movies | At Home with Tech

November 30, 2025

What’s Really Happening in the Sci-Fi Series Pluribus?

I’m hooked watching ‘Pluribus’ on Apple TV. That said, this series doesn’t easily fit easily into a particular genre. ‘Pluribus’ or ‘PLUR1BUS’ (which is how the title credits spell it) is technically science fiction but isn’t what you’d expect from a traditional sci-fi series today.

Created by Vince Gilligan, this show plays more like an episode from ‘The Twilight Zone,’ but quite not as ominous. That said, in one sense, it couldn’t be more frightening. It’s about the days (spoiler alert) after the human race is infected by an alien virus.

The first episode is effectively a chilling variant of the famous ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers.’ The result is a complete ‘Star Trek’ Borg-like psychic takeover where everyone is suddenly connected to a hive mind. The twist here is this alien-mind collective makes everyone happy and is supposedly benevolent.

Is Resistance Futile?
Only 13 people in the world aren’t absorbed into this global cult (for some unknown reason) including Carol from Albuquerque, New Mexico, played by Rhea Seehorn.

Carol, a romance writer, is generally a cranky person, and her negative energy later turns out to be something of a superpower for her.

She’s immune to the virus and determined to find a cure. Each episode follows her efforts to figure out how to reverse the takeover.

While this set up might be perfect for a tight sci-fi thriller, ‘Pluribus’ takes its sweet time revealing its clues. It’s actually way more mystery than sci-fi.

I’m five episodes in, and the writers are clearly more interested in exploring Carol’s understandably overwhelmed reactions to this insanity rather than furthering along the main pieces of the plot.

And that’s just fine with me.

Fan Predictions
I’ve seen some online reactions where fans are intensely studying every detail of each scene to reveal the plot ahead and even how the series is destined to end. (Who has the time for this radical deconstruction?)

Frankly I’m not buying all these spoiler predictions. I just want to watch this story unfold. No need to rush it.

In one scene from episode 5, Carol is trying to get some sleep, and the camera focuses on her nightstand with a book clearly in focus. It’s Agatha Cristie’s ‘And Then There Were None.’ Okay… so, that’s certainly a clue for rough times ahead.

Happy Zombies Vs Unhappy Person
I’m really enjoying ‘Pluribus.’ It’s quirky and offbeat. It’s dark but not without its lighter comedic moments. For now, the plot is clearly simmering. You can tell there are likely twists to come.

We’ve got billions of happy, connected zombies living in harmony. Is that so bad? Will Carol save the world? Does the world even need saving?

The writing throws big questions at us: Is restoring individualism worth the price of returning to our horribly fractured society? Isn’t total harmony the utopia we all thought we wanted? But at what cost?

I think this is what ‘Pluribus’ is about. (Yes, it’s hard to describe succinctly.)

It’s the End of the World as We Know It
If I had to put it in one sentence… This series is a mystery about how one average person tries to repair the human race by saving the essence of humanity.

But I know this is too simplistic an answer. It’s just the framework. Who knows what’s really happening here.

The success of any mystery depends on the answers we eventually receive. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you how the mysteries from other famous TV series (‘The X Files,’ ‘Lost’) have not always been as satisfyingly resolved as we wanted.

The answers simply need to be as good as the questions.

Season 2 is already confirmed, and the producers want to make a total of four seasons. Here’s hoping ‘Pluribus’ delivers on the expected payoff.

For now, I’m sitting back and simply enjoying how one woman fights back against the end of the world.

September 28, 2025

Why Would Anyone Make the Next “Tron” Movie without Tron?

“Tron” is the odd science fiction movie franchise that spans 43 years with decades between installments. That’s certainly a hard way to build momentum. The third film, “Tron: Ares” comes out in theaters on October 10th.

The first two, “Tron” (1982) and “Tron: Legacy” (2010) weren’t especially successful, though they offered cutting-edge visual effects for their time. The original “Tron” hasn’t aged well at all, but the analog execution of a digital civilization inside a computer video game was still remarkable. “Tron: Legacy” stretched the technology limits from those days to “de-age” Jeff Bridges in parts of the movie.

