SIMONE (2003) When an unsuccessful auteur (Pacino) vaults to fame after his computer-generated "synthespian" (Rachel Roberts) becomes a superstar, it's an excuse for writer-director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca)…
Video Review

SIMONE (2003)

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Reviewed by Josh Wolk | Jan 24, 2003
EW's GRADE
C

Details Release Date: Jan 21, 2003; Movie Rated: PG-13; Genres: Comedy, Drama; With: Catherine Keener, Al Pacino and Rachel Roberts; Distributor: New Line Cinema

When an unsuccessful auteur (Pacino) vaults to fame after his computer-generated ''synthespian'' (Rachel Roberts) becomes a superstar, it's an excuse for writer-director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca) to mock spoiled actors, bottom-line-crazy execs, and the gossip-drunk media. But a series of pedantic rants (beware the protagonist who talks to himself) and willfully stupid characters has Niccol's plodding satire lacking much actual humor. Without it, it's just synthatire.

Originally posted Jan 24, 2003 Published in issue #692-693 Jan 24, 2003 Order article reprints