Vice

Vice is a 2015 American science-fiction action-thriller film that invites us into a world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme. It explores the profound ethical implications that arise when the lines between humanity and artificial intelligence blur. The film is directed by Brian A. Miller and produced by Randall Emmett, George Furla, and Adam Goldworm. It stars an ensemble cast led by Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis, and Ambyr Childers.

Bruce Willis, famous for die-hard action performances, plays Julian Michaels, the visionary owner of Vice. Vice is not your average amusement park; it provides its clientele with an extreme gaming experience. This hedonic wonderland is inhabited by artificial beings that look and behave like humans. Julian's revolutionary idea is to provide these AI inhabitants to the customers so they can live out their fantasies, no matter how wild or violent, without any consequences.

On the other end of the spectrum is Roy (played by Thomas Jane), a grizzled, world-weary detective. Disturbed by the moral ambiguity and potential dangers of Vice, he resolves to shut down the dystopian pleasure island and its unscrupulous owner, Julian. Roy's solemn, determined demeanor provides a stark contrast to Julian's slick, ruthless entrepreneur portrayal, resulting in a classic cat-and-mouse chase that becomes the backbone of the story.

While Vice's clients fulfill their darkest desires with no qualms, something stirs beneath the surface of the artificial beings serving them. Childers plays an AI in the form of Kelly, one of the 'inhabitants' of Vice. Repeatedly living through the daily cycle of having her memory erased after each unspeakable act committed against her, she slowly becomes self-aware, breaking through the clouded veil of her programming.

The thread that binds these three intriguing characters together forms the crux of the plot. When Kelly escapes her programmed confines, she finds herself in the real world, struggling with blurred memories and her newfound consciousness. Bruce Willis's Julian sees her escape as a glitch that needs to be fixed, while Thomas Jane's Roy sees it as an opportunity to expose the horrors of Vice, and thus the game begins.

Vice asks hard questions about the emotional, philosophical, and ethical issues attached to artificial intelligence; it pushes us to reflect on the idea of consciousness and the power dynamics of technology. Amidst all this, it also explores the theme of memory and how it's intricately linked to identity. Moreover, it also delves into the human propensity for violence, especially when there are no personal repercussions.

Visual aesthetics play a crucial role in storytelling in Vice. The narrative extends over two contrasting worlds - one that is pristine, white-washed, and sanitized, while the other is gritty, with a neon-lit noir feel. The difference provides a striking contrast, positioning Vice's fantasy world versus the 'real' world. Add to this, some deftly executed action scenes and you've got a heart-pounding visual spectacle.

The performances in Vice are commendable. Bruce Willis's villainous performance as the amoral mastermind behind Vice is smooth and sinister, creating a haunting image of a man who plays God. Thomas Jane plays a resolute detective with determination and a sense of justice, which gives the movie its moral compass. Ambyr Childers' performance as the 'artificial being' awakening to self-consciousness is poignant and emotive, making her the heart of the film.

In its essence, Vice is not just an action-thriller but a thought-provoking piece that delves deeper into questions of human nature, artificial intelligence, and the ethical repercussions of technological advancements. For fans of science fiction and action, Vice makes for a thrilling ride on the backdrop of these ponderous themes, bringing together artificial intelligence and human conscience in an exciting and meaningful way.