“Tron: Legacy” was the Sequel We Wanted
I really enjoyed “Tron: Legacy.” Though it didn’t quite stick the landing, it got most everything else right. This wicked-cool sequel successfully continued its own core storyline almost three decades later and brought in new, engaging characters. The movie was fun, and the visual effects, other than the de-aging tech, were slick.

But it didn’t make enough money at the box office. So though “Tron: Legacy” ended with something of a cliffhanger, Disney never made the next film. I was disappointed.

I thought that was it for “Tron.” But never say never.

“Tron: Ares” is Not the Sequel I was Hoping For
And then seemingly under the radar and without much fanfare other than the normal prerelease marketing hype, this third “Tron” movie got made. Fifteen years later, we have another “Tron” ready for release.

It’s apparently a soft reboot for this franchise. And that makes sense at one level. Who else other than a science fiction geek like me will remember its predecessor that’s as old as my teenage son?

In the trailers for this new film, the premise is flipped. Instead of going into the “Grid” of the computer universe, the digital characters and machines are released into our world. And they’re not friendly. Mayhem ensues.

Okay…

Truthfully, I’m not feeling that excited.

How Can You Have “Tron” without Tron?
Where’s Tron, the character played by Bruce Boxleitner in the first two movies?

Where’s Jeff Bridges’ Kevin Flynn? He does show up (surprisingly) in the trailer. So, there’s a connective thread. But it looks pretty thin. Sadly, the other characters from “Tron: Legacy” are all absent.

The trailers tell us that “Tron: Ares” centers around Ares, an AI program in humanoid form played by Jared Leto. And he has questions.

He says, “I’m looking for something. Something I do not understand.” That’s pretty vague.

Will he destroy the world? Will he save it? The trailer suggests he’s the good guy. Maybe he’s the new Tron? (I don’t think so.)

The plot seemingly leans into the topic of AI. But weren’t all “Tron” characters (‘Programs’) always AI-enabled?

Good Characters Matter More than Special Effects
I don’t know if “Tron: Ares” is a good film. I do know the trailers are not compelling. And that’s usually not a positive sign for a movie (but not always).

Strong science fiction flicks are always character driven. Sure, the special effects are important, but they’re never enough to carry a film. And besides, the special effects displayed in the “Tron: Ares” trailers only feel like incremental updates to “Tron: Legacy.”

Maybe the producers feel nobody will remember. So why not rinse and repeat?

That’s fine, as long as there’s a stated story that will draw the audience. And interesting characters. Unfortunately, the trailers just focus on the special effects and pounding music.

Is Being Tron-Adjacent Enough?
Yes, I’m disappointed that this “Tron” will be mostly ‘Tron-less.’ At best, it will be ‘Tron-adjacent.’

Sure, one could praise this effort to narratively break from the mothership and forge ahead in a different direction, but still in the same universe. But I can’t help feel a sense of loss that so much has been jettisoned from the core of this franchise.

No, I shouldn’t prejudge “Tron: Ares.” I should watch it first and then offer an informed opinion. And I intend to (even if the reviews are scathing).

And of course, this type of movie is best seen on the big screen (IMAX). There are so few films being released in theaters these days. So, why not?

But as we approach the release of this new “Tron” flick, this ‘User’ wants to feel more excited.

Game over? Well see…

August 10, 2025

Why Did “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” Stumble at the Box Office?

My son and I went out to the movies to see “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” shortly after the box office turned against it. (Ticket sales plunged 67% during its second weekend in the theaters.) What looked like a big hit was proving to be just a moderate success. It received great reviews. So, what went wrong?

After the post-credit scene, my son looked at me and asked if I liked the movie. I half-heartedly said, “Yes.” He agreed in a similar tone. Clearly, neither of us were enthusiastic. I think we both wanted to enjoy the movie more than we did. (He eventually admitted he liked “Thunderbolts*” much more.)

Not that I’m an ‘official’ movie reviewer (although if you know me, I’ve been chasing that dream since I was in college), but I think I know what’s going on here.

The Alternate Reality of Earth-828
If you’re a Marvel fan, then you’re hoping for a hit, just like me. (It’s been something of a dry spell.) We all wanted “The Fantastic Four” to succeed.

