Gareth Edwards’ The Creator (2023) is a thought-provoking and visually stunning science fiction film that dares to tackle big questions about artificial intelligence, humanity, and the blurry lines that separate the two. While not without flaws, the film offers a rich and often breathtaking cinematic experience that stands out amid today’s Hollywood blockbusters.
Taken 3, directed by Olivier Megaton, is a relentless action thriller that pushes a father’s fight to the edge. A former operative, framed for murder, goes on the run to protect his daughter and clear his name. The film delivers intense action, exploring family, justice, and survival, tied to your love for Neeson’s commanding roles.
Neeson’s fierce Bryan captivates, his apartment shootouts—like a fist-fueled brawl—electrifying, while Whitaker’s sharp Franck, Grace’s vulnerable Kim, and Scott’s cunning Stuart add stakes. Megaton’s gritty visuals—L.A.’s urban sprawl, smoky hideouts—and a tense score power the 109-minute runtime, with ferocious pacing. The action sequences, blending chaotic combat and emotional stakes, thrill, grossing $326 million. Neeson, Whitaker, Grace, and Scott deliver a fierce, action-packed saga, gripping action fans.
Taken 3 is a bold, star-driven manhunt, with its stars as its relentless heart.
Rating: 6.8/10
Set in the near future, The Creator imagines a world in which a devastating war has broken out between humans and AI-powered beings, after a nuclear attack on Los Angeles is blamed on artificial intelligence. Joshua (played by John David Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent, is recruited to hunt down the mysterious figure known only as “The Creator,” the elusive architect of an AI superweapon that could end the war.
What follows is a gripping chase across a war-torn landscape in “New Asia,” where Joshua discovers that the weapon he’s been sent to destroy is a child-like AI named Alphie, with the power to end the conflict—or humanity itself.
1. Visual Brilliance
Edwards, who previously directed Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, returns with a masterful eye for scale, lighting, and atmosphere. The Creator is one of the most visually impressive sci-fi films of the decade, using real-world locations and practical effects seamlessly blended with CGI to create a grounded and believable futuristic world.
2. Themes and Questions
The film raises intelligent and relevant questions about the ethics of AI, warfare, and what it means to be “alive.” There’s a constant tension between human fear and AI innocence, which challenges the audience to consider the consequences of our technological ambitions.
3. Performances
John David Washington gives a solid performance as Joshua, balancing stoicism with a gradually emerging emotional depth. Madeleine Yuna Voyles, who plays Alphie, delivers a surprisingly affecting performance, bringing warmth and humanity to her AI character.
1. Predictable Story Arcs
Despite its intriguing premise, the plot at times follows familiar sci-fi tropes and can feel predictable. The storyline echoes many elements from Blade Runner, District 9, and even Children of Men, without always offering something new.
2. Emotional Disconnect
Though the film attempts to build a strong emotional bond between Joshua and Alphie, some viewers may feel a lack of deeper development or connection. The screenplay leans more on spectacle and concept than on fully fleshing out its characters’ emotional arcs.
3. Pacing Issues
Some sections of the film lag in momentum, especially in the middle act, where the narrative stalls slightly before picking up again for the climax.
The Creator is an ambitious sci-fi film that combines timely themes with groundbreaking visuals. While it doesn't always succeed in its emotional storytelling, its ambition and craftsmanship are hard to ignore. Fans of serious, speculative science fiction will likely find much to appreciate—even if the film leaves them with more questions than answers.
