'Ghost in the Shell' review: It's Scarlett Johansson's show all the way

Movie: Ghost In The Shell
Director: Rupert Sanders
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Pilou Asbæk, Takeshi Kitano, Juliette Binoche, Michael Pitt

What's it about

We learn how Major (ScarJo) was created, a product of Hanko Robotics, a 'living weapon'. Told from 'birth' that she lost her parents as refugees coming into the country, she works for a shadow outfit called Sector 9. All Major knows, is that she is a ghost in the shell. Her mind is her own, but her body is manufactured. 

It's a brave new world where human beings get enhancements and live longer. But is it really a life. More importantly, is it worth living? Major's creator Dr Oulet (Binoche) is there for her, but it is her team -- second-in-command Batou (Asbæk) and handler, Aramaki (Kitano) who have her back as she goes after Kuze (Pitt), a mysterious entity who moves through enhanced humans through neural networks and getting them to do his bidding. Is Kuze the threat or her own makers?

What's hot

Scarlett is eye candy. She's there on screen throughout. The VFX and the production design, as well as the cinematography, is top-notch. Sanders shows a somewhat assured hand throughout. Asbæk offers a steady counterfoil to Major's character. However, it is Kitano in the second half, who kinda comes into his own. 

What's not

The idea it peddles. That consent is manufactured. That it might be an illusion all along. Moreover, the original animation film had a soul that this one lacks. It's all re-upped and shiny-new live-action. But it lacks heft.

What to do

Watch this one for ScarJo. It's not much of an effort to sit through. And what's more, it is an incredibly good looking film. But it could have been so much better.

Ratings: ***