Atlas with Jennifer Lopez: Trying to Save the World but Getting Lost in the Details. A mix of sci-fi and chaos that falls short. Find out why in my review.
Plot: More Complicated than a Rubik's Cube
Imagine a future where humanity is hanging by a thread, threatened by a rogue artificial intelligence with a nefarious plan. And who do they call to save the day? Jennifer Lopez, of course! In the role of Atlas Shepherd, a brilliant but socially awkward data analyst, J.Lo must embark on a desperate mission. It's not just about crunching numbers; she has to confront her deepest fears and her aversion to AI.
Atlas is forced to team up with Smith, an advanced AI piloting a mech, to stop Harlan, a robot gone rogue. Their relationship starts with skepticism and sharp banter but gradually evolves into a strange form of mutual understanding. Together, they navigate a hostile planet, facing all sorts of dangers, always one step ahead of invisible enemies and deadly traps.
Atlas's mission is complicated by ancient secrets and betrayals, with every new discovery bringing more questions than answers. The dynamics between the characters are intense, with alliances forming and breaking, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
In a crescendo of action and tension, Atlas must use all her intelligence and skills to decipher a complex puzzle that could determine humanity's fate. With breathtaking scenes and a narrative full of twists and turns, Atlas keeps you glued to the screen, trying to figure out what will happen next. The plot, intricate like