Lisa’s Movie Review: ‘Auggie.’
Loneliness, love, and deception through a pair of glasses makes life anything but rosy for a retired architect in this science fiction drama.
By Lisa D. DeNeal
There are individuals, like myself, who wake up every morning, feel the nightstand for our pair of glasses, put them on and go about our days and interact with civilization. Some are ready to seize the day. Others just want to get the day over with and return home.
If given the chance to own a pair of eye wear that will give you the ability to see what you want to based on your thoughts, would you take the chance? A chance to live the life that you see fit, in your mind, with Mr. or Miss Right?
In the new movie, “Auggie,” an older man takes a chance and nearly risks it all for the adoration of his subconscious thoughts.
“Auggie” is directed by actor Matt Kane, who co-wrote the screenplay with friend and writer, Marc Underhill.
“Auggie” stars legendary character and voice actor Richard Kind (“Mad About You,” “Gotham,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 3”) as Felix Greystone, a seasoned architect is forced into early retirement by his young boss, played by Larisa Oleynik (“10 Things I Hate About You,” “Third Rock From the Sun”). At his mundane retirement party, Felix does not receive the standard gold watch. Instead, he is gifted a pre-release pair of augmented reality smart glasses named Auggie. Auggie can become the perfect companion per instructions from the website. All Felix has to do is put the glasses on, and say, ‘Hello.’
At first, Felix discards Auggie. There’s nothing spectacular looking about the glasses. The frame is plain like a pair of reading glasses you buy off the rack at your nearest pharmacy. He probably feels like this is a gag gift at his expense. However, when Felix sees with his own eyes, that his working wife, Anne, played by Susan Blackwell (“Master of None,” “The Comedian”) and their daughter, Grace, played by theater actress and writer Simone Policano, are living their best lives around him, Felix decides to give the glasses a try.
It turns out that “Auggie,” is a beautiful young woman played by newcomer Christen Harper, a model known as the face of Guess, and Third Love. Felix is stunned by the augmented reality of this young lady, and soon warms up to ‘her.’ Auggie provides Felix with friendship, compassion, and communication…as long as he wears the glasses.
This is where things get slippery. Felix becomes enamored with Auggie. He’s no longer feeling pitiful and lonely. Auggie brings a spring to his step. He’s happy, vibrant, and, in love.
Felix becomes distant and erratic with his wife, and daughter, who are clueless as to what is causing the changes in Felix’s behavior and personality. I enjoyed watching, “Auggie.” It’s only 81 minutes long, and it’s worth every minute. Watching Kind play Felix is one of the reasons why he is one of the best character actors in Hollywood. His emotions and expressions are true to form. From knowing his younger boss and colleagues are full of it as they celebrate his retirement, to the angst of not feeling needed by his own family. Felix is as invisible to them as Auggie is real to him. Kind and Harper play their characters with ease without the discomfort of an older man pining for a younger woman.
Kind and Blackwell as husband and wife are both comfortable and sad. I wanted to yell at Blackwell’s ‘Anne’ for being so into her career that she hardly bothers to really check on Felix’s well-being. However, I was mad at Felix for not standing up for himself to talk to her. Then I thought, had they actually done this, it would’ve been an entirely different movie. I can appreciate that. I also appreciate the plot twists and the ending.
“Auggie” is the directorial debut for actor Matt Kane, who co-wrote the screenplay with his friend, Marc Underhill. It was shot in 12 days in Underhill’s hometown, Fairfield, Connecticut and the Greystone’s house is Underhill’s childhood home.
“Auggie” has been an official selection at various film festivals this year, including the Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, Greenwich International Film Festival.
I give, “Auggie” four stars for its steady focus on loneliness and human nature in the age of smart technology. It’s an engaging film that will spark conversations, or have you think about your vulnerability to technology.
“Auggie” will be released in select theaters in Los Angeles, New York and Florida and VOD on Sept. 20th.
Auggie is a Samuel Goldwyn Films and Thundercane Productions, in association with Myriad Pictures, A Strangely Compelling Multimedia, and JFS Entertainment.
Genre: Science Fiction
Running Time: 81 minutes
Language: English
Lisa D. DeNeal is a freelance writer and published author based in Gary, IN.
Follow her on Twitter (@diolette), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/lisa.deneal.1) and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/miss_lisa_67/)
