When the adaptation of Dark City from its comic book was released early in 1998, it was hailed as a stunning science-fiction thriller, a worthy extension of director Alex Proyas' unyielding atmosphere for 1994's The Crow. Despite the generally glowing reviews, however, Dark City quickly slipped into obscurity, and it's now the type of late-night B-rated content that you'll find in box store bins for $4. How exactly that happened is a mystery, for the film's phenomenal vision, exemplary acting choices, and mind-twisting plot all place it as a potentially superior alternative to the similar premise of The Matrix.

While I don't have a definitive answer as to why the film slipped into obscurity, I can tell you what it was about the film that turned me off. It was the director's unrelenting fast-cut editing style, which didn't allow enough time for the eyes to focus on anything or anyone on the screen. I found that annoying, as it got in the way of what was otherwise an engrossing and provocative sci-fi story.