FUTUREWORLD

How are you all feeling about AI these days? Are you getting some “Terminator” vibes? Well, in this new Philm Phreaks review, I’m going to tell you about an updated release of a movie that addressed machines masquerading as humans well before Arnold said “I’ll be back.” The movie in my sights is a new blu-ray edition of “Future World.” 

This is definitely not horror in a traditional sense, instead landing more fully in the science fiction zone. However, it is filled with deep horror if you think about it. It’s also perhaps more relevant today than it was when it was released. 

Of course, this movie was the sequel to “West World.” That film was a hit, and the easy solution would have been to simply rehash the concept. I think it’s a sign of courage that this movie went in a different direction. Mind you, the reception to the film hasn’t always been great, probably in part because it wasn’t what people expected. 

The original “West World” film was all about a resort that created historical experiences for their guests through the use of human-like robots. Unfortunately in the film the robots malfunction and start killing guests and staff alike. 

This movie takes place some years later. Delos, which was the name of the resort, has been rebuilt. The concept is the same, but the experiences this time are different, and there are some different themed places like a "MedievalWorld" and a "RomanWorld".

Two reporters come to cover the resort, and one of them is distrustful of the situation. Without giving too much away here, what is happening this time is deeper and even more of a threat. 

The movie starts pretty slowly, but if you pay close enough attention there are hints being dropped early to what is going on, and the dangerous angle is established even before they arrive. 

Is this movie as good as its predecessor? I’m not sure that’s even a fair question. They are built in the same universe, but they are very different movies. I like both of them a lot, and I’m glad to see this one getting a deluxe Blu-ray edition. Now this Blu-Ray is packed full of bonuses, some new and some contemporary to the original release. I have to say that none of them really grabbed me, but your mileage may vary. Besides, bonuses are just that – bonuses. It’s the actual movie that’s the real selling point, and this one makes a fine addition to movie collections.