Mini-review: Ghost in the Shell

While it doesn't quite reach the heights of Bladerunner in terms of gritty urban vision of the future, this live action remake of the anime classic, comes close at times. It is truly visually spectacular in places, and crucially is populated with plenty of background action.  Johansson gives a nuanced and restrained performance with an occasionally thoughtful script - but unfortunately beyond the opening sequence the action never quite delivers the goods that its competitors do. The plot is essentially a retread of Robocop.