And there’s a lot to like about it. It’s fresh. It’s different. It’s retro futuristic.

But while the 1960s design choice is visually appealing, it also creates an energetic void that limits the movie.

Our main characters are effectively stuck in a type of “WandaVision” faux reality. The movie is so intent on setting up its alternate universe for this Earth-828, it takes up more screen time than it should. We even get to see fictional Saturday morning “Fantastic Four” cartoons, as if this cements the connection.

We get it.

Blast Off to Yesterday’s Tomorrow
This movie works hard to remind us of a ‘better,’ more optimistic and wholesome time in our history. And this nostalgic hook does have some payoffs.

For me, one of the best moments comes during the rocket launch sequence. As we get a beautiful Apollo-type liftoff, complete with rousing music (by Michael Giacchino), we can spot “United States” etched in the ship’s frame and perfectly positioned in the shot.

Yes, I felt a little jolt of adrenaline as the cool ship ascended from its hip New York City launch pad.

Many parts of this movie are designed with a bright, optimistic feel. And to a certain extent, it works.

Family Friendly
Directed by Matt Shakman, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” looks fantastic. But it plays too much like an after-school TV special.

The overall theme is about ‘family’ (though it’s actually more about parenting). There’s a layer of connection and warmth that permeates through the entire film. (Even the spectacle of our heroes’ superpowers is more of an afterthought for much of the movie.)

But that also takes the edge off… just about everything. (Sure, the world may end, but gosh darn it, we’re all going to stick together, right?)

I feel the best scenes occur off world where we’re not reminded of the ‘good-old-days’ era of Earth-828. Deep in the cosmos, our characters are finally allowed to react more authentically to the dangers that confront them.

Where’s the Conflict?
Said another way, there’s just not enough tension in this story. Our Fantastic Four family barely argues. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards just worries a lot. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm is way too nice for his brash character. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s ‘Thing’ is so polite and sweet, you just want to squeeze him. Even the evil Silver Surfer played by Julia Garner (minor spoiler alert) has a soft spot.

Fortunately, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm powers the movie’s major themes. The story orbits her struggles.

This is really a movie about motherhood and doing anything for your children. And it’s beautiful. The movie’s high points all surround Sue Storm.

But I’m not sure this is enough to be at the center of a Marvel movie.

Too Charming to be Believable
A family of superheroes without disfunction is a different formula, and it’s not one that’s powered Marvel’s biggest hits.

Our favorite Marvel characters are flawed. They’re often funny. Sometimes inappropriate.

Chris Evans’ Captain America was the obvious exception. But his character was always a fish out of water, and that was the storytelling strategy. And it worked.

These Fantastic Four are pretty-darned perfect and live on an easy-breezy Earth-828 with analog tech from the 1960s that can somehow power a spaceship faster than the speed of light.

It’s simply fantastic (and skews dangerously close to fantasy).

It’s just not realistic. I know this is science fiction, but good storytelling needs to be grounded in a reality you can believe in and relate to.

Moms, Assemble!
I think parents (especially mothers) will connect most to this movie. And those old enough to remember the good vibes of the ‘60s.

And that’s simply not Marvel’s core target audience. For my 15-year-old’s generation, this movie must be culturally confusing. It doesn’t really feel like a Marvel movie.

To be a blockbuster, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” needs to connect with just about everyone.

First Steps was Bound to Stumble
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is not a bad movie. It’s good. Just not fantastic.

And in an era of declining box office returns and growing fatigue with mediocre Marvel films, it’s no surprise “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” underperformed.

Silver Lining
Here’s the good news: If you’re generally not a big Marvel movie fan, because there’s too much violence, or you’ve lost track of the extended storyline that links all the films together, then this is the perfect Marvel flick for you.

It’s a standalone story in its own corner of the multiverse and doesn’t even deserve its PG-13 rating (maybe it’s a bit intense here and there).

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a solid summer movie for someone who doesn’t like the typical sci-fi blockbuster.

The 1960s Never Looked So Good
The movie’s earnest energy and gee-wiz sense of wonder may not totally wow everyone, but Earth-828 in the MCU is still swell and groovy.

Still, I prefer our much messier Earth-616.

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