Ghost in the Shell (2017) is a live-action adaption of an anime starring Scarlett Johansson. Based in the future, Killian (played by Johansson) is a cyborg that is part of an anti-terrorism squad. However, things aren't quite what they seem.
As a visual adaption of the anime, the movie is a resounding success. The visuals are great, with everything feeling familiar and yet having a futuristic twist. Holographic billboards and robot assistants mix with super-high-density buildings and slum-like areas. It is great to see the visuals represent the anime so well.
Unfortunately, the story doesn't make the transition nearly as smoothly. While it attempts to tell a story of twists and turns, most the story is quite predictable and generic. It also unfortunately seems to force its story into a weird juxtaposition between trying to ask existential questions and action cliches.
Neither of these really work smoothly. The big existential questions grind the pace of the movie, and are often presented as exposition (in a classic tell don't show way). And the action scenes often don't take advantage of the unique visuals and opportunities of the premise, instead having Killian and Co. as gun-slinging superheroes rather than something similar to Dredd or Raid.
In the end, it is a shame. The visuals are great and things look great, but the story and skeleton holding everything together is quite flimsy. It unfortunately makes it hard to recommend Ghost in the Shell, although there is still some enjoyment to be had from it.
2 out of 5 ghostly waffles.
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