Auggie

I'm impressed. How did the Auggie glasses know what my 'perfect woman' looked like, when I wasn't even the one wearing the glasses. Must be the Auggie software was programed into the DVD. OK seriously (sort of), I'm now in love with Christen Harper. I wish they explained how Auggie looked like the daughter's friend. If I wrote this, I would have explored the evils of mind reading tech. Not the evils of lusting in your heart. So Felix was masturbating to a fantasy woman. So what? Don't we all. Annie scolded Felix that Auggie wasn't REAL. Someone should explain to Annie that Auggie WASN'T REAL. Is Felix guilty of 'Thought Crime'? 8/10 for going in the wrong direction.

source: Auggie

This movie should be a lesson/demo on how to start with an original brilliant idea and mess it up to the Nth degree! Reading the writer/directors interview about the initial concept and idea, this movie goes that far from it that you feel you could have done a much better job at it or on the original premise. So many beautiful things could have come out of this original concept! Alas. What is left is some good actors wasting their efforts on a mixed up, confused and completely lost of an effort for a movie. Yet there have been so many good ones that are on similar or even closely approximate lines that we can take inspiration from - Her, Zoe to name a few.

I don't think it's a terrible movie like some of these reviews but but feels like a low budget version of Spike Jonze's Her but not as inspired or thought provoking.

He's going to need to wash those pants. Never has there been a time where I wish I were clever and not two bottles of wine in; so many memes, so many tropes! My wife is becoming suspicious. We're always running out of tissues and I have been doing a lot of laundry lately. "Who do you see when you put on the glasses?" An easy answer, "A dirtier version of you, and you're very enthusiastic about oral." A perfectly acceptable, completely unverifiable lie. Are you more upset because your husband bought sex pants to have virtual intercourse with an imaginary AI, or that he built a fort in the living room with the good Egyptian cotton sheets? There are worse movies out there than this one. It's American Beauty without the roses... and no Kevin Spacey.

Even though this film has a science fiction element it is not really about artificial intelligence, but more about a lifeless, middle class, job and success oriented way of thinking and living, hence a similar (also one sided) marriage. Sad but quite real. The ending is irrelevant and shallow, still somehow it reinforces the idea of living in a society where self-deception is a skill in chasing a false notion of moral correctness.

I feel like Richard Kind is one of those actors who is just consistently underappreciated, or maybe even underestimated, even for as ubiquitous as he often is. He's wonderfully versatile as a character actor, and at that more than capable as a lead, too. Maybe I'm projecting, and I don't mean to sound like I'm in any way undervaluing his co-stars, but I also feel like the warm ease of his acting also helps to brings out the best in those with whom he shares the screen. Indeed, though Kind is the star here, Susan Blackwell, Christen Harper, Simone Policano, and others in smaller parts all shine as they play off the dynamics afforded in scenes together, and off of how their characters are thusly informed. And with that, it's safe to say that we've seen other stories like 'Auggie' before, tales that have played with similar notions. That doesn't mean that a new variation can't be worthwhile on its own merits, and as filmmaker Matt Kane and co-writer Marc Underhill craft what is seemingly their first full-length feature, I believe they've also whipped up something just meaningfully different enough in its approach to be quite deserving. This may not be wholly essential, but it's a well made and quietly satisfying drama. One might easily imagine how with a slight adjustment the screenplay could have turned into more severe psychological territory, or perhaps become a thriller. As it is the picture is softly engrossing as the story of a recently retired man who finds revitalization from a source fraught with uncomfortable ramifications. Familiar and commendable themes are presented in a way that nonetheless feels fresh, and maybe particularly relevant in our ever-changing technological landscape. All told the writing is perhaps relatively uncomplicated and straightforward in every regard; there are no major surprises here except maybe in the last minutes, nor any major spark to stir deep investment. Yet characters, dialogue, scenes, and the narrative at large are written well, real and believable if light compared to what we often expect from movies. 'Auggie' is all that it needs to be to lock in our engagement and entertain. Factor in Kane's capable direction, and fine contributions from all those behind the scenes, and this is both made and written well. Enjoyable as the story is, still it's the acting that stands out most. Save for an especially striking beat in the last minutes as suggested, there's nothing about this that specifically leaps out to grab our attention; strong as it is, it's not intensely absorbing. Even with a slightly downbeat tone, this is more the type of film that's a pleasant view for a relaxing night in, with just enough substance for us to ponder the ins and outs of the scenario and the plot as it unfolds. If my words in any way seem noncommittal or unbothered, take this as a reflection of how 'Auggie' presents itself, subdued and uninvolved. This may not be a title that appeals as much to those seeking something more immediately gripping, but if you're looking for a solid drama that doesn't require utmost active concentration, thanks above all to the writing and the cast this is well worth checking out.

Spooky movie if you think this could be the future! Not too far removed from what is happening in the world of artificial intelligence!

Felix (Richard Kind) is forced into early retirement. As a parting gift, his company gives him a pair of augmented reality glasses. These cutting-edge appliances can create a virtual companion, based on the wearer's thoughts and fantasies. When Felix finds himself bored at home by himself, he starts wearing the glasses. While Anne (Susan Blackwell) his wife is at work, he spends his days in the company of Auggie, played by the beautiful Christen Harper. As the days go by, he becomes increasingly obsessed with her, to the detriment of his relationship with his wife and daughter. I found the movie to be quite engaging and well written. And Richard Kind was absolutely brilliant. To use an old cliche, I thought his performance was understated and nuanced. He's one of those actors you seen before but can't place his name. I believe he's better know for his theatre acting, and it shows. I'm not sure why he isn't in more films.

Watching this movie led me to google "self talk voice in my head." I would enjoy watching more movies that expand on inner speech. While talking to yourself is often regarded a social no-no, possibly hinting at psychological problems, ongoing research suggests that point of view requires revision.