When a mission to capture a rebel robot fails, a brilliant data analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers that it may be her only hope. Humanity faces the wrath of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the gripping sci-fi thriller “Atlas.” The film explores themes of technology, ethics, and humanity’s future in an increasingly interconnected world through stunning visuals and intense action sequences.
However, the film’s predictability prevents it from becoming an outstanding masterpiece, despite Jennifer Lopez’s convincing performance. Atlas Shepherd (JLo), a brilliant but misanthropic data analyst with a profound distrust of AI, is the focus of this futuristic film. Atlas joins a group of rangers on a risky mission to capture a rebel robot named Harlan (Simu Liu), who is determined to eradicate humanity. Because of their enigmatic pasts, she is convinced that no one knows Harlan better than she does. However, if her plans go awry, she can only trust AI to save humanity’s future. The film by director Brad Peyton builds quickly. He and cinematographer John Schwartzman are great at making and showing the futuristic world as well as the action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, the plot is simplistic, and for a sci-fi CGI film, some of the chases and action scenes feel routine.
Peyton handles the film’s tonal shifts well, despite the narrative turns written by Aron Eli Coleite and Leo Sardarian being overstretched and the sequences having an uneven pace. As a machine that mistrusts humans, JLo is simply outstanding. Her struggle to get through the battle and her transformation from an analyst to a fighter are convincing. Harlan, the evil robotic character, is played by Simu Liu, who is likable but could have been more powerful. K. Sterling Abraham Popoola is brilliant as the AI fighter Casca, and Brown gives a strong performance as Colonel Elias. Lana Parrilla plays a significant role in the movie, albeit in a small capacity, as Atlas’s mother.
As for Gregory James Cohan’s Robot Smith, he works just like an artificial intelligence (AI) machine. Although the exchanges that Smith and Atlas have are fascinating, each of their actions indicates a predetermined outcome. Even though the story is predictable, this battle between humans and AI is gripping and worth watching, especially if you like JLo or sci-fi movies.
