Gray Matter

This isn't so bad as I was led to believe. Neither is it great. First quarter is too slow, and the movie does feel longer than it is, which is unfortunate. A little slow and repetitive in the "dream" sequences. For me it got better when Dillahunt showed up. I thought his scenes with Mia Isaac (who's fantastic and has a great career ahead of her) were more sparky and interesting. Script needed work and its a shame it didn't get it. This is a repetitive truffle made more watchable by talented actors. I found myself much more disappointed in the accompanying series, Project Greenlight. Was so clearly manipulated and set up for maximum "drama", but her support system was nonexistent. Found myself disappointed in Issa Rae.

Disclaimer: I watched the accompanying "Project Greenlight" first, so I knew there were issues with the script going into this but they did create more drama in the show to make the film seem worse than it is. Meko, you did need those extra shoots/angles girl...that's Film School 101 but PGL did lack true training/mentoring for a beginner (if it weren't for Gina and CatchLight I don't think this film would have made it). It's not bad for a first feature. The best movie PGL has ever released.

Now for my take.

It felt like a CW Pilot and not a film even per streaming standards. The pacing in the beginning was slow and could have been fixed with editing to help with the elements of surprise that follow later. This is a good lesson in a script needs to be solid before starting production. The story flow got better in the second act but then it all fell apart in the third. I give a 90% on technical because of the editing issue and VFX but it was shot, lit, and color corrected perfectly. Maybe to perfectly?! I saw all the Spielberg, Ridley Scott, etc. Tricks but enjoyed them none the less.

The actors were top notch and that along great production design and cinematography helped make it watchable.

Even with a killer script, I think 'Gray Matter' would have been better as a series and not a film. I don't feel it would have held up to 'Limitless' (which was first a book and later made as a series). This would have allowed for more character building. I think it's hard to make a genre piece like this and have true substance for just 90 minutes. However, the timeline for pre-production and principal was unrealistically condensed and I feel shows in the film execution as well.

So overall, the script, pacing (editing), budget, and the ridiculous timeline (I don't know how they got away with this) makes for a pretty good start on a TV series but doesn't hold up as a film.

I suggest give it a watch anyway just to see some good technical shooting and acting.

This truly feels like something I had seen before and I without naming names, I have indeed already seen films about people with powers trying to keep them hidden and suppressed with a young person learning how to control them. Basically that's all that this is about. Some of it is clever, some of it confusing and none of it is really special. I did like some of the performers however. Mia Isaac in the lead role as the child who is learning is quite good subtly gaining strength, power and determination by the time this ends. Jessica Frances Dukes as her mother is also good and Garret Dillahunt provides, as usual, a most capable performance. I swear this guy can play anything. I loved his little smile near the end. I know nothing about Andrew Liner, but he gives one of the most sweet & tender performances that I have seen in a long time. That's mostly all he has to do, but he does it very well. This is not terrible, but it's minor.

The movie (more like an episode for a show that doesn't exist) is a relatively simple concept, and the film is too. There really isn't much I'll take away from this film that will stick.

Overall, it's a movie you can put on in the background or while making dinner. Besides some cgi blood and one head explosion it's just for kids. Very simple characters, plot is also standard kid with powers, harness them, mom/kid relationship (which drags really bad towards the end).

I liked the idea maybe as the pilot to a much more complex show (which honestly may have been why it was made because it's really low budget with lighting, settings and actors). Standard 5/10. Not awful not memorable really at all.

Honestly way better than I was expecting. I needed something decent/new to watch. This is what I needed!

I feel like the only thing missing was a little more substance.

The idea from the movie was better suited for a short tv series. More character development and more of everything lol

But I was thoroughly entertained. Had me on the edge of my seat at times despite being mostly predictable like any other movie. Great popcorn flick.

As compared to "Dark mirror" as some have mentioned...in my opinion that show can be over the top, even perverted. So, yeah. If you're into that kind of thing this movie will probably disappoint.

No profanity in this or nudity. Just your annoying smart mouthed know it all teenager.

I had to make this review long enough to post but I wanted give this one a thumbs up! Too many bad reviews.