A naive computer code writer, Caleb, is selected to participate in a scientific experiment that if successful will change the world as we know it forever. He travels to a remote location where his eccentric boss, Nathan, introduces him to Ava, a female A.I. with a mind of her own. Is Ava so smart she's almost human? Is something not quite right? What's up with Nathan's beard? Ex Machina has the feel of a Stanley Kubrick film, and visuals ripped from the mind of Terrence Malick. First time director, Alex Garland, paints a pretty picture, but sometimes looks alone will not cut it.

Oscar Isaac is the mack daddy pimp motherfucker. His character, Nathan, boxes like Muhammad Ail, drinks liquor…

“When they don't know what to say and have completely given up on the play just like a finger they lift the machine and the spectators are satisfied”

The above words are Greek writer Antiphanes' criticism against the technique called Deus ex machina, recorded during the glory days of the Greek plays. The term literally means “God from Machine” and has its origins from the conventions of the great Greek tragedies, where a machine was used to bring actors playing Gods onto the stage. The machine could be either a crane that was used to lower actors from above or a riser that brought actors up through a trapdoor. Antiphanes' sarcastic censure helps us understand how the method, which ironically…

Let me start off by saying that I’m extremely happy for Alex Garland. I’ve been a fan of his since 28 Days Later. His stories, while flawed at times, always strike me as interesting and unique. His novels and short stories such as The Coma have inspired some of my short story writing that I do independent of this website. I’m a fan. I was excited to hear he had directed a film and even more excited that his film is doing so well. It only means we’ll be seeing more of his mind on screen soon enough.

That being said, I loved the film.

There’s something about tiny films that appeal to me. Alien is a much better horror…

Wait, so you're here to tell me Ex Machina is the first film Alex Garland has ever directed? There's just no way that can be true.

I can't get over how well made this film is. The film is absolutely beautiful to look at. My eyes were glued to the screen because of the sheer beauty of what I was seeing. My jaw even dropped from time to time due to some of the incredible shots in this film. I was afraid to blink because I was in-fear of missing the next great shot. Along with looking great, Ex Machina also contains several great performances. Oscar Isaac continues to prove why he is one of my favorite working actors today.…