With the increasing prevalence of AI in this day and age it is no surprise that the film industry has tried to take advantage. There has been no shortage of films in recent years exploring A.I./robot/companions, etc. The genres may change from horror to comedy to thrillers or dramas, but the exploration of AI and its influence remains at the core. Renner is the latest thriller tackling the issue.
Renner (Frankie Muniz) has lived a pretty sheltered life. Crippled with OCD and social anxieties, coupled with an overbearing mother, he pretty much kept to himself. Now as an adult, he focuses his superior intellect on computer programming and A.I.. Renner has created a robotic life coach, Salenus (voiced by Marcia Gay Harden). Ultimately he wants Salenus to help him become more confident and assertive.
You see Renner has a huge crush on his neighbor Jamie (Violett Beane). Using Salenus’s guidance and coaching, he finally musters up the courage to ask her out. Unfortunately her obnoxious brother Chad (Taylor Gray) seems to always be in the way, but hopefully that wont last. As Jamie and Renner continue getting to know each other, Salenus has a watching eye. She’s always looking out for Renner’s best interest, or what she thinks that may be.
Robert Rippberger directed the film and cowrote it along with a team consisting of Luke Medina, Martin Medina, and David Largman Murray. Rippberger is used to serving in both capacities having directed all of the feature length scripts he has worked on. The rest of the writing team brings less experience with Renner being only the second feature length script that Murray has collaborated on and the first for the Medinas.
Renner has a stylish feel to the film, from the neon engulfing the set to the angles and shots employed. The film has an incredibly small cast with Muniz and Beane occupying a majority of the screen time. While Renner’s spiral is not a real joy to watch, Muniz is and he delivers a memorable performance. Beane shines as the alluring and understanding neighbor who is somehow is attracted to Renner despite his robotic tendencies.
At times during Renner it was hard not to feel like you are watching adult Malcolm with deep trauma caused by Lois and the family. Now for fans of Malcolm In The Middle that may actually be a welcome sight. Playing into that feeling, and another welcome sight, is a 10 second cameo from Malcolm’s old best buddy Stevie (Craig Lamar Traylor). Renner doesn’t reinvent the wheel and there are some head scratching aspects throughout. However, the film is an enjoyable ride that entertains for its brief 90 minute runtime. If you have a soft spot for Muniz (and Malcolm), this one is worth a watch.
Renner is available now On Demand!
