A Scanner Darkly (2006)
July 2006
4
4
You will receive an email when your movie becomes available. You will not be charged until it is released.
(109)
Synopsis
Google Play reviews now use Google+ so it's easier to see opinions from people you care about. New reviews will be publicly linked to your Google+ profile. Your name on previous reviews now appears as "A Google User".
Google Play reviews now use Google+ so it's easier to see opinions from people you care about. New reviews will be publicly linked to your Google+ profile. Your name on previous reviews now appears as "A Google User".
Write a review
My review
Review from
Reviews
4.4
109 total
5 64
4 31
3 10
2 2
1 2
Bob Mondello
The coolest thing about the movie version of A Scanner Darkly is how very literally it takes the scanner part of that title.
Dana Stevens
As A Scanner Darkly proves, Keanu is the Coolness -- passive blankness, leaden line delivery, and all. Let's hear it for the vague blur.
Ben Walters
Wondrously attractive, all the more so for the avoidance (with one or two exceptions) of extrovert Waking Life-style set-pieces.
Andrew Sarris
Mr. Linklater emerges once again as the Austin auteur par excellence, even if A Scanner Darkly is set in a ratty precinct of Orange County.
Roger Moore
Linklater's willingness to experiment ... is laudable. But I'm not sure he's reinventing animation here, or even adequately serving that older-than-children animation audience.
Amy Biancolli
The first film to capture the author's transience and his art.
Critic reviews
Bob Mondello
The coolest thing about the movie version of A Scanner Darkly is how very literally it takes the scanner part of that title.
Dana Stevens
As A Scanner Darkly proves, Keanu is the Coolness -- passive blankness, leaden line delivery, and all. Let's hear it for the vague blur.
Ben Walters
Wondrously attractive, all the more so for the avoidance (with one or two exceptions) of extrovert Waking Life-style set-pieces.
Andrew Sarris
Mr. Linklater emerges once again as the Austin auteur par excellence, even if A Scanner Darkly is set in a ratty precinct of Orange County.
Roger Moore
Linklater's willingness to experiment ... is laudable. But I'm not sure he's reinventing animation here, or even adequately serving that older-than-children animation audience.
Tom Long
Here's a guy willing to take risks, willing to tackle challenging material, willing to assume his audience has a brain. Unfortunately, his audience's collective brain is going to be hurting mightily for the first hour of this film.
User reviews

This one was a bit of a surprise I knew the movie would look great and it is like poetry in motion watching it. What we have here though is a great film version of a Philip K. Dick story that doesn't suck. That isn't to imply that Dick's stories aren't good, but that most if not all film versions of his stories always seem to come out too Hollywood-ized and not true to the original story. This one was taken right from his brain, and it is a somewhat disturbing and personal look into a particular period of his life. The acting is also superb in the movie, with each character getting the most out of their respective actors.

Great down to Earth Sci-Fi/Fantasy The thing that made me bump this down from a 5 star is not knowing that there was context I needed to understand before viewing. This movie is based off of the book, which is based off of the book author's own fight with addiction in 1970s drug-culture. Cool concepts make for wonderful films. tldr; This film & the book are a parable of his own addictions set in the future.
Cast and credits
Actors | Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder, Rory Cochrane |
Producers | Palmer West, Jonah Smith, Erwin Stoff, Anne Walker-Mcbay, Tommy Pallotta |
Director | Richard Linklater |
Writers | Richard Linklater |
Additional information
Rotten tomatoes® score
Audio language
Subtitles
English
Rental period
Start within 30 days, finish within 48 hours.
Run time
100 minutes
Rating
R
Similar
Godzilla (2014)
In this gritty, realistic sci-fi action epic, Godzilla returns to its roots as one of the world's most recognized monsters. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an all-star international cast, this spectacular adventure pits Godzilla against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.
Inception
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the best in the dangerous art of extraction: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible--inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse, their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming. MPAA Rating: PG-13 Inception © 2010 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Legendary Pictures. All rights reserved.
Pacific Rim (2013)
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
In the first part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, a shy young hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), inherits a simple gold ring. He knows the ring has power, but not that he alone holds the secret to the survival -- or enslavement -- of the entire world. Frodo, accompanied by a wizard, an elf, a dwarf, two men and three loyal hobbit friends, must now become the greatest hero the world has ever known to save the land and the people he loves. Also starring Academy Award and Golden Globe-winner Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Ian McKellan, Academy Award-nominee Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, and Liv Tyler. Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup. MPAA Rating: PG-13 Rated PG-13 for epic battle sequences and some scary images. ™ © 2002 New Line Home Entertainment, INC. All rights reserved.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Extended Edition
In the part second of the Tolkien trilogy, Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring--but on separate paths. Their destinies lie at two towers--Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupt wizard Saruman awaits, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor.
