The Imitation Game

I usually try to avoid movie trailers because they too often negate the necessity of actually watching the movie (and I like watching movies).  Sometimes the trailer is actually superior to the film, as with American Sniper and any of the Iron Man movies.  I mention this because I had seen the trailer for The Imitation Game, which essentially is a summary of the entire film.  Sure the trailer doesn't emphasize how being different, specifically being a homosexual, gave the main character an advantage; the ability to solve a problem that saved many lives and helped the Allies win World War II.  The performances are sound, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Alan Turing (the father of computers) as a socially awkward genius, quite similar to his Sherlock Holmes role, but with a bit more humanity.  The supporting characters aren't really very interesting, but contribute what is necessary to the film.  The stand-out element of the film comes in the form of flashbacks, as we see a young man who befriended Turing in his boarding school days.  The kindness and encouragement that Turing received from this older student had an important impact on the man he becomes.  Unfortunately the depth and thoughtfulness that is depicted in these flashbacks doesn't carry over into the rest of the movie.  If you've seen the trailer, there is no need to go an further.