The year is 1984 and young programmer Stefan is developing a new computer game based on the book Bandersnatch, which allows the reader to direct the story outcome. Translating that theme to his game, Stefan begins to question reality and if the choices he is making are his.
Fionn Whitehead (Stefan), Craig Parkinson (Peter), Alice Lowe (Dr. Haynes), Asim Chaudhry (Mohan), Will Poulter (Colin), Tallulah Haddon (Kitty), Jonathan Aris (Crispin).
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is an unusual film in that it allows the viewer to direct the story and outcome. Initially this helped grab our interest in the film but when the choices we made pushed us back earlier in the film things got a bit frustrating. A few more tries and we realized the film was forcing particular choices at which point we gave up exploring alternative endings. That said, the concept and story were both somewhat entertaining.
Acting was decent with Stefan delivering well. Poulter fit his role well and delivered nicely. Parkinson, Lowe, and the remainder of the cast were solid.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good and fitting. Action scenes are mild but solid. Dialogue is enjoyable and has good depth. Sound and soundtrack are okay.
In the end Black Mirror: Bandersnatch felt more like a novelty than it did a film and quite simply, exploring all the variations (19 of them or something like that) would be somewhat time consuming with this Build It Yourself film. Franchise fans, or those who enjoy an unusual theme, should enjoy this one.
Some foul language, violence, and gore mean this should be saved for more mature teens and above.
Released: 2018
Reviewed: 1.2.19
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, British TV
copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel
Fionn Whitehead (Stefan), Craig Parkinson (Peter), Alice Lowe (Dr. Haynes), Asim Chaudhry (Mohan), Will Poulter (Colin), Tallulah Haddon (Kitty), Jonathan Aris (Crispin).
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is an unusual film in that it allows the viewer to direct the story and outcome. Initially this helped grab our interest in the film but when the choices we made pushed us back earlier in the film things got a bit frustrating. A few more tries and we realized the film was forcing particular choices at which point we gave up exploring alternative endings. That said, the concept and story were both somewhat entertaining.
Acting was decent with Stefan delivering well. Poulter fit his role well and delivered nicely. Parkinson, Lowe, and the remainder of the cast were solid.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good and fitting. Action scenes are mild but solid. Dialogue is enjoyable and has good depth. Sound and soundtrack are okay.
In the end Black Mirror: Bandersnatch felt more like a novelty than it did a film and quite simply, exploring all the variations (19 of them or something like that) would be somewhat time consuming with this Build It Yourself film. Franchise fans, or those who enjoy an unusual theme, should enjoy this one.
Some foul language, violence, and gore mean this should be saved for more mature teens and above.
Released: 2018
Reviewed: 1.2.19
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, British TV
copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel
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