APP Is Efficient ... But Not all That Smart
(DVD Review by SciFiHistory.Net)
How prescient was it that I had the good fortune to view APP on the heels of following the (alleged) North Korea hacking of Sony Pictures so closely? I think – at some level – we’re all more than just a wee bit afraid of technology, and I suspect that’s because we don’t know who’s really pulling the strings: us, the software, or some invisible entity – maybe even some form of artificial intelligence – and, in the end, it all means a loss of corporeal identity. Isn't that what we really fear: the loss of the self, all at the expense of the machinery we use?
Sadly, APP may not push any boundaries. It’s an efficient thrill ride, but there are a handful of plot holes (or narrative discrepancies). Still, it’s the kind of film that definitely has a built-in appeal for those curious about this era of modern technological conveniences.
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last three paragraphs for my final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the product packaging:
“Anna’s never far from her cell phone, and after a night of partying in the dorms, she wakes up groggy and hung over only to find a new app, IRIS, has been added to it. Initially helpful and clever, IRIS soon begins behaving in cruel, mysterious ways. When it becomes clear she can’t simply delete the unwanted evil app, Anna’s efforts to confront it will set in motion a fearful series of events that will put her life, and those of her closest friends, in danger.”
I’d last seen the lovely Hannah Hoekstra in the adult-themed HEMEL – a film I found a particular good character study for a young woman in transition – so I was quite taken aback here by how successful an action heroine she pulled off. APP is an effective showcase displaying she can not only handle dramatic material but also has the backbone to pull off classic thrillers. Rather effortlessly, she adapts to the adrenaline of these situations; granted, there isn’t a wealth of stunt work required, but there’s plenty of running and fisticuffs clearly performed by Hoekstra, proving she’s got serious box office potential.
(Seriously, someone from Hollywood will probably discover Hoekstra some day and import her magic to this side of the pond. Should that happen, let's just hope Michael Bay doesn't ruin her as an actress!)
With a runtime of around 80 minutes, APP is certainly – like an APP – lean and mean. In order to weave this tale of technology gone awry, director Bobby Boermans kept the focus on allowing one cinematic event to largely lead to the next, and I suspect Robert Arthur Jansen’s script was probably followed fairly close to the letter. Therein lies some of the picture’s flaws: its chief villain is entirely predictable from the outset (there’s a secondary ‘surprise’ villain in the last reel which kinda/sorta stretches believability a bit too far), and very very very little of what happens as a result of the App-gone-mad gets a plausible explanation technologically. Could that be why Jansen felt the need to explore a more supernatural influence over something as routine and ordinary as the everyday cell phone?
Audiences tend to be relatively forgiving. I think they’re all willing to forgive a few blemishes so long as the action – and its associated suspense – stay front and center. That’s about the best that can be said for APP; like a carnival ride, it tosses the viewer this way and that – all in exchange for a low price … but if you watch too closely you see it may not be as magical as it seemed in your mind’s eye. APP is fun. APP is well-made. It just ain’t all that bright in the final estimation.
Sadly, APP may not push any boundaries. It’s an efficient thrill ride, but there are a handful of plot holes (or narrative discrepancies). Still, it’s the kind of film that definitely has a built-in appeal for those curious about this era of modern technological conveniences.
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last three paragraphs for my final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the product packaging:
“Anna’s never far from her cell phone, and after a night of partying in the dorms, she wakes up groggy and hung over only to find a new app, IRIS, has been added to it. Initially helpful and clever, IRIS soon begins behaving in cruel, mysterious ways. When it becomes clear she can’t simply delete the unwanted evil app, Anna’s efforts to confront it will set in motion a fearful series of events that will put her life, and those of her closest friends, in danger.”
I’d last seen the lovely Hannah Hoekstra in the adult-themed HEMEL – a film I found a particular good character study for a young woman in transition – so I was quite taken aback here by how successful an action heroine she pulled off. APP is an effective showcase displaying she can not only handle dramatic material but also has the backbone to pull off classic thrillers. Rather effortlessly, she adapts to the adrenaline of these situations; granted, there isn’t a wealth of stunt work required, but there’s plenty of running and fisticuffs clearly performed by Hoekstra, proving she’s got serious box office potential.
(Seriously, someone from Hollywood will probably discover Hoekstra some day and import her magic to this side of the pond. Should that happen, let's just hope Michael Bay doesn't ruin her as an actress!)
With a runtime of around 80 minutes, APP is certainly – like an APP – lean and mean. In order to weave this tale of technology gone awry, director Bobby Boermans kept the focus on allowing one cinematic event to largely lead to the next, and I suspect Robert Arthur Jansen’s script was probably followed fairly close to the letter. Therein lies some of the picture’s flaws: its chief villain is entirely predictable from the outset (there’s a secondary ‘surprise’ villain in the last reel which kinda/sorta stretches believability a bit too far), and very very very little of what happens as a result of the App-gone-mad gets a plausible explanation technologically. Could that be why Jansen felt the need to explore a more supernatural influence over something as routine and ordinary as the everyday cell phone?
Audiences tend to be relatively forgiving. I think they’re all willing to forgive a few blemishes so long as the action – and its associated suspense – stay front and center. That’s about the best that can be said for APP; like a carnival ride, it tosses the viewer this way and that – all in exchange for a low price … but if you watch too closely you see it may not be as magical as it seemed in your mind’s eye. APP is fun. APP is well-made. It just ain’t all that bright in the final estimation.
APP (2013) is produced by 2CFilm. DVD distribution (stateside) is being handled by RAM Releasing. For those needing it spelled out perfectly, this is a Dutch spoken language release with either an English-subtitles OR English-dubbed track available. (For what it’s worth, I used the original language track with English subtitles as I’m usually distracted by dubbing.) As for the technical specifications, this is a smartly shot flick, and it serves up some terrific editing, sights, and sounds. Lastly – if you’re looking for special features – then you have a director’s commentary, a special effects short, and some theatrical trailers to look forward to.
RECOMMENDED. APP is the kind of film that – as a viewer – you’re really hoping it all makes coherent sense (well, as much as phone calls from the future can) when all is said and done because it otherwise serves up a welcome distraction the way movies used to do. Sadly, it really comes apart in the final act, positing just too many left-hand-turns of logic for me to give it an enthusiastic thumbs up. However, when it was working, it worked very nicely, very efficiently, so much so that I’ll definitely be looking forward to the next take on this material hoping for modest improvements.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at RAM Releasing provided me with a DVD copy of APP by request for the expressed purposes of completing this review; and their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
RECOMMENDED. APP is the kind of film that – as a viewer – you’re really hoping it all makes coherent sense (well, as much as phone calls from the future can) when all is said and done because it otherwise serves up a welcome distraction the way movies used to do. Sadly, it really comes apart in the final act, positing just too many left-hand-turns of logic for me to give it an enthusiastic thumbs up. However, when it was working, it worked very nicely, very efficiently, so much so that I’ll definitely be looking forward to the next take on this material hoping for modest improvements.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at RAM Releasing provided me with a DVD copy of APP by request for the expressed purposes of completing this review; and their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.