Pixel Perfect (2004)

Similar to Smart House, in that it’s way ahead of its time technologically, and grapples with the philosophical questions surrounding the use of said tech, Pixel Perfect has a depth seldom reached by a DCOM.

The movie’s teenage protagonist Roscoe (Raviv Ullman) sets out to find a new lead singer for his best friend Sam’s (Leah Pipes) band that can dance. He takes an unconventional route in casually creating Loretta Modern (Spencer Redford), an artificially intelligent hologram. She’s composed of the looks, voices, and dance moves of the world’s most renowned musicians, as well as Sam’s ears. Weird.

As Roscoe upgrades and takes care of Loretta, it becomes clear that he loves her (sparking jealousy in Sam), and she has real desires and feelings. She wants to feel the rain on her skin. She grows angry at Sam when the two argue over whether or not she’s real. She desperately asks Roscoe, “Why am I never good enough for you?”

The line between consciousness and unconsciousness (from a sentient standpoint) is blurred in Pixel Perfect, in a way that mirrors certain AI technology today. That alone makes this DCOM classic worthy of careful consideration.

Still, the film’s core argument is about love. Roscoe’s dad poignantly asserts that “the more you try to find that kind of perfection in people, the more meals you will eat alone.” While AI can help us tremendously, there’s something innately human (and loveable) about our imperfections.