This doesn’t render a complete failure of a movie, though. At Linklater’s most brilliant moments, he stays true to Dick’s comedic spark. Most self-proclaimed comedies haven’t made me laugh this hard. Its humor is universal for those who can keep up, yet the clever wit is incomparable. Cochrane is funny, but no contender when put up against Robert Downey Jr., who plays James Barris. Barris’ fidgety elaborate speech marries his off-kilter logic to birth a perspective that is unusually hysterical. He becomes the most intriguing figure who even outshines Bob Arctor, the main character played by Keanu Reeves. Reeves has officially mastered the ever-confused dude, which is a role that seems infinitely pale when placed in such radiant surroundings. Even by the silly humor of Woody Harrelson’s character, Ernie Luckman, you find yourself slightly distracted from Arctor’s most substantial problems. Though, because of the writing, you still manage to connect to Arctor at many points. It’s Arctor’s web of calculating friends. It’s how he becomes the target of a drug investigation when he was once the undercover hunter. It’s his steeply drawn downward spiral. These are interesting character developments that keep you watching even when the acting is only decent.

A Scanner Darkly’s themes stand tall and shadow over a confused execution. The execution just misses the mark, and it muddies subjects that should have given us the shivers. It almost gives us enough, but never quite cuts it. Darkly’s commentary on government’s designation of the delinquents in society and how it thrives on it to survive is one of the movie’s most interesting concepts. You’ll get more out of it if you are willing to absorb it and think of its purpose afterwards. At the very least, you’ll probably enjoy the soundtrack that eerily lingers in the backdrop of such an eerie movie. Radiohead and Thom Yorke’s music are all over the film, just to give you an idea of what I’m talking about.

It was necessary to get a little harsh on the film. Maybe I’m a dick, but I want to set the expectations low. You’ll enjoy it much more because of it, especially if you don’t hold it up to the same level as Waking Life. So, just go and see it; it’s still better than most of what’s out there now, anyways.

Movie Grade: B-

Synopsis:

Set in a future world where America has lost the war on drugs, undercover cop Fred (Keanu Reeves) is one of many agents hooked on the popular drug Substance D, which causes its users to develop split personalities. Fred, for instance, is also Bob, a notorious drug dealer. Along with his superior officers, Fred sets ...