"Isn't that what man has always done?"

Will Caster’s rhetorical question (seen above) would appear to be a simple musing when Depp’s character offers it in answer to “So you want to create a god? Your own god?”  It can’t quite be characterized as a glib or sarcastic response.  It offers an odd juxtaposition, even perhaps an odd foreshadowing to the later consequences when Caster’s consciousness becomes omnipresent.

Despite its Sci-Fi Thriller billing, the film offers a dilemma more palpable and meaningful than most from this genre. Instead of being left to ponder the ramifications of the new technologies, ethical decisions or otherwise troubling occurrences, Transcendence embodies naysayers who do more than finger wagging and invoke Chicken Little. What begins as an amorphous antagonist and terrorist group becomes, if nothing else, one of the heroes if viewers take the journey the film asks of them.

I, on the other hand, really wanted to see greater development of the world the Casters created.  The elements, that were creepy (and there were a few especially if one considers Evelyn Caster’s point of view) would pale in comparison to the advances made by Will Caster’s ubiquitous awareness.  Sure, fully-networked human beings is immoral if their free will is taken from them, but short of that the ability to redefine what it is to be human–our mental capacity, physical abilities, overall health–would be interesting to explore.  Doesn’t our next evolutionary step rely on our computing / networking power?

The film has flaws–all do.  It doesn’t spend enough time offering a world view until the plan unravels.  If by design, the film’s content is offering viewers one message, its flashy Sci-Fi effects seduce viewers into finding another.  It is difficult to consider which argument is more compelling.  I’ll need to watch the film to find out.  In a second viewing I may find clarity. I may find more questions, but a film that requires me to watch it again while offering a story worth watching again is a win. A 3.5 this time. What will it be the next?