Maybe I'm nitpicking, but one issue that somewhat troubles engagement rather quickly is how overproduced this is. It's no fault of this title alone, plenty of others face the same, but every set and scene looks entirely too neat and clean, and the cinematography too fluid - less like a place people actually inhabit or move around in, and more like rooms kept pristine behind glass in a museum. Filmmaker Joe Begos certainly doesn't have the same problem with his 2019 film 'Bliss,' but that doesn't help this picture any; perhaps it was a stepping stone as he developed his skills. Similarly, there's a broad difficulty in genre flicks with making mind powers interesting; how does one keep the viewer's interest when the manifestation of supernatural abilities is represented partly with effects, but mostly just with intense expressions on actors' faces?
If one can get past these matters then 'The mind's eye' is fairly enjoyable. It occupies similar territory as the 'X-Men' films, 'Scanners,' or 'Firestarter,' albeit without the benefit of the same financial backing. Even for such lack, however, and any weaknesses one may discern, the sincerity of the production is without question, and it's clear how much love and hard work everyone poured into it. Keeping in mind the level it's operating on, I rather think this looks pretty great, in fact. As the narrative progresses and gets nastier the concerns I noted above actually diminish, and the effects we see look really great - blood and gore, certainly, but also less visceral depictions, including makeup work. Begos' direction is capable, showing still more promise at this point, and all the other contributions of those behind the scenes are excellent. It's also very much worth noting the original score of Zombi mainman Steve Moore, a pulsing, synth-driven assembly of themes that lend to the tension and dark atmosphere of the increasingly violent spectacle.
Even for any other shortcomings one may perceive, minor though they may ultimately be, the most notable may be the faults in Begos' screenplay. It's not bad by any means, but there's a heavy-handedness, and commonness, that pervades all aspects. From the characters and definitely dialogue, to the scene writing and overall narrative, it's not entirely unfair to say that 'The mind's eye' doesn't represent anything we haven't seen before. On a like note, I observe that some of the music cues or sound effects employed, those accompanying use of the characters' powers, are decidedly over the top and needless flourishes. Still, the most severe possible flaw on hand is never so significant as to meaningfully dampen the viewing experience, nor offset the earnestness of all involved. That includes the cast - sometimes the performances come off as overacting, particularly where wide-eyed grimaces of "MIND POWERS, ACTIVATE" are concerned. Yet that's simply a broad issue with the genre, and by and large I think the actors otherwise perform admirably. I'm predisposed to liking Lauren Ashley Carter, having loved her in other titles I've seen, but others here show no less skill: Graham Skipper, John Speredakos, Matt Mercer, Larry Fessenden, and so on. My commendations to them all!
The brutality and effects ramp up as the story goes on, until by the time the climax comes around it's been easy to set aside any abject criticism and just kick back, relax, and enjoy the show. This is perhaps nothing so extraordinary as to demand viewership, but when all is said and done it's quite a good time, and a decent way to spend ninety minutes if one is so inclined. Suggested above all for fans of the cast, this earns a soft recommendation for fans of sci-fi horror at large, for I think the work everyone put into it deserves at least that much. I didn't necessarily have high expectations when I sat to watch, but at length I find it really entertaining; 'The mind's eye' isn't a must-see, yet is reasonably worthwhile to check out if one has the chance.
If one can get past these matters then 'The mind's eye' is fairly enjoyable. It occupies similar territory as the 'X-Men' films, 'Scanners,' or 'Firestarter,' albeit without the benefit of the same financial backing. Even for such lack, however, and any weaknesses one may discern, the sincerity of the production is without question, and it's clear how much love and hard work everyone poured into it. Keeping in mind the level it's operating on, I rather think this looks pretty great, in fact. As the narrative progresses and gets nastier the concerns I noted above actually diminish, and the effects we see look really great - blood and gore, certainly, but also less visceral depictions, including makeup work. Begos' direction is capable, showing still more promise at this point, and all the other contributions of those behind the scenes are excellent. It's also very much worth noting the original score of Zombi mainman Steve Moore, a pulsing, synth-driven assembly of themes that lend to the tension and dark atmosphere of the increasingly violent spectacle.
Even for any other shortcomings one may perceive, minor though they may ultimately be, the most notable may be the faults in Begos' screenplay. It's not bad by any means, but there's a heavy-handedness, and commonness, that pervades all aspects. From the characters and definitely dialogue, to the scene writing and overall narrative, it's not entirely unfair to say that 'The mind's eye' doesn't represent anything we haven't seen before. On a like note, I observe that some of the music cues or sound effects employed, those accompanying use of the characters' powers, are decidedly over the top and needless flourishes. Still, the most severe possible flaw on hand is never so significant as to meaningfully dampen the viewing experience, nor offset the earnestness of all involved. That includes the cast - sometimes the performances come off as overacting, particularly where wide-eyed grimaces of "MIND POWERS, ACTIVATE" are concerned. Yet that's simply a broad issue with the genre, and by and large I think the actors otherwise perform admirably. I'm predisposed to liking Lauren Ashley Carter, having loved her in other titles I've seen, but others here show no less skill: Graham Skipper, John Speredakos, Matt Mercer, Larry Fessenden, and so on. My commendations to them all!
The brutality and effects ramp up as the story goes on, until by the time the climax comes around it's been easy to set aside any abject criticism and just kick back, relax, and enjoy the show. This is perhaps nothing so extraordinary as to demand viewership, but when all is said and done it's quite a good time, and a decent way to spend ninety minutes if one is so inclined. Suggested above all for fans of the cast, this earns a soft recommendation for fans of sci-fi horror at large, for I think the work everyone put into it deserves at least that much. I didn't necessarily have high expectations when I sat to watch, but at length I find it really entertaining; 'The mind's eye' isn't a must-see, yet is reasonably worthwhile to check out if one has the chance.