Transcendence

This complicated techno-fable stars Johnny Depp as scientist Will Caster, who, left fighting for his life after a violent attack, has his brain connected to a giant supercomputer that can think and even feel. However, as Will's links to the worldwide web allow him to venture beyond his mortal self, gathering more and more information and controlling global events, his friends and family (including Rebecca Hall as his wife) begin to the question the wisdom of the project. First-time director Wally Pfister who, as a cinematographer, has worked with Christopher Nolan on everything from Memento to The Dark Knight Rises (Nolan is a producer on this one), sets up an intriguing premise, but before too long the thrilling sci-fi elements of the plot make way for muddied philosophical navel-gazing about man playing God. Although he is a disembodied voice for much of the film, Depp still manages to bring charisma to his role, but it's Paul Bettany as Will's conflicted colleague who proves to be the pivotal moral centre of the piece, and the talented cast keeps the film bolstered with that all-important human element.