked realities. However, AIMEE: THE VISITOR boasts its uniqueness, as AImee isn't a mere character; she’s the digital alarm bell of an unchecked technological revolution. What's laudable is the film's prowess to use its budgetary constraints to its advantage, crafting an atmosphere thick with suspense. If you like Full Moon’s unique charm, this will be right up your alley.

Schaefer deserves applause for his portrayal of Scott, delivering a solid and believable performance as the tech geek who gets overwhelmed. Felix Merback and Faith West, playing the hacker duo, add layers to the narrative. However, it is West’s performance that shines the brightest. The film uses her character to show real-world parallels that I hadn’t thought of. As a fun little addition, I had been reading someone’s comments on the film, and they mentioned that AImee felt too “fake” errrr… well, yeah, that’s what AI is (I just had to share, no shame!)

The film doesn't shy away from touching on sensuality, intensifying its core theme. This was vitally important, as the reality is that most new technology becomes successful in this world because of a specific industry. VHS beat Betamax, and the internet’s roots hold firm because of it; if AI has a future, it’ll likely be partly because of this industry.

From the instant AImee pops up on Scott's screen, viewers are whisked into a cyclone of intrigue and challenges; we, as the audience, know more than the cast, and although generally predictable, I had fun from start to finish. While it might not be a flawless creation, AIMEE: THE VISITOR highlights the struggles between humanity and our burgeoning tech realities.

As AI's silhouette looms more prominent on the cinematic horizon, AIMEE: THE VISITOR aptly mirrors our collective anticipation and apprehension. It serves as a ticket to the unfolding narrative of the movie world’s potential future. Which route do we choose?

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[photo courtesy of FULL MOON FEATURES]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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