Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

Impostor

MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for intense sci-fi violence, some sensuality and language.

Reviewed by: Douglas Downs
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Teens Adults
Genre: Sci-Fi Mystery
Length: 1 hr. 35 min.
Year of Release: 2002
USA Release: January 4, 2002
Mekhi Phifer and Gary Sinise in “Impostor” Gary Sinise in “Impostor”
Featuring Gary Sinise
Madeleine Stowe
Vincent D'Onofrio
Tony Shalhoub
Mekhi Phifer
Director Gary Fleder
Producer Gary Sinise
Amber Steven
Daniel Lupi
Gary Fleder
Marty Katz
Distributor
Distributor: Dimension Films. Trademark logo.
Dimension Films, a division of The Weinstein Company

“Impostor” is a bland sci-fi film based on a short story by Philip K. Dick. The story was originally contained in a three-chapter anthology called “Alien Love Triangle”. Philip, who wrote this story in 1953, has been referred to by some Science Fiction enthusiasts as a “futurist.” I am not sure that I would put his writings in that classification. They seem to be more of a fantasy look at the dilemmas that faced individuals during the Cold War. He doesn’t seem to write about the future at all (with as often as he gives his impressions about the present). But Philip does examine some of those complex questions like “how can you tell who the real enemy really is?”

Our story begins with Spencer Otham (Gary Sinise) as a government scientist in the mid-21st century working on a weapon of mass destruction. The government hopes to use the weapon against the aliens from Alpha Centari. His own father died while fighting this common enemy of Earth.

Early on in the film, Spencer is informed that the real Otham is dead and that he is merely an alien substitute. Hathaway (Vincent D'Onofrio) begins the process of trying to convince him and expose the fact that his mission was to assassinate Earth’s leader. Spencer objects and quicker than you can say “Fugitive” he escapes. He first tries to contact his wife, Maya (Madeline Stowe), who is a physician. She has the necessary medical records to help clear this whole misunderstanding up.

Most of this film is very dark. I personally don’t mind that for part of the film, but to make the majority of a movie in poor lighting is, in my opinion, not very interesting. I know that Phillip K. Dick has been the inspiration behind other popular sci-fi flics like “Blade Runner” and “Total Recall”, but I found this one rather stale. Instead of trying to explore the themes of paranoia or technology run-a-muk, we have a very cold, distant, and unengaging presentation. This film was originally rated R and went through the appeal process. There is some strong language (including one use of the f-word) and several religious exclamations. Producer and Director Gary Fleder also included quite a bit of violence. Most of the suspense in the film was spoiled by obvious predictability. It seemed more like a Christmas disappointment like “didn’t I get this gift last year.” The film does have some sex, but it is veiled and between a married couple.

My recommendation is to just skip this one. You will save a few bucks and the same disappointment as I had. It is not as bad as “Battlefield Earth”, but it is surely a close second.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Neutral—It was a very dumb movie with the worst ending ever. Go see The Lord of The Rings instead.
My Ratings: [Average / 2]
Jarrod, age 13
Neutral—I thought it was a great movie—very fast moving—very interesting. I really liked this movie… I would recommend this to anyone.
My Ratings: [4]
Jason S, age 13
Positive—Although this film does not contain anything spiritually edifying, those who enjoy the genre will really appreciate it. The plot line was unsettling with many unexpected twists, including one at the end that left me and my friend’s mouths wide open. Granted, one will have to suspend disbelief to fill a plot hole or two. This movie includes all the nuances that make Science Fiction so fun, like little census scanners that pinpoint your position when you walk by, and a giant medical scanning device that looks like the underbelly of a giant metal spider. The film noir lighting 1) probably cut down on set costs and 2) followed the fugitive/conspiracy theme that marked the nationwide “Red Scare” during which the book was written. Overall, I give it a few thumbs up. I recommend it to only the few of us who truly appreciate the craft of Science Fiction. For everyone else, this will be a two hour nap.
My Ratings: [Average / 4]
Michelle Melton, age 24
Negative—We went to this movie because Ocean’s 11 was sold out. We should’ve just gone home… it was slow, had loads of plot holes, and it didn’t move me (and I like Gary Senise). I got up for a popcorn refill in the middle, which I will NEVER do if the movie is good!
My Ratings: [Average / 2½]
Romaine, age 47
Movie Critics
…moderate violence… one scene includes the gruesome removal of a robot’s human looking heart… God’s name in vain [is used]…
Preview Family Movie and TV Review