In the midst of all the horror flicks coming out is an innovative little sci-fi flick called Auggie. At first it seemed to me that this film’s getting lost in the crowded weekend releases. But, except for another sci-fi flick called Ad Astra, this one may be a great alternative for the drama crowd. Nicely acted by familiar faces like Richard Kind, Larisa Oleynik and Susan Blackwell and under the direction of Actor Matt Kane the film takes a look at a “what if” screenplay.
VP Felix (Richard Kind) retires after many years from managing a company. He says it’s not a retirement, but a transition and tells the attendees at his retirement party to call him if they need any help or if he can be of any service. He feels pushed out. But instead of the normal watch for a retirement gift, his replacement Hillary (Larisa Oleynik) presents him with an Auggie. It’s a pair of very expensive glasses she says and it will provide a buddy to hang out with. Accepting the gift graciously he packs up his personal items from his office and goes home to his daughter’s birthday dinner and wife Anne (Susan Blackwell).
The next day Felix logs onto the AUGGIE website to find out what his gift can do for him. The voice pormo’s the glasses with “where seeing is believing” and you will never be alone in the future. In the description of the glasses the speaker says they will determine your needs by reading your subconscience brain signals though the sensors consolidated in the arms of the frame. A micro processor intergrated in the bridge of the frame projects the desired companion onto the users environment. “Simply put the glasses on and say hello”. When he does, a beautiful woman called Auggie (Christen Harper) says that she’s his new buddy and to confide in her about his desires.
It’s the beginning a story that will boggle the mind and send Felix into a world that may do more damage than just having a retirement buddy to fill his days at home. Director and writer of the script Matt Kane moves his movie along at a nice pace concocting situations that one may imagine could happen to a nearing 70 year old who has a lot of time on his hands.
Nicely filmed with some excellent close-ups of Felix and Auggie, the movie tends to take on a “what if it were real” dreamlike state even though it technically would be cheating if your desires included sex. But Matt Kane offsets that with a side story that almost makes it ok.
Richard Kind gives a very good performance as the husband who has a new toy. At first he doesn’t know how to handle the situation in which he finds himself. Trying to make the most of it he develops some angst, then a bit of puzzlement, and finally accepting what he believes is more than entertainment. Ricard Kind is known for his Broadway, TV and movies always making his characters memorable.
Auggie has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains fantasy sex and language. It makes a great dinner date with your loved one as you’ll have a lot to talk about following the film. Auggie Glasses anyone?
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very cool sci-fi fantasy. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Richard Kind, Larisa Oleynik, Susan Blackwell, Christen Harper, James C. Victor, Steven Robertson, Simone Policano, Chris Devlin, Katie Curri
Directed and written by: Matt Kane
Genre: Drama, Sci-fi
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains sex, language, drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 21 min.
Opening Date: September 20, 2019
Distributed by: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Released in: Theaters and VOD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
