This near-future science fiction thriller starring Bruce Willis and Thomas Jane centers around artificial humans used at a city resort called Vice, where clients indulge in illegal activities like rape, robbery, and murder. An artificial woman (Ambyr Childers) flees and finds refuge in a local church. Bruce Willis portrays the resort’s owner, while Thomas Jane plays a weary police officer determined to shut him down; Bryan Greenberg appears as a resident of the church, though he's not a minister. "Vice" (2015) draws inspiration from films like “Westworld” (1973), “Futureworld” (1976), “Blade Runner” (1982), “Groundhog Day” (1993), “Universal Soldier” (1992), and "The Island" (2005). Considering its $10 million budget, the production quality is surprisingly high compared to typical SyFy movies, which usually cost around $3 million or less. Most of the movie unfolds at night within a sprawling urban setting, and I appreciated the serious atmosphere. Thomas Jane delivers a strong performance as the police officer, and Willis is dependable in what seems like a familiar role. Ambyr Childers’ portrayal reminded me somewhat of Malin Akerman and Alicia Silverstone, though she appears to be in her mid-20s; she's adequate, but I think the part would have been better suited for someone with more experience, such as Scarlett Johansson or a younger Alicia Silverstone. What bothered me was how unrealistic the security guards at the resort were—they couldn’t seem to hit anything, while the police officer almost always hits his target. This plot device is common in movies, but it can be handled in a way that feels plausible and doesn't feel condescending to the audience; this film fails to achieve that. Despite its action elements, "Vice" attempts to explore some deeper themes. The movie raises questions about artificial intelligence and self-awareness, similar to how Data was portrayed in Star Trek: The Next Generation. It also touches on the controversy surrounding depictions of violence and sex in entertainment—do they offer a way for people to release dark impulses or do they encourage such behavior? Finally, there's an attempt at commentary regarding religious extremism and spirituality. Although it has its shortcomings due to budgetary constraints, I found myself enjoying the serious tone, the underlying thoughtfulness, and Thomas Jane’s engaging performance. It’s slightly better than “Westworld” (1973), which wasn't exactly a cinematic triumph. The film has a running time of 1 hour and 36 minutes and was filmed in Mobile, Alabama, and Miami, Florida. GRADE: C+/B- (5.5/10)

Source on TMDB