Blue-Ray dvd movie review of Babylon A.D.
January 5, 2009
It was not a good start for Babylon A.D. when the director of the movie trashed the film and its distributor. Director Mahtieu Kassovitz blasted 20th century fox and the producers for not allowing him to edit or shoot way he wanted to. He told several media outlets that the film is "pure violence and stupidity." He likened the film to a bad episode of 24. Being a fan of 24, I'd have to say 24 is far superior this clunker of movie.
The movie is about a mercenary named Toorop, played by Vin Diesel, being hired to deliver a girl to United States. The setting is few decades into the future. Toorop has to deliver Aurora and her companion to New York City from a convent located near Mongolia. There are some other people that get in the way. Ultimately, they make it to New York City. Most viewers will immediately surmise that there is something special about the girl. You find out toward the very end what she is and why she is wanted. The movie tag line says "Save the world." From what? The world looks little bleak and more violent but what's the real problem? Has the terrorist won? What's going on? None of these questions are fully explained. The film makers and script writers do very poor job of world building.
You can compare this movie to the excellent move by Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men. There are similarities between the films. But, Children of Men is far superior movie. It has very tight plot as well as great acting. Even though we are not treated the the front end of the story, we can accept the premise of the film. I could not with Babylon A.d. The one decent aspect of Babylon A.D. was the action sequence. It was pretty good with decent CGI in some parts. The parkor action sequence was extremely cheesy. Other than that, the action was fairly good.
The movie misses the mark completely. It had very interesting premise and plot to derive from. A science fiction with moral tale. So many great science fiction films like Blade Runner succeeds where Babylon A.D. fails. I don't know what the director could have done to save this mess but he certainly could not have butchered it any worse.
What do you think about this movie? Please leave your thoughts below.
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Pretty good movie that looks GREAT on blu-ray
This is a really pretty movie to watch on blu-ray because of the special fx in it. Also its a pretty good storyline and this is a role to fit Vin Diesel talent. It doesn’t require academy level acting so therefor its the right part for the right person. I actually was thinking that this wouldn’t be that good, but I enjoy the heck out of it. Vin Diesel gets hired to escort a girl from one part of the world to another and of course, there is something special about her and other people want her. Diesel is some sort of ex-soldier with extraordinary skills. So no more really about the story because it is the basic escort story where the guy has to fight off other bad guys. The blu-ray looks phenomenal. The action scenes really pop in 1080i (i normally don’t watch movies in true HD, because, sometimes in 1080p, certain movies, you can tell that is CGI). I think the movie is a guy, blow stuff up/shoot people movie and since I like those type of movies, I found that this more than lived up to its genre. I actually heard bad things about this movie and nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, my friend and his whole family enjoyed the movie. It is engaging and I think all will enjoy watching it. I know this isn’t much of a review, but its the rather typical for its type, no real big surprises. You know who the good guys are and you can pretty much guess who the bad guys are without that much thinking. Still, fun to watch. It’s a good storyline and cool to watch stuff blow and bullets fly. This movie is not trying to be more than what it is.
Very Sad
Babylon A.D. is a film that looked and sounded like the perfect blockbuster vehicle for Vin Diesel based on the trailers and plot synopsis provided by 20th Century Fox. However what you really get is a disaster that only becomes more confusing and makes less sense the longer it runs because this film editing wise was chopped and sliced to death in post production. I mean the editing is so poor that even the action is flat which is bad because bad movies have proven that if nothing else they can still have good action sequences. But wait that’s not all, what is perhaps the nail in the coffin for this movie is the plot itself because despite being based on the book Babylon Babies, the plot is unoriginal at best simply being Blade Runner, The Fifth Element, and Children of Men all thrown together in one pot. Overall Babylon A.D. is a sad unfortunate misfire which is too bad because the film does have good production design and some interesting set pieces and yes Vin Diesel but it’s simply not enough. My god what a waste, a waste of something that had potential.
disappointing
The first hour of this movie was great. Part Blade runner, part Children of Men, part Mad Max.
But the last 1/2 hour was confusing, boring and anticlimactic.
This was a bummer.
