The Gene Generation (2008/Lionsgate DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C Feature: C
Science
Fiction has become so plasticized by phony looks that all we are living through
now is a junked up cliché of the bad Sci-fi of a plastic future, as if it were
a good thing. Now it comes with blood
and murder. At first, Pearry Reginald Ted’s
The Gene Generation (2008) has
potential with an appealing lead in Bai Ling, an interesting premise of DNA
hacking, wacky genetic engineering and the abuse of all to ruin the world and
people’s lives. Some of that might sound
like what we have seen before, but in the best tradition of animated Aeon Flux (versus its silly live action
film, both reviewed elsewhere on this site) has some issued besides the action.
However,
even with a good turn by Faye Dunaway of all people and decent supporting cast,
it slowly implodes into everything we have seen before and being gross and
dirty does not cover this up. Too bad,
because this could have been a first rate franchise if they had stuck with
ideas, but at least it has some ambition, even if too much of it is not
realized.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is soft, even without the many digital
effects included, but despite the off-color look here and there, the image is
surprisingly consistent on its level.
Depth is an issue and it is hard not to me annoyed by too
many effects, but we’ve seen worse. The
Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is not bad, but its soundfield can be too loud, harsh,
awkward and inconsistent. Dialogue can
be uneven too. Extras include two audio
commentary tracks, storyboard comparisons, trailer gallery, a Music Video,
deleted scenes, cast/crew, digital comic book, visual effects and concept art.
- Nicholas Sheffo
