Ghost in the Shell

Based on the hit Japanese anime and manga series, Ghost in the Shell finds Scarlett Johansson trapped inside an artificial body that is designed to kick butt - and look good while doing it. She plays Major Mira Killian, whose brain is transplanted into its new hi-tech casing by Hanka Robotics, and who is then tasked with hunting down the terrorist (Michael Pitt) targeting the company. Meanwhile, Juliette Binoche, as the scientist who gave her new life, tussles with Hanka honcho Peter Ferdinando over glitches in Major's system. Predictably, as she starts to remember her past, Major's faith is eroded. There are few surprises to be had, but British director Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman) delivers an eye-popping, cyberpunk spectacle with a Japanese cityscape reminiscent of Blade Runner. He also touches on interesting questions about how far humans can comfortably merge with technology. Johansson's star power overrides her robotic tics, but her "ghost" could have done with more fleshing out to elevate this beyond pure adrenaline-pumping mechanics.