And They Say that the Cyberpunk Genre is Dead…
I originally saw this movie in theaters because it was a sci-fi flick, and as a casual writer of science fiction, I tend to like to go see sci-fi movies. I can understand the people’s reviews here that scored it lower if the only version they watched was the theatrical release, because I walked out of the movie hall with mixed feelings about it. I’ve never read the novel “Babylon Babies” that it’s based on, so I tried to judge the movie on its own merits. The movie was dark. It was gritty. It was cyberpunk in a style that some would say is dead. That was decent enough. But you could tell that the main purpose of the original version was as a build-up to the sequel that Twentieth Century Fox studios fairly screamed they were going to make at the end. The theatrical version was clearly designed as a pilot to a franchise. It had some good action scenes with well-designed special effects, but as a whole, it ended up being rather disjointed. It went from one action shot to the next with only minimal connection between the characters and I ended up not identifying with anything. It was almost as if Fox expected you to go “Gosh, wow!” in a mindless fashion every time you saw something explode on screen and come out saying “AWESOME movie, man!!” with a little bit of drool hanging out of the corner of your mouth. So, if the original version was the only one I had to look forward to coming out on DVD, I would have to give it a rating of 2 1/2 stars, with 3 stars if I was feeling generous.
The unrated, extended cut changed all that, and that was all due to the extra footage and the alternate ending. This cut delved deeper into the characters, both pro- and antagonistic, gave them more reason as to why they acted the way they did (especially why Vin Diesel’s character ‘Toorop’ was as hard-bitten as he was, showing him as a small child of about 6 or 7 years old in one of the recall scenes surrounded by a group of rough types laughing and cheering as a double-barreled shotgun was placed in his hands). As a result, the whole of the movie gelled together much more effectively into a personal, more human-oriented story. The ending of the alternate cut also allowed the movie to stand on its own merits. You knew there was a sequal coming up, but it was more subtle. I almost think Fox shot themselves in the foot by releasing the alternate cut because if people identify more with this version than the original, the studio is going to have a tough time coming out with just another action slug-fest in a way that people can connect the two together, when and if the studio does a sequel.
A lot of people gave this movie low marks simply because Vin Diesel was in it. I have a feeling that if a current golden child of the industry had been cast in the role of the lead instead, it would have done much better, both at the box office and in home viewing. People seem to forget that Vin was thought of as the bomb (wow, a muscle dude that can actually act; take THAT Schwarzenegger!) until he opted out of doing the sequel to the Fast and the Furious. How DARE he?! Suddenly, general consensus was that everyone hated him. Fickle… Also, a few people make the claim that he’s the same character in all of his movies. I offer that he does a good job with the parts he’s given. It’s hard to avoid type-casting in Hollywood. Look at Will Smith. He does fabulous in his shows, but those parts are picked especially for him, and he ends up being recognizable as Will Smith, not the character he’s supposed to be. This is not entirely Hollywood’s fault. People have certain pre-conceived notions going into a movie and are offended when those expectations are not met. The Hollywood studios have a feel for public mindset and are willing to feed off of that to get the highest dollar. I put if forth to all of you to have an open mind when watching this and other movies. Try it. You might like it.
I also gave this movie good marks because it boldly takes up a stance against, and sets itself up for attack from, rigid religious views. Understand, I have absolutely no problem with religion or faith, as long as the core tenets of that faith espouse kindness, compassion and respect. My parents are devout catholics, and they are GOOD people, not just because they say God tells them to be, but because they feel it’s the right thing to do. One of my cousins and her husband pray regularly at a small buddhist shrine they have set up in their living room. They leave their door unlocked and say that if anyone comes in from off the street and needs their help, they’ve got it. I’m a tried and true atheist (I just can’t believe that humanity’s special enough to have been created by some supreme entity, in his or her or its own image no less, and then given the entire universe as our playground until the end times come when the faithful receive eternal bliss as a reward) but I am firmly convinced that I act in a more Christian manner than about 95% of the so-called Christians out there. I’m 39 now, and in that time, I’ve met a LOT of religious people who were flat-out jerks. This movie shows that religion can also have a dark side to it and it challenges religion to step up and take accountability for its member’s actions and the tenets it teaches.
Also, some people might be offended at the idea of genetically engineered children, bred for a specific purpose or niche. I remind everyone that nature has been doing this for uncounted millions of years (unless you’re a Creationist, then the universe and everything in it is only about 6000 years old). That’s why we have black people, white people, oriental people, latino people and all the other subtypes therein (but, you know what; we can all have children together and that says we’re all the same, with about one-tenth of one percent genetic difference MAX between yourself and anyone else you’re staring at at the moment). Nature directs itself to find the most suitable form for a specific environment, so the idea that we’re on the verge of technologically taking charge of our own genetic paths is a reality that’s closer than we might think (roughly about 25 to 50 years away). This movie takes that particular bull by the horns as well. Kudos, Babylon!
