In the early 21st
century, World War III has killed off the large majority
of humans, everywhere. Those who have survived have
realized that mankind will not be able to live through
another war. So, they construct a new division of law
enforcement—one that controls man’s violent nature and
inhumanity—the ability to feel. People everywhere are
forced to take a mind-controlling drug called Prozium,
in order to keep them from letting their emotions
control them, and allow them to think for themselves.
Anyone who obtains any feelings, whatsoever, is either
shot on sight, or is incinerated.
John Preston (Bale) is the
leading officer in this enforcement program. It is his
job to seek and eradicate all forms of human emotion and
expression (paintings, pottery, music, books) and anyone
who is a “sense offender”. He is extremely talented in
his field of work, and always, unquestionably, obeys
orders to the fullest. But, one day he forgets to take
his daily dose of Prozium, and begins to experience
things he has never felt before. In deep emotion, he
realizes he must attempt to overthrow this cruel and
unusual system of controlling mankind.
Sometimes it’s extremely fun
to watch a movie that’s incredibly unrealistic and
farfetched, because it lets us leave our normal shoes
for two hours, and simply enjoy the impossible. That’s
the feeling you get when you watch a movie like this.
The plot leaves us the victim of a rush, similar to that
of The Matrix, in the sense that both films are
about freeing mankind from mind-controlling oppressors
that we are unaware of. But, while a lot of
Equilibrium’s pros are inspired by The Matrix,
many of its flaws are repeats of those in the movie
released just a few years ago.
I happen to be the type of
person who enjoys extreme, fast paced, kung fu,
screwball-like action and fighting sequences. This movie
introduced a whole new spectrum into the world of
martial brawling – kung fu with guns. I was amazed. The
way that one, unarmed man could disarm, disable, and
shoot an entire squad of trained police officers in the
faces was rip roarin’ fun! The fact that two men could
point-blank, fire-fight, and not hit each other was just
plain visionary. While the film left much to be desired,
and was incredibly tacky and undeniably cheesy, it tops
my list of guilty pleasures for the year
two-thousand-and-two.
One of the most predominant
faults in this movie were the totally cheesy and
unrealistic costumes (particularly the police-officers’
wardrobe). It looked like the cops were exhibiting some
type of new fashion, called “flashy mixed up pieces of
broken plastic and Styrofoam.” I felt like I was
watching a couple of second graders playing cops and
robbers! However, this might’ve been due to the
considerably low budget.
Each and every performer in
the cast decently portrayed their role, but I must say
the best part of the film was easily Christian Bale. To
watch he and his character change from an emotionless
robot, into a wanting man is incredible. He’s nowhere
near phenomenal, but is at least watchable.
Equilibrium
is a great film to watch if you’re an
action buff, and don’t mind the campy cheesiness. It has
a very interesting plot and great action scenes. I would
definitely recommend renting, and probably buying, the
DVD.
-Daniel, Bucket Reviews
