Movie review: Selfless

When you are a billionaire facing terminal cancer what do you do? Have your mind transplanted into a new body of course! But when you find out the body is used not new, and the transfer procedure wasn't quite as advertised, you may wish you had paid more attention to the Return Policy.

Ryan Reynolds (Young Damian), Natalie Martinez (Madeline), Matthew Goode (Albright), Ben Kingsley (Damian), Victor Garber (Martin), Derek Luke (Anton), Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen (Anna), Melora Hardin (Judy).

Selfless is an interesting tale that examines the morality and ethics dilemma which arises from acting upon the desire for immortality. Facing terminal cancer, Damian decides to try a new procedure called Shedding; taking the mind of one person and putting it in a different body. But when strange memories begin to surface Damian realizes the body he was given was used, not new as promised.
The concept of the film was pretty good but execution was sadly lacking. We received very little background or chance to get familiar with Damian before his shedding so afterwards behavior that may have been significant was not recognized. As a result we had a lack of emotional investment in the film which is precisely what would have made it a great film.

Acting was good with Reynolds putting forth a very nice performance. Martinez was a good choice, playing well with Reynolds and delivering nicely. Goode was solid if somewhat bland, as was Kingsley in a smaller role than expected. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all nicely done with good detail and a solid feel. Nice use of natural scenery as well. CGI, effects, and action scenes were appropriate and done well. Dialogue was good and added a lot to this film, though a bit more detail would have been nice. Sound and soundtrack were mild but good.

Selfless while being a good film could have easily been a great film. Acting and technical work are well done, and the storyline is quite enjoyable. Those who enjoy a heavy dose of drama with their sci-fi should enjoy this one.

With some sexuality, violence, and foul language this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 10.22.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Mystery, Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi Drama

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel