"Surrogates" Movie Review

My husband and I went to see the new Bruce Willis movie, "Surrogates," this weekend and enjoyed it immensely. Something of a cross between "The Matrix" and "I, Robot," but with a fresh twist of its own, "Surrogates" tells a compelling story with characters that we really cared about. The basic premise is a world where people stay indoors, controlling and living vicariously through robot-like surrogates that are generally younger and more attractive versions of themselves. These surrogates were originally designed for the handicapped to experience things they might otherwise not be able to do. But more and more people saw them as a way to stay safe, young and beautiful, not to mention being increasingly uninhibited in their actions. This version of life quickly becomes the norm, and in some ways simplifies things for everyone. Soon those who choose to live their own lives without surrogates are considered nuisances, referred to as "meatbags." When two surrogates are "murdered" by one of these so called meatbags, it doesn't create much of a stir until someone discovers that their operators are likewise dead. The character of Bruce Willis, in an effort to solve this mystery before more human operators are killed, ends up venturing out in the form of his real self. For the first time in a long while he is forced to experience life up close and personal, to the dismay and disgust of his co-workers and his wife.

This movie could have taken so many cheap, obvious or surreal routes, but it resists them all and tells a rather straightforward story, much more effective for its understated style. With just the right blend of sci-fi action and character-driven story line, it tells a compelling story without an overabundance of foul language or sexual situations. It does have violence but much of it involves the surrogates. It earns its PG-13 rating, but for once I feel that thirteen year olds (and up) can watch this movie and understand the underlying concepts it leaves the viewer to contemplate. For instance, is living your life with all of its joy and satisfaction worth the pain you will be called upon to suffer? For so many who are already fighting wars, playing sports, driving cars and interacting socially through an avatar while sitting at a computer, this is a timely movie. It made me want to go immediately and do something physical! I recommend "Surrogates" to anyone 13 and up who likes an entertaining movie that makes them think.