12 Monkeys (8 out of 10)

12 Monkeys is the story of James Cole (Bruce Willis) being sent back in time to save the human race from being exposed to a deadly virus which wipes out 5 billion people. This film is filled with a fascinating dystopia aesthetic, superb acting, and a story that examines a popular question in today's society: do we have control over our own fate or does fate have control over us?

Acting- 10 out of 10:
Aside from the story this is the best part of the film. Brad Pitt has a role in this flick as a mental hospital "crazy person" and he excels at the role. This was actually the first time that Brad Pitt was nominated for an acting Oscar, this one being for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Bruce Willis also shines in this film with a very dynamic and round performance who is always on the brink of both insanity and discovery.

Visual Intrigue- 9 out of 10:
The dystopia created in this film is phenomenal and I can only compare it to that of Blade Runner and even then, it has a look that is very unique in its own light. It gets a point knocked off for the lack of being able to incorporate the visual effects shot on blue/green screen with the real life filming going on. There are about 2 or 3 scenes where I can see the black outline of the characters, which is a dead give away.

Story- 9 out of 10:
Very very good story. I love to watch Science Fiction films as well as films that discuss or at the very least tell the story of, people dancing between fate and control over ones own destiny. There are a few loose ends which could have been discussed and a few ends that they did tie up which may have worked out better to have been left undone. Never the less, it is still an excellent story that stays with you even after you take the dvd out of your machine.

Soundtrack- 7 out of 10:
This is where the film lacked the most. The focus on visuals and character made the moments where there was music become out shined by the other elements.

Overall- 8 out of 10:
A very well done film which has excellent acting, a well crafted story but where the soundtrack is out shined by the dystopia aesthetic.

Themes:
Destiny is obviously a theme as I mentioned earlier and as most films that explore this topic there is a shift from trying to change the destiny to accepting it and seeing the beauty in it.

Other Thoughts:
I read on imdb.com that Terry Gilliam (the director of this picture) gave Bruce Willis a list of "Bruce Willis acting cliches'" which he did not want in his film. It worked.