Rating: 
Summary: The Matrix it ain't
Review: Instead of the gee-whiz techie approach so common in the sci-fi genre, Cronenberg takes a decidely minimilastic approach in this film. Everything from lighting to props to sound to the backdrop of the film itself (out in the country instead of bustling, congested urban landscape) is "o-tech"in nature Of course the usual Cronenberg body-manipulation themes are in this film (via the "io-ports". BTW, I liked the Matrix very much. I was just comparing. :)
Rating:
Summary: Death to the demon Cronenberg
Review: Not really. You need to have great patience to watch this film, but it pays off in the end. An intricately textured film with a great ending. Enjoy
Rating: 
Summary: Virtual Reality Blurs Reality
Review: This is one of the best films of 1999. Its eerie that David Cronenberg so seamlessly meshes virtual reality with everyday life.I think that is the point of this film, which has been lost. The line between our everyday life and the world of computers, video games, entertainment and the media is seamless. Beyond that the story line and acting performances were uniformly good. Jennifer Jason Leigh gives a very uncanny performance as one who seems totally absorbed in the game and simultaneously detached. When I left the cinema my mind was definitely focused on the film and I was totally absorbed in what I had just seen. The soundtrack by Howard Shore is marvelous and, having purchased it, I find it very cerebral and haunting. In short. A great film and, definitely, not part of the normal hollywood matrix.
Rating: 
Summary: Make It Stop!
Review: After watching this excuse for a movie, I really felt like calling up Cronenberg and asking for an hour and 1/2 of my life back. What could have been an interesting premise goes nowhere, with a couple of actors that are totally wooden in these roles. The script is supposed to pass for "complex", but what it really is is shoddy writing and story structure. Someone needs a remedial english class. If you liked "The Matrix", and I did, don't waste your time with this waste of celluloid...
Rating:
Summary: go back to your ST convention and shut up.
Review: Cronenberg returns to his more visceral style in the "vein" of videodrome and scanners and yet still manages to keep some of the refinement of crash here. The contrast between technology, biology, and the very natural wooded setting is ingenious. Cronenberg is a a treasure to science fiction because he gives the genre some often lacking intellectual meat. If its predictable formulaic hero epics your looking for your in the wrong place. LONG LIVE THE NEW FLESH!
Rating:
Summary: Predictable and unimaginative
Review: This movie is just bad, predictable plot, lame action, and what's with the organic game pods? Save your money and buy the Matrix, or 12 Monkies, or just about anything else. Very dissapointing for a David Cronenberg film.
Rating:
Summary: Semantic Spaces
Review: This is a movie for very specific tastes. Dispite what the publicity, its not a mystery or even really a thriller, but hey they've got to find a way to market it right? The movie is a comedy, in the same vein as Brazil and Starship Troopers. Yes it is the Funny side of videodrome, but remember how long it took videodrome to get the status it has now. Don't be mistaken by the Matrix comparisons, this is not a Matrix type film in any way shape or form. But if you get the jokes that DC is throwing out there, and just have fun with it (The first time DC has ever asked that of an audience) the film has a charm. This is not as polished a film as Dead Ringers or Crash, but one of his more rough films like Scanners, Videodrome or the Fly. Remember this is not an action film, this is not The Matrix, Virtuosity or even Johnny Mnenonic (God forbid) and probably the best thing that can be said is that this is the inside joke DC is giving his fans (A small but DEDICATED group) but to those fans this is a welcome addition to the form and a pleasant reminder that smaller more personal films do stand a chance of being made without selling out. David, Please keep up the outstanding work.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELENT!
Review: This was the best movie i have ever seen. Matrix was awesome and 13th floor was pretty good but this kept me in total suspense the whole time. The Matrix and 13th floor didn't have near that effect.
Rating:
Summary: Like, too intelligent and stuff for Keanu fans dude!
Review: Existenz should not be mentioned in the same breath as the Matrix. Doing so would mean that there will be many disapointed people out there who have been violently denied their 2 hours of meaningless special effects and bad acting. David Cronenbergs films are always strangely funny, tongue in cheek and filled with more than a passing sense of irony. The fact that people have bagged this film based on it's apparent similarities to the Matrix, I'm sure, would put a huge smile on Cronenbergs face. Indeed, he achieved his goal. Were you watching this film? Beautifully shot and acted, David Cronenberg has once again provided a smarter product for more discerning viewers. If you don't get it, you are what this film is about. Funny.
Rating:
Summary: Are you kidding me....
Review: If you like this movie, why not just visit a slaughter house. At least there is a plot. I have to vent b/c this flick really sucked. I watched a good deal of the last hour in fastforward. This movie lacked a plot, special effects, acting, and a soundtrack. What was the budget 1/2 Million? Mentioning this in the same breath as the Matrix is a joke. Thank god I rented it!
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