Ghost in the Shell (2017)

Ghost in the Shell (2017)

2017 PG-13 106 Minutes

Action | Drama | Science Fiction

Based on the internationally-acclaimed sci-fi property, GHOST IN THE SHELL follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to...

Overall Rating

6 / 10
Verdict: Good

User Review

  • WHAT I LIKED: In balancing the source traditions with some genuine new-found greatness, I personally think this film is pretty close to the very best version of a slightly Hollywood 'Ghost in the Shell' that we could ever get. Yes for a start, it smartly retains many aspects that make previous incarnations so impactive, and mostly updates them in all the right ways. This extends right from the eerie, empty tone and modernised world-building, right to the dreamy new-found visuals that paint a different but equally unique view of this future. Mostly though, more than any of its physical changes, what makes this adaptation stand on its own is what an in-depth character study it really is, as we get to explore Major in a whole host of new lights and truly delve underneath the shell for the first time. Who better then, than the awesome Scarlett Johansson to play this role? Well, noone, as she carries this thing on her back, and delivers something that not only makes you feel all the wonder and unease of before, but also brings a human side to capture and engage you in all that surrounds.
    WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It is indeed a slightly Hollywood version of Ghost in the Shell, and that means some of the ideas are dumbed down for action and character. This prevents the themes from transcending past the screen, but I can say with confidence that it was a worthwile sacrifice for an extra layer of new-found humanity.
    VERDICT: A more character-driven and Scarlett Johansson-driven take on 'Ghost in the Shell,' and all-in-all, a very engaging film indeed.