Despite my initial hesitation about Jennifer Lopez's acting, Atlas on Netflix turned out to be quite an enjoyable watch. The movie blends sci-fi action with emotional undertones, set against a futuristic backdrop where AI and humanity are at odds. Directed by Brad Peyton, this film showcases Lopez as Atlas Shepherd, a fierce data analyst turned warrior who must navigate a world dominated by artificial intelligence.
The plot revolves around Atlas, who has a deep-seated distrust of AI due to a past tragedy. When a mission goes awry, she ends up relying on Simon, an AI persona, to survive. This dynamic forms the crux of the movie, exploring themes of trust and cooperation between humans and machines. While the story isn’t groundbreaking and borrows elements from other sci-fi classics, it manages to maintain a level of entertainment through its visuals and action sequences.
Critics have had mixed reactions to the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a low score, with many pointing out the lack of originality and depth in the script. However, Lopez’s performance has been widely praised. She brings intensity and physicality to her role, making her character's journey compelling despite the film's narrative flaws. The visuals and action scenes, particularly the mech suit battles, are highlights that keep the movie engaging.
Simu Liu, who plays Harlan Shepherd, serves as a formidable antagonist, though his character follows a conventional villain archetype. Sterling K. Brown and Mark Strong are also part of the cast but unfortunately aren’t given much to do. The film’s strength lies in its action and the on-screen presence of Lopez, who carries much of the movie on her shoulders.
One of the more notable bad element in the film's attempt to add emotional depth through Atlas’s backstory. These elements feel somewhat tacked on and don’t fully integrate into the overall plot. The themes of personal regret and guilt are touched upon but not explored in a meaningful way, which might leave you wanting more in terms of character development.
Despite its flaws, Atlas has topped Netflix's charts upon release, indicating that many viewers were drawn to its spectacle and star power. The film’s success on the platform shows that there is an appetite for sci-fi action movies, even if they don’t always hit the mark critically.
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