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)
In the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, as armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world--and powerful, ancient forces of Light and Dark compete to determine the outcome--one member of the Fellowship of the Ring is revealed as the noble heir to the throne of the Kings of Men. Yet, the sole hope for triumph over evil lies with a brave hobbit, Frodo, who, accompanied only by his loyal friend Sam and the hideous, wretched Gollum, ventures deep into the very dark heart of Mordor on his seemingly impossible quest to destroy the Ring of Power.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
"One ring to rule them all. One ring to find them. One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them." -- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings -- In the second part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood - "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Everything is Illuminated") and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring -- but on separate paths. Their destinies lie at two towers -- Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupt wizard Saruman awaits, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor. Also starring Academy Award-nominee Viggo Mortensen ("A History of Violence"), Academy Award-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Ian McKellan ("X-Men"), Orlando Bloom ("The Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy), Liv Tyler ("The Strangers") and Academy Award and Golden Globe-winner Cate Blanchett ("Elizabeth"). Winner of 2 Academy Awards! MPAA Rating: PG-13 ™ © 2002 New Line Home Entertainment, INC. All rights reserved.
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
In the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, as armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world, one member of the Fellowship of the Ring is revealed as the noble heir to the throne of the Kings of Men. Yet, the sole hope for triumph over evil lies with a brave hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood - "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"), who, accompanied only by his loyal friend Sam and the hideous, wretched Gollum, ventures deep into the very dark heart of Mordor on his seemingly impossible quest to destroy the Ring of Power. Also starring Academy Award-nominee Viggo Mortensen ("A History of Violence"), Academy Award-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Ian McKellan ("X-Men"), Orlando Bloom ("The Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy), Liv Tyler ("The Strangers") and Academy Award and Golden Globe-winner Cate Blanchett ("Elizabeth"). Winner of 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director! MPAA Rating: PG-13 ™ © 2003 New Line Home Entertainment, INC. All rights reserved.
V For Vendetta
Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, V For Vendetta tells the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked man (Hugo Weaving) known only as "V." Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V ignites a revolution when he urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself - and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plan to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption. MPAA Rating: R (c) 2006 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sucker Punch
Close your eyes. Open your mind. You will be unprepared. "Sucker Punch" is an epic action fantasy that takes us into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll (Emily Browning) has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors. Led by Babydoll, the girls engage in fantastical warfare against everything from samurais to serpents, with a virtual arsenal at their disposal. Together, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stay alive. But with the help of a Wise Man (Scott Glenn), their unbelievable journey—if they succeed—will set them free.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 "© 2011 Warner Bros, Entertainment Inc. and Legendary Pictures. All
MPAA Rating: PG-13 "© 2011 Warner Bros, Entertainment Inc. and Legendary Pictures. All
Green Lantern
In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, an elite, powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. When a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal's humanity is one weapon no member of the Corps has ever had, and if--with willpower, determination and the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively)--Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he will save the Earth and all of mankind from certain destruction. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action. © 2011 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. GREEN LANTERN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
2001: A Space Odyssey
The sci-fi masterpiece from acclaimed producer/director Stanley Kubrick ("A Clockwork Orange," "The Shining," "Full Metal Jacket") about a space voyage to Jupiter that turns chaotic when a computer enhanced with artificial intelligence takes over. Visually breathtaking with Oscar-winning special effects, stunning cinematography, and an Academy Award-nominated script from Kubrick and best-selling sci-fi author, Arthur C. Clarke. Leonard Maltin gives it four stars and declares it "a milestone film." Recently selected as one of the top 25 American films of all time by the prestigious American Film Institute, who also recently selected HAL 9000 as one of the Greatest 50 Villains. Inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry. NO EDITING PERMITTED. MPAA Rating: G © 1968 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved
Batman Returns
This film pits the caped crusader (Emmy and Golden Globe-nominee Michael Keaton -- "Herbie: Fully Loaded," "White Noise") against his most fiendish opponents yet: the evil Penguin (Academy Award-nominee and Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Danny DeVito -- "Heist," "Death to Smoochy") and the sinuous, mysterious and sensual Catwoman (Academy Award-nominee and Golden Globe-nominee Michelle Pfeiffer -- "White Oleander," "I Am Sam"). Directed by Academy Award-nominee Tim Burton ("Tim Burton's Corpse Bride," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"). MPAA Rating: PG-13 (c) 1992 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Transformers: Age of Extinction
From director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg comes the best 'Transformers' ever! With humanity facing extinction from a terrifying new threat, it's up to Optimus Prime and the Autobots to save the world. But now that our government has turned against them, they'll need a new team of allies, including inventor Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) and the fearsome Dinobots!
Rise of The Planet of the Apes
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is a revolution; an action-packed epic featuring stunning visual effects and creatures unlike anything ever seen before. At the story's heart is Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee who gains human-like intelligence and emotions from an experimental drug. Raised like a child by the drug's creator (James Franco), Caesar ultimately finds himself taken from the humans he loves and imprisoned. Seeking justice, Caesar assembles a simian army and escapes -- putting man and primate on a collision course that could change the planet forever.
The Signal
Academy Award nominee Laurence Fishburne, Brenton Thwaites, Olivia Cooke and Beau Knapp star in this mind-bending and suspenseful sci-fi thriller. Nic (Thwaites), his girlfriend Haley (Cooke) and his buddy Jonah (Knapp) take an unexpected detour from an idyllic cross-country road trip when they are contacted by a mysterious hacker who has gained entry into MIT's secured network. But after a rendezvous in an eerily remote area goes awry, Nic wakes to a living nightmare in an isolation unit. Interrogated by Dr. Wallace Damon (Fishburne), Nic soon realizes that the only way to decipher the past… is to escape the present. (Original Title - The Signal)