Watch Self/less For Free

People are voting emotionally.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Blistering performances.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

EARLY PLOT SPOILERThe best way to watch this film is cold, having read no reviews including this one. Damian (Ben Kingsley) is a rich guy who has an opportunity to live on in another body under a new identity. It cost a bit, but beats death. He takes over the body of Ryan Reynolds and then BAM! we soon discover 30 minutes into the film we are watching a modern update of "Hauser's Memory." Once we figure out what the pills are for and are 36 minutes into the feature, we know how it ends, just how do they get us there.Ryan did a decent job of imitating the mannerisms of Ben Kingsley, yet his acting was lack luster. There have been a number of films on this topic, with this one being superior to say "Hauser's Memory" but then again, what isn't better than a 1970's made for TV film. Makes for a good rental.Guide: 1 F-bomb. Brief dark sex/nudity?

The first 15 minutes (the stuff with Ben Kingsley) has the characteristics of a Tarsem movie, with the magical realism and the dreamlike pacing, but after the body switch it feels like a completely different director. The cinematography becomes flat and conventional, the acting rushed, and the pacing bouncy and awkward. No way Tarsem shot the basketball montage, for instance.Anybody know the real story?

Well, this is my first review. After I read the reviews I was in two minds, whether to watch or not. Then I thought I'll give it a try, mainly coz of Ryan & Tarsem (The Fall, I loved it). I would say right from the start the movie gets us involved and it keeps the same pace throughout. I'll not give away much details so yeah do give it a try, you'll not regret it.

This weird concoction is now showing on HBO (Feb. 2017), and I guess it's technically not free if you divide $15 by the number of movies, TV programs, and specials watched in one month. OK, let's say I paid 50 cents.Sadly, this mess still isn't worth it. And that's too bad because Ben Kingsley always gives a good performance; Ryan Reynolds is quite capable and Tarsem Singh is one of the most visionary directors working today (see his movie, The Fall and his TV show, Emerald City). But as some reviewers have already noted: this sci-fi thriller is not good enough in either department to warrant a recommendation. In fact, it lacks sorely in both so much that it becomes a chore to watch. The science part is silly, which is OK. Good premise fiction is based on some breakthrough with all follow on action required to observe that new reality. But the secretiveness of this bio technology is never explained, especially when anyone can Google it and go right to video explanations and even the creator's house. Plus, what bio-tech firm hires heavily armed henchmen? And why? This is one of many head-scratching details that is never explained.Of course, the ruthless henchmen help propel the action. But as noted above, the thriller part is woefully lacking in excitement. Despite Singh's directorial talents, these all-too familiar shoot and chase, ad nausea scenes inspire yawns instead of tension. In short, there's nothing here to think about, be excited about or care about.