All in all, this movie-the unrated extended cut especially-was an enjoyable romp around the world for anyone who’s brave enough to gaze at how it might be a few years from now. It did borrow material from other movies, but which movie doesn’t? Look at it from that standpoint, and delve deeper into the social issues it contends with, and you might like it more than you thought you would.
Peace.
Deserves better reviews …
I liked it. Some info may have been left out … intentional or not … made you thnk and come up with your own explanation … does everything need to be spelled out for people … I hope there is a director’s cut somewhere! I liked the story well enough and loved the action. Sure more could have been explained … but as far as action movies go … this had more plot than some! Makes me want to read the book that it is based on … we’ll see. It’s defo not Vin’s worst movie … I’d watch it again!
Fast action, visually engaging!
I just watched this last weekend. I found it highly entertaining. Never a dull moment and I thought the story plot was good, it had quite a bit of mystery and left wide open for a great sequel I hope to see. I watch a lot of sci-fi and this is really good. I would even venture as far to say that like Star Gate the movie this could spawn a great television series. Last 10yrs with a spinoff of 5yrs, probably not but I would love to see a spin off of this.
Vin Diesle Just Needs A Hug!
Babylon Ad is an about average end of the world sci-fi hero fights against incredible odds to emerge victorious. Is it silly? Quite a bit; is it Fun? Quite a bit; is it exciting? Quite a bit; is it visual? Quite a bit. Is it moving? Not a bit. Is it a complete waste of time? Not quite.
If you want a fun violent action film, and want to turn your brain off, then Babylon AD may be just what you’re looking for. It’s no Blade Runner – The Final Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)but then what is?
2 ¾ *
Disc Is Mastered Badly
I don’t have a problem about the movie, it self; it is a Vin Diesel flick. True, there could have been more footage; that would give the story more depth. But the movie was okay.
My problem is with how the bit rate was chump-changed. The bit rate generally stayed at 4 and below. I haven’t seen a DVD mastered this badly in over 12 years.
Everyone decided that the movie was bad, so they even gave us a crappy video experience. Corporate America sucks! So, my question is: did they screw-up the BluRay version, too?
cool movie except the final chapter
a cool movie ,but the final chapter is deceptive.
good picture quality and sound.
a movie to go along with some popcorn.
not a must hava,but a good movie in general.
Just Plain Bad
I love Vin and I hate to trash this movie… but it stinks! It has no plot worth spending the time watching. Give this one a pass.
Winner of the worst planned picture award
About 45 minutes into it I was thinking that people were wrong and this seemed to be a great movie. Suddenly, without warning… Someone decided to go crazy on me and spliced up scenes that make zero sense, an out-of-control story line and… was that romance they were trying? Where did THAT come from?
This looks like a picture where the Director didn’t have a clear path to an end, ran outta money and couldn’t film the transitions between scenes he’d already shot. The result is a great first half followed by something that’ll make you wonder if you drink was spiked. Also out of place are some great effects in the first half, then something that resembles 1969 effects in the later half. So bad you won’t know to whether to laugh, or cringe and feel sorry for someone.
Can’t recommend buying, but if you get the chance to see it for free it’s worth watching just for the historical aspect of how a good movie idea turns stupid in the wrong hands.
Babble On A.D.D.
Wow, and I mean WOW is this a terrible movie. I am convinced that the idea for this movie was written on a cocktail napkin and they went right to filming. Should be called Babble On A.D.D. for the simple reasons that
A) It rambles ALL over the place
B) It is completely incoherent
C) I STILL have no clue what it was about but cannot bear the pain to watch it again to figure it out.
D) The movie starts where it ends and ends where it starts and that does not make a bit of difference
E) Perfect movie if you have ADD as you can pay attention and then stop and then start paying attention over and over and it would not matter
Not even worth a rental. MAN this was horrible.
Babble On A.D.D.
Wow, and I mean WOW is this a terrible movie. I am convinced that the idea for this movie was written on a cocktail napkin and they went right to filming. Should be called Babble On A.D.D. for the simple reasons that
A) It rambles ALL over the place
B) It is completely incoherent
C) I STILL have no clue what it was about but cannot bear the pain to watch it again to figure it out.
D) The movie starts where it ends and ends where it starts and that does not make a bit of difference
E) Perfect movie if you have ADD as you can pay attention and then stop and then start paying attention over and over and it would not matter
Not even worth a rental. MAN this was horrible.
No Audio Output On Blu-ray Version
Warning to those with older Receivers. This Blu-ray disk only has a DTS audio soundtrack in English. If you have a Receiver, like I do, that only decodes Dolby Digital 5.1, there is no audio output.
