Auggie

Spooky movie if you think this could be the future! Not too far removed from what is happening in the world of artificial intelligence!

Watching this movie led me to google "self talk voice in my head."

I would enjoy watching more movies that expand on inner speech.

While talking to yourself is often regarded a social no-no, possibly hinting at psychological problems, ongoing research suggests that point of view requires revision.

Promising concept but unfortunately the only worthwhile actor is Richard Kind. The remainder of the cast is just wooden and the stark contrast is hard to ignore.

Felix (Richard Kind) is forced into early retirement. As a parting gift, his company gives him a pair of augmented reality glasses. These cutting-edge appliances can create a virtual companion, based on the wearer's thoughts and fantasies. When Felix finds himself bored at home by himself, he starts wearing the glasses. While Anne (Susan Blackwell) his wife is at work, he spends his days in the company of Auggie, played by the beautiful Christen Harper. As the days go by, he becomes increasingly obsessed with her, to the detriment of his relationship with his wife and daughter.

I found the movie to be quite engaging and well written. And Richard Kind was absolutely brilliant. To use an old cliche, I thought his performance was understated and nuanced. He's one of those actors you seen before but can't place his name. I believe he's better know for his theatre acting, and it shows. I'm not sure why he isn't in more films.

There are many of these 'augmented reality' movies these days. Movies like Anon or She are examples of AI taking over the life and choices of everyday people.

Auggie poses some interesting questions about, AI, it's part in relationships and rudderless lives.

The acting is ok, Richard Kind is good as the aimless retiree in a loveless marriage.

The writing is ok for the first half and then falls away in the second. The character of the daughter I found to be a complete b*t*h. Maybe that was the point.

The colour palette is washed out which nicely characterises the blandness of our protagonists life.

In the end it says nothing about the AI. Instead, Auggie chooses to tell us about the effect on relationships rather than anything more enthralling.