Evolver

Although a little nasty in some scenes, Mark Rosman's "Evolver" is mostly a fun romp. It focuses on a computer whiz (Ethan Embry) who wins a robot with whom to play laser tag, only to find that this particular robot got designed for an army program, and is therefore intended as a killing machine. Specifically, one that never loses. There were a few scenes that I think that they could have done without, but otherwise the movie is pretty enjoyable. Maybe a little predictable, but no one expects much else from one of these movies, right? Also starring Cindy Pickett (the mom in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off") and William H. Macy as the voice of Evolver.

The plot has been done many times. AI gaming robot with a secret military subroutine. Hmm? I could start a list. You could do a lot with that with CGI and real actors. Here, there's no CGI (yet), so we have toys and stop motion and bad acting, and unfinished characters, and a primitive Robby the Robot concept from the 50s. The whole movie looks 1980s, not 1995. It almost looks like a high school comedy, but turned dark. I couldn't empathize with any of the characters, and kinda wished all of them had been done in. It's also in 4:3 format. I had my fingers on the FF.

A teen game wizard, Kyle (Ethan Embry) cheats in order to win a contest. His prize is the A. I. robot of the title.

At first, EVOLVER is a "cute" novelty, playing games with Kyle and his friends. Of course, if it stayed like this we'd have another SHORT CIRCUIT on our hands. So, EVOLVER soon becomes a stealthy -if clunky- killing machine!

Terror and death ensue.

If you enjoy killer robot movies like CHOPPING MALL, then this should be a thrill. The cheeeze factor is through the roof, making it a terabyte's worth of fun!

Co-stars John de Lancie as the robot's creator...

I don't see why people dislike this movie. Probably the same people who watch movies only for special effects (i.e. The Matrix) This movie has alot of entertainment value, especially if you're into Robotics,Virtual Reality or just plain Sci-Fi/Horror.

*** 1/2 out of *****

I thought this movie was entertaining and for the most part kept my full attention. There is a lot of computer talk, so if computers aren't your thing then you might search elsewhere. Basically, a kid whose excellence at virtual reality games grants him a free robot named "Evolver". Well, Evolver goes nuts and starts killing people. The story is fun to follow, with characters that are easy to follow and interesting. For the most part, cheesy dialogue but that is expected. Enjoyable little sci-fi gem, check it out!