The rest of this review is for the clueless producers of this Blu-ray disk. Obviously they have learned nothing from the costly lost sales of the war with HD-DVD. People like me are not going to buy an expensive new Receiver just to play a particular movie on Blu-ray. Especially with six audio formats to cover and perhaps more to come! I will rent this movie on DVD and wait for the audio wars to end. Since Blu-ray has plenty of capacity, I do not see any reason why an English Dolby 5.1 soundtrack could not be included to ensure backwards compatibility. Particularly since Dolby 5.1 is already provided on this disk in other languages. From reading various blogs and reviews, I know I am not the only potential lost sale.
Solid, but ultimately mediocre sci-fi
It’s a shame this film didn’t do better. The concept is really cool, the action is tight, the acting is good, and the special effects are dynamic. Even the script seems well enough written. So what happened? Well… nothing actually. And that’s exactly why the movie failed.
The movie starts off strong with a really nice dystopic view of the future. You find mercenary Toorop (Vin Diesel) in an almost post-apocalyptic eastern europe and Babylon A.D. pulled this off very well. There are a fair amount of little details that are given about the world in the first part of the movie, and it’s presented in a way that feels more like exploring and less like forced fed exposition. The movie never lets up on how well this new world is presented even up to the contrasts in a mega-modern United States.
The action and tone of the action feels like a mix of Diesel’s previous romps like XXX and Riddick. This a good thing by the way as he works well in his element. The action is flashy and impressive without being like an over-the-top Michael Bay explosion-fest. If you are an action movie aficionado you may feel like most the action is more “been there… done that” sort of thing even if the action is good.
The acting is solid as well. Diesel shows some subtle and convincing set of emotions. Michelle Yeoh felt a little subdued, but it works. Melanie Thierry played probably the most emotional character in the film, and handles the direction fine.
So what went wrong? I did say there was a solid script, and I meant it. By that I meant the exposition was presented well and the dialog wasn’t corny and felt convincing for the genre of the film. Script is one thing. Story is another. This is where the movie fails. The plot is cliche’ and without any real story development. Toorop must protect a “special” girl with special powers. Sure the powers come up cool, but plot-wise they are pointless. There is never a decent explanation as to why everybody is going through all the trouble, and whatever explanations they give you are incredibly underwhelming.
I’m sorry folks, but all the atmosphere and action in the world will not cover up a story that goes through the motions without any true payoff in the end plot-wise. It’s the basics of storytelling to have a beginning, middle and an end. The writers seemed to have gotten their beginning down great. The middle needed more meat, and apparently they totally forgotten the whole concluding a story respective of how it was set up. It’s like after the film established the setting and characters it coasted through action and exposition scenes; just going through the motions.
The Blu-Ray is the way to go. A lot of scenes will stand out better considering the increased detail you get. Amazon seems to be missing the full details on the audio options. You get DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 in English AND Dolby Digital 5.1 in French. And yes this movie would be a good audio benchmark from what I’ve been hearing. You also get subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, Cantonese, Korean, and Mandarin.
Special features a kind of your standard fare. Although there is some goodies that Babylon AD fans should get a kick out of. I believe all of the featurettes are high def (some 1080i and some 1080p):
- Genesis of Aurora: This is a five minute animated “prequel” to the film. I think the name makes it obvious what those minutes will be about.
- Hummer Sequence: A deleted scene that runs about 2 1/2 minutes.
- Scene Evolution: Over 50 minutes of various behind the scenes features. Bonusview enabled (can be played back while watching the movie with Blu-Ray profile 1.1 or higher).
- Babylon Babies: This is the name of the book that inspired the movie. Thus this 11 minute featurette is about the author and he talks about stuff from the book.
- Arctic Escape, Flight of the Hummers, and Fit for the Screen: These are featurettes on various stunt sequences in the movie. The first two are about specific action sequences while the last one is about the fight and stunt choreography. Total runtime is just shy of 30 minutes.
- Babylon A.D. Commercials: A series of “made up” commercials. Also Bonusview enabled.
- D-Box Support: If any of you actually have these moving chairs in your home theater now you can plunk this Blu-Ray in your system and get all shaken and rattled and whatever the heck that expensive chair does for your enjoyment.
Babylon A.D. should have been much better than what we got? How much better. Overall story overhaul for the second half of the movie better. Still if you really, really love cyberpunk movies you may still enjoy this one a lot from just the atmosphere alone. Action junkies MAY like it. If you absolutely need a full and well rounded story in order to enjoy movies then you’re out of luck.