When I found out a few weeks ago that I was being sent a copy of the upcoming DVD release of substitutes to review, I was neither excited nor disappointed. Mainly because when the movie was released in theaters last September, it was one of those movies where I replied “Hey, I’ll rent it” when asked what I thought of it. And while I was familiar with the popular graphic novel the film was based on, the trailer for the film didn’t impress me enough to rush down to my local marquee and see it in its theatrical release.
Turns out I was right in my decision to wait and see. substitutes until it came out on DVD, as the movie was surprisingly entertaining; a fun sci-fi story to get lost in, but with a few minor flaws that might have disappointed me more if I had bought a $12 movie ticket to see it. But seeing it as a rental was a nice experience, one that left a much more positive impression on me when the end credits began to roll.
substitutes begins with an opening credits montage that brings viewers up to speed with the film’s alternate reality, where a brilliant doctor has invented technology that allows humans to operate remotely controlled robotic versions of themselves with nothing more than their minds, feeling and experiencing everything that the machines experiences. Originally created for humans suffering from disabilities such as paralysis, such as the doctor himself, the technology soon becomes so advanced that anyone can buy a “substitute” for himself, allowing him to live a flawless and carefree life vicariously through their mechanical versions.
With the vast majority of the world’s population becoming hermits while using their surrogates for all of their daily activities, life has become almost perfect on planet earth. That is, until the son of the doctor who invented the technology is mysteriously murdered while he’s bonded with a surrogate, marking the first homicide in 14 years. FBI agent Tom Greer, played by Bruce Willis, leads the investigation that takes many twists and turns, leading Greer to abandon his surrogate when he begins to question the extensive use of him in a society that is now essentially machine driven.
As I said before the movie is based on the popular 5 issue comic book series which was drawn by Brett Weldele and written by Robert Venditti who was obviously influenced by classic sci-fi tales like terminator Y Bounty hunter while exploring many of the same concepts. The film version of substitutes was directed by Jonathan Mostow, the man who previously gave us titles like Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and the underwater drama U-571.
With substitutes, Mostow visualized the story and characters with a much more polished and saturated look than the dark and gritty source material it was based on, a move that turned off many die-hard fans of the comic. I, on the other hand, feel like the clean look of the film adds to this notion of a false world of perfection due to surrogacy. A world where all men want to look like the Gap mannequins and women like the fembots of austin powers.
Surprisingly, substitutes it’s actually one of those rare movies that is based on a comic book that would have really benefited from a longer runtime. With the film’s length clocking in at just under the 90-minute norm, the entire third act of the film seemed incredibly rushed just as the story’s progression was beginning to pick up speed. And Tom Greer’s (Bruce Willis) character development seemed a bit changed and needed more screen context to justify the momentous decision he makes at the end of the movie (no spoilers here).
Now, as far as the actual DVD goes, unfortunately if it’s special features you’re after, you’re better off opting for the Blu-ray release of the movie. The DVD only offers a rather outdated commentary track by Mostow and a Breaking Benjamin music video for a song that didn’t even appear in the movie. Nevertheless, substitutes It’s definitely worth watching as the movie’s intriguing premise and entertaining action may surprise you, especially if you’re a fan of comics. So if you were like me and shrugged it off when it was in theaters, you’ll have another chance; substitutes is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.