Impostor (2002)

Based on a short story by sci-fi master Philip K. Dick, Impostor holds considerable appeal for genre enthusiasts, who will instantly recognize trace elements of the Dick-based Total Recall and Blade Runner. Fortunately, derivative plotting doesn't detract from director Gary Fleder's capable handling of briskly paced action involving Spencer Olham (Gary Sinise), a weapons designer suspected of being an alien robot with an assassin's agenda. The year is 2079; Earth is at war with an alien race called the Centauri, and its dome-sealed cities are intensely monitored by the Earth Security Agency. A high-tech chase ensues between Olham and his ESA pursuer (Vincent D'Onofrio), testing the bond of trust between Olham and his physician wife (Madeleine Stowe). This marital subplot gives the film's twist ending additional impact, and Dick's recurring themes of lost identity and drug-altered reality are handled with adequate sophistication, while cool gadgetry and sharp visual effects compensate for the plot holes. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Geek versus doppleganger

An important government scientist is targeted by aliens
for being doubled by a genetic duplicated robot with a fusion
bomb in his chest.
It turns out that more than one duplicate could be running around?
Bobby Milktoast ( scientist) runs the fed security in circles with the help
of the ghetto black man.
It is another of Philip K. Dick's mind twister sci fi's
made into a movie.
I liked it... August 13, 2008

Surprisingly Good Movie

Although I am not much into Sci-Fi movies, this one was suprisingly interesting with an unexpecting ending. D'onofirio is just an amazing actor. He should've had the lead, but then again, it doesnt matter what role he plays, he alwyas manages to steal every scene he is in. Worth Watching even if you are not a Sci-Fi fan. April 7, 2008

Throw it out of the window!

I rent that movie with the best intention as i am fan of scifi movies.Unfortunately the sense that i got was that I was watching tvseries than a movie.the acting was rubbish,the plot was cheap and the special effects were a dissapointment.
stay away!go for the Arrival and for Capricorn One. March 16, 2008

Suspense/mystery in a futuristic setting

I had never heard of this movie until I discovered it by accident on the rental shelf. Less sci-fi and more suspense/mystery, the story follows a government scientist who suddenly finds himself on the run, accused of being an impostor planted by the enemy. Forced to rely on the help of strangers as much as he does on his own wits, the fugitive races against time to prove his innocence. A fully engaging story with an excellent cast and first-rate effects. January 22, 2008

One more of Philip Dick's best works brought to screen

Sci fi author, Philip K. Dick has made a one of the most significant contributions to sci fi on film. Just for starters, here's a partial list from IMDB:

"Next" (Based on "The Golden Man")
"Paycheck"
"Minority Report"
"Total Recall 2070"
"Blade Runner"
"Total Recall"

In addition, there are two more of Dick's novels being committed to film. "Radio Free Albermuth" debuts next year. "The Owl in Daylight" will be coming out in 2009.

"Impostor" takes us to Earth 2079. We have been at war with Centauri for years and nothing seems to be capable of stopping the invaders.

Spencer Olham (Gary Sinise) used to build rockets as a kid til his father died on the front against the Centauri. Now, he builds weapons and he's darn good at it.

Problem is, the ESA (Earth Security Agency) thinks Olham is an impostor cyborg and he's carrying a Centauri bomb in his heart. He's arrested and manages to escape, desperately trying to prove with a PET scan that he is himself and not a weapon.

"Impostor" is basically a breathless chase through a dystopic Earth. Gary Sinise does a great job playing the inventor on the run. Kudos also to Madeline Stowe, who is his physician wife, Maya. The best tribute I can offer to the two of them is that they are pretty much what I envisaged of Stewart and Dr. maya Olham when I read the short story in the first place.

If you are a fan of Philip K. Dick, you may well want to add this film to your collection. It's very much worth more than one viewing for subtle nuances. I think the cast and crew really did do the author proud. November 12, 2007

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