Puzzlehead (2005)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

James Bai

Writer:

James Bai (writer)

Genre:

Drama | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

So this is what it is to be human...

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Dystopia | Chess | Future | Scientist | Android

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Stephen Galaida	...	Puzzlehead / Walter
Robbie Shapiro	...	Julia
Mark Janis	...	Carjacker
Mark Lampert	...	Dead Man / Victim
Jon Bavier	...	Landlord
Paul Schulz	...	Dreggy Guy
Elise Abrams	...	Dreggy Girl
Ramon Moraldo	...	Homeless Man
Ray Montanez	...	Mugger
Chuck Ardezzone	...	Robber
John El Manahi	...	Thug #1 (as John Elmanahi)
Kevin McCormack	...	Thug #2
Richard Craven	...	Paramedic #1
Edward J. Harrigan	...	Paramedic #2
Amy Lotven	...	Patient

Runtime:

81 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Zero Sum Productions

Entertaining and Thought Provoking

Unlike so many of the mass-produced, mind numbing works of garbage being pumped out by the Hollywood machine of late, this film was as thought provoking as it was entertaining.

This film is an ideal example of how a little genuine creativity and a lot of hard work and dedication can outdo a large budget, CGI and crowds of extras any day of the week. For that alone, the makers of 'Puzzlehead' deserve much credit. The scene of a drab future world, in which scientific advances are shunned in favor of protecting and preserving our own human concept of humanity, is set flawlessly through the thoughtful use of cinematography and colour.

Ultimately, this film has one questioning which of the many factors we associate with humanity are actually desirable, and which are not. It also raises questions regarding which human traits are necessary in a being in order to regard that being as human. If other humans think it human, does that make it so? I also appreciated the film's insinuation that all things made by man will ultimately suffer from the same innate flaws as man himself.

If you're looking for a film that can stand firmly on its own two feet, without the crutches of a catchy soundtrack, famous actors or multiple explosions, then I would highly recommend that you watch Puzzlehead without delay.