Jason Momoa’s Creepiest Role Is NOT Aquaman

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  • ‘Debug’ Has Jason Momoa as a Villain, Not a Hero
  • Jason Momoa’s Scenes Make This Movie
  • Does ‘Debug’ Stand the Test of Time?

Before getting the opportunity to portray Lobo in the forthcoming “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” movie, actor Jason Momoa previously took on the task of embodying another hero. For over a decade, he was recognized as Aquaman across various DCEU productions on both large and small screens – “Batman v Superman”, “Justice League”, two standalone films, among others. However, while many associate him with his iconic superhero roles, it’s worth noting that Momoa had a brief acting diversion prior to joining the comic book adaptation scene.

In my perspective as a movie critic, instead of donning the cape of a typical superhero (or anti-hero, considering his latest role), he took on the part of an evil AI character, modeled after the menacing HAL 9000 from Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey. In this captivating portrayal, Momoa transformed into a malfunctioning AI program that relentlessly pursued and eliminated any human beings it encountered.

Three years before his role in “The Shape of Water” (2017), the versatile David Hewlett, an actor, writer, and director, conceived a film from the perspective of the antagonist in the 1968 classic “2001: A Space Odyssey.” In an interview with Blastr (now SyFy Wire), he admitted that the idea of Hal, the AI antagonist, killing Dave had intrigued him since his childhood viewing of the science fiction film. Realizing this concept in 2014’s “Debug“, Hewlett delved into a story where six imprisoned computer hackers, led by a corrections officer named Capra, are tasked with restoring an enormous derelict spacecraft to working condition. As is common in horror films set in space, the mission swiftly turns disastrous.

‘Debug’ Has Jason Momoa as a Villain, Not a Hero

After power has been restored and each crew member scatters to reactivate their respective sections, the entire system suddenly goes into lockdown. The malevolent AI character, Iam (a witty play on A.I.), played by Jason Momoa, begins tormenting and eliminating those who tried to erase the ship’s data. Despite Debug being a typical, low-budget TV movie, an intriguing twist unfolds as Momoa delivers a chilling, emotionless performance for Iam – a far cry from any lighthearted roles he has taken on in the past.

In my opinion, during certain moments, the film Debug leans on familiar horror cliches. For instance, the spacecraft our characters are investigating was previously inhabited by the most ruthless criminals – a fact that becomes relevant only after their brutal murders. The plot then implies that the protagonist acquired their knowledge of trapping and combatting (including deadly tactics) from the data stored in the chips implanted in their skulls. Lastly, it’s worth noting that the only couple in the movie appears to be less intelligent, and there’s a predictable “last escape pod” scenario – one that we all knew wouldn’t mark the end of the story.

Eleven years since its initial release, Hewlett’s film continues to captivate audiences with its innovative concept. The storyline might be simplistic at times, but Jason Momoa’s character development and his distinct portrayal of the role significantly enhance the overall production.

Jason Momoa’s Scenes Make This Movie

In two specific instances, the actor’s portrayal and character development are particularly striking (the actor’s skill with his role). He employs a sensory bath to force one of the hackers into a room brimming with the spirits of every criminal he murdered. Although only numerous hands emerging from the doorway beyond the entrance give a glimpse of what this ruthless AI is capable of when given an opportunity, it is more than sufficient to convey the terrifying potential of such an entity. It is later revealed that some indeed escape, as she is found dead in the following scene upon reintroduction to the audience.

In an alternate scenario, a detainee hacker known as Kaida dispatches her own virtual self into the realm of bio-digital existence to confront Iam. It’s unclear whether the film director or Momoa himself inserted this scene, but the chilling manner in which the malevolent artificial intelligence contorts its form, poised to attack yet another potential victim, surpasses expectations. Despite the brief duration, it might be the most terrifying portrayal of the movie’s menacing AI in action. Although Iam has a human appearance unlike HAL 9000, it doesn’t diminish the eeriness that remains evident in its depiction.

Does ‘Debug’ Stand the Test of Time?

Apart from Hewlett’s impressive choice of casting Debug, it’s also important to acknowledge the other actors for portraying the stranded software developers. Among them, Adam Butcher skillfully brings James to life, the youngest team member driven by a strong motivation – his desire to reach his handicapped brother. This emotional thread adds depth to the film and makes one hope for his successful rescue.

From the outset, it’s Adrian Holmes who breathes life into the character of Capra. Initially, he comes across as rude, harsh, and degrading. However, when Iam gets involved, the transformation from an ordinary demise to a chilling murderer offers an exciting twist. In contrast to his portrayal as a bothersome boss, Holmes excels more in playing the terrifying killer role.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must admit that this futuristic horror thriller hasn’t left a warm spot in many hearts. Critics who have weighed in on it seem less than impressed, and the audience response seems to echo their sentiments. However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a film you scrutinize under a microscope. The plot revolves around a group of incarcerated tech geniuses being hunted by lethal data entities disguised as humans.

Now, is it intellectually stimulating? Not really, but Jason Momoa delivers a captivating performance that showcases a side of him we don’t often get to see these days. So, if you’re intrigued and want to give it a watch, “Debug” is now available for rental on Apple TV and Google Play.

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2025-02-13 06:02