Prototype is a product of over ambition. Besides the androids, there is very little to convince you that it’s set in the future. While this normally wouldn’t be so noticeable, the fact that an advanced robotic firm is using older laptops and hard drives really makes it stand out. Little details like this really add up and hurt that overall movie. It often feels like there was a lot more story to tell but the filmmakers opted to keep the runtime below ninety minutes.

In the near future, a company creates human like androids with advanced AI. The first major prototype, One, is tested by Roger Marshell and his family. One helps with daily tasks and finds a spot with The Marshalls, but it’s not perfect. So, Two was created by Roger as the upgraded model with the promise of better features and abilities. Tensions rise between Roger and his wife Shelley and Two begins to show more awareness then originally programmed. Things escalate as Two starts forming their own plan for the family.

As technology advances in our world, the questions about A.I. and robotics and how far is too far are brought up regularly. Prototype tries to bring those same questions to the table, similar to I, Robot all be it a smaller scale. While a more intimate take on where our future could be headed can make stories feel more grounded and possible if down well, it can also make it feel underwhelming if not done well. This film falls into the middle ground of it all. While it can raise some interesting questions, it hardly follows through with any answers.

The acting overall is decent for the most part. Stand outs being Shelly (Danielle Scott), the abused wife who deals with the torment and tension because of the kids. And Michael (Tom Taplin), the oldest son with a chip on his shoulder and a mean streak just like his father. Both Danielle and Tom work well within their roles. One you end up sympathizing with and the other you loath. The rest of the cast is just there. Though the acting isn’t the strongest, it’s the dialog that really hurts performances. There are random cheesy lines that are so out of place you half expect a laugh track to play.

The technical side of Prototype gets the job done. The sound is consistent, with dialog being easy to hear throughout. Sound effects aren’t the strongest, but its not downright bad. With the film taking place mostly indoors and during the day, the lighting is solid. The editing does suffer a good amount. There are moments that feel incomplete or random, like the buildup or payoff to these scenes were left on the cutting room floor.

Prototype is a film that is completely at odds with itself. Decent acting is fighting with poor writing. Decent story is fighting with poor editing. Its frustrating to see potential just out of reach and constantly being pushed out because of odd choices. So, by the time the credits roll, I’m left feeling indifferent about the whole thing. It’s not the worst film about evil computers but its not a good one either.

5 out of 10