MORGAN (C+)

MORGAN is a genetic modification morality play that dabbles in an array of exciting genres (sci-fi, action, horror, thriller, drama) but ultimately drops the rock when it comes to making us really care about any of them…  Anyone can throw a few balls in the air – but it’s the juggling that makes things interesting.  This is an emotionally distant, surface-level, cold-hearted, arthouse action flick that raises a few noteworthy questions regarding man’s God-like reach vs. grasp – but never possesses the guts or know-how to adequately explore its inherently intriguing themes.  While its pace and tone remain applaudingly hypnotic and its female-focused leads shine on the acting front, this muddled sci-fi hybrid still finds a way to forge on with the marble-minded grace and perspirative perseverance of George McFly in search of a date to the Enchantment Under the Sea dance.  Density, unfortunately, is not the only issue at hand here.  Still, with all its clunky misgivings, there’s enough tension-riddled juice at the core to place it at a just-above-average recommendation for the right audience.  Serviceable but shallow…and ultimately extremely forgettable, MORGAN plays better than it should based solely on its lack of early September competition and the lackluster summer that proceeded it.  It’s HER meets EX MACHINA meets BLADE RUNNER by way of THE TERMINATOR…  And what might make a decent watch for some, will bore others to tears.  Once is fine but it’s also enough.  Here’s hoping that MORGAN won’t be back.

Starring: Kate Mara, Anya-Taylor Joy, Toby Jones, Rose Leslie, Boyd Holbrook, Michelle Yeoh and Paul Giamatti
Directed by: Luke Scott

Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr. 32min.
Story: A corporate troubleshooter is sent to a remote, top-secret location, where she is to investigate and evaluate a terrifying accident. She learns the event was triggered by a seemingly innocent "human," who presents a mystery of both infinite promise and incalculable danger.
Website: www.foxmovies.com/movies/morgan