Impostor

Starring: Gary Sinise, Madeleine Stowe, Mekhi Phifer, Tony Shalhoub, Vincent D'Onofrio, Shane Brolly
Directed by: Gary Fleder
Rating: R
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Based on the short story by Philip K. Dick. While on his way to work, a weapons designer, Spencer Olham (Gary Sinise) is abducted by a governmental agency. They tell him that he is an alien robot with a bomb in his heart. He's told that the nanotechnology is so advanced that he breathes, bleeds, and even thinks he is Spencer Olham. Olham escapes, and races against time to gather enough evidence to prove he really is who he thinks he is. He gets help from his wife (Madeleine Stowe), and a man living on the outside of society (Mekhi Phifer).

Review:

Tim: Impostor is an intense, twisting suspense ride that will keep you guessing until the very end. The film is quite mysterious, giving you bits and pieces of information, and daring you to figure it out before the end. Try to figure out the ending, I dare you. No matter what you think you know, forget it. This movie will make you question what you see and what you feel. It leads you down a dark path, and then, pulls back the curtain to reveal everything.

This film succeeds mostly due to Gary Sinise. He gives a powerful performance as a deeply troubled man, asking if he really is who he thinks he is, questioning his very existence. I really like Sinise in the starring role. So often he gives amazing supporting performances, like in Forrest Gump and in Ransom. It's great to see him here in his own spotlight, carrying the film himself.

Mekhi Phifer gives a strong performance as well. I first saw him in the movie, "O", and I wasn't sure what to think of him. He had talent, but I didn't know if I liked him or not. Here, he is much more able to be liked, and I've found after this film, I have more respect for him as an actor. He goes up against Gary Sinise, and holds his own.

The other aspect of this movie to mention is the futuristic quality of it. It raises a number of questions about technology, privacy, and much more. Pay attention to the advanced technology seen throughout the movie- I bet it will make you question the future just a bit. In a world where you can be detected anywhere, and certain governmental agencies can do pretty much what they want, what do you do if that technology turns against you? How do you prove the technology wrong? These questions and many more are brought up by Imposter.

This is a very smart film. It mixes futuristic technology with human drama, and philosophical questions. It will twist and turn you until you don't know which side is up, but in the end, will slow down just enough to let you see the big picture. If you're a fan of sci-fi movies at all, then this film definitely deserves a viewing. The acting is excellent, the plot is twisting, and the ride is enjoyable.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Forrest Gump, Ransom, Blade Runner, 12 Monkeys, Total Recall