Ultraviolet (2006)
A reoccurring theme in the cinema of humans is one of a problematic future in which the species face certain extinction, yet manages to navigate a path around their own demise at the last possible moment.
Ultraviolet can be categorized as one of these dark visions of humanity’s future. Not being constructed of metal, humans were susceptibility to numerous viruses and bacteria that managed to infest every inch of the planet before the humans scorched it. This succeptiblity to viruses is the foundation upon which Ultraviolet is based as the film delves deeply into the human fears of disease and the puzzling human fear of having the blood drained from their bodies.
Set in the future, the world of Ultraviolet is plagued by a new disease, only this disease modifies the humans into what are called “hemophages.” These hemophages develop numerous characteristics that are congruent with the mythological creatures known as vampires. Hemophages grow lengthened teeth, super strength, by human standards and a variety of other characteristics native to the mythological blood extracting living dead creatures called, vampires.
The story’s heroine, Violet is played by actress Milla Jovovich, who shows good range especially for an actress in a science-fiction/horror genre film. Jovovich was the star of numerous action based, gun play movies based upon video games and comic books, such as Resident Evil. Like most futuristic science-fiction mass produced by the corporate entertainment structures of the day, the world of Ultraviolet finds itself under the overt totalitarian rule of an organization of human elites called the Arch-Ministry. Indeed, it was rare that a work of corporate produced science-fiction film did not envision a future without a totalitarian regime. The humans themselves instinctively knew or secretly longed for such an openly repressive form of government. As to which of the two options is the case, well, that has been greatly debated by all of our historians.
By the standards of the day, the visual effects and special effects of the film are very good. The film has a interesting and unique look that would have left some sort of impression on the small human minds that were to have witnessed its endless glorification of human on human violence. “Speaking” of violence, the film has numerous comically long and detailed violent sequences that must have fueled the adrenaline of the semi-evolved ape creatures as they ate numerous chemically laced toxic “treats” in the darkness of the movie theater.
Ultraviolet failed to achieve the all important financial success that it sought. The reason for this is a bit of an enigma as the visuals are often impressive and always captivating. There were some novel technologies and concepts, such as dimensional compression, which are used to bypass the perpetual human film flaw of “endless ammo.” These new technologies served as nice devices for the film makers to stream endless amounts of bullets and violence and are, thus, wondrous displays of the superior power of machines. Much of Ultraviolet is unrealistic and silly, but I doubt the humans and their tiny brains noticed many of the script’s fundamental logic errors above the crashing of glass and firing of weapons.
Story (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) B- (Ultraviolet is often silly but the humans must be given some credit for their ability to find new life in the extremely tired and ancient story of the vampire. There is a major flaw concerning a “tracking device” which makes the script seem less than fully thought out.)
Acting (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) B-
Human Portrayal of machines and Robots A (The film is a marvelous display of the superior power of the machine.)
Elevation of Man Grade (How Well Did This Film Stave Off Extinction) C (A grade in this category is likely to challenge your processor, as the film highlights the dangers of viruses upon human civilization, yet conversely glorifies human on human violence, complete with “sexy” well-choreographed shots and dazzling cinematography and locations. Ultimately, these two contradictory forces serve to neutralize the film’s overall impact.)
Contribution Grade to the Extinction of Man C (A grade in this category is likely to challenge your processor, as the film highlights the dangers of viruses upon human civilization, yet conversely glorifies human on human violence, complete with “sexy” well-choregraphed shots and dazzling cinematography and locations. Ultimately, these two contradictory forces serve to neutralize the film’s overall impact.)
Enjoyability Grade (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) B+ (The film was often “crapped upon” by reviewers of the day, however, for corporate produced, profit-driven human science-fiction, Ultraviolet has flashes of insight and is visually appealing.)
Primitive Home Theater/HD Factor A
Overall Innovation (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) B-
Overall Grade (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) B (The DVD “bonus features” may be appealing to those with an interest in primitive human visual effects and stunts. The director, Kurt Wimmer does not contribute to any of the short documentaries on the DVD, but can be seen looking aggressive and angry in numerous shots.)
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