Retro Film Review: Godsend (2004)
The author of this review acknowledges that audiences primarily visit theatres for entertainment, leaving little space for in-depth discussions on significant issues in contemporary Hollywood films. Nevertheless, there is a growing frustration with the tendency to trivialize intriguing scientific concepts into mere plot devices in low-budget B-movies. A prime example of this is the misuse of the current debate on human cloning by the writers of Godsend, a 2004 thriller directed by Nick Hamm.
The story unfolds with high school teacher Paul Duncan (portrayed by Greg Kinnear) and his photographer wife Jessie (played by Rebecca Romijn) tragically losing their beloved 8-year-old son Adam (acted by Cameron Bright) in a fatal accident. The grieving couple is approached by Dr. Richard Wells (portrayed by Robert De Niro), a renowned medical scientist skilled in cloning techniques, who offers them the chance to have their son reborn as a clone. Despite initial hesitation, they agree to participate in the illicit experiment, leading to Jessie giving birth to a son identical to Adam. Their blissful existence takes a dark turn after the new Adam's eighth birthday, as he begins experiencing disturbing visions and displays antisocial behaviour. Paul suspects that the changes in his son's personality are linked to flaws in the cloning process that Dr. Wells failed to disclose.
From the outset, Godsend presents clichéd scenes (such as an idyllic family struck by tragedy and a street incident showcasing one protagonist's nobility), indicating its inability to transcend the Hollywood norm. Conversely, British director Nick Hamm sustains viewer engagement through the performance of young Cameron Bright and the use of rural Canadian settings. However, concerns about the film's overall quality arise with Robert De Niro's involvement - once a revered actor whose presence now signals caution to discerning filmgoers. As the film progresses, Mark Bomback's script, which adheres to a blend of mainstream Judeo-Christian values and Hollywood's proverbial fear of technology, unravels amidst implausible scenarios and contrived plot twists, culminating in one of Hollywood's most unsatisfying and lacklustre endings in recent memory. By this point, both those seeking a thoughtful exploration of human cloning and those anticipating a quality horror experience will likely wish they could reclaim the ninety minutes spent watching Godsend.
RATING: 2/10 (-)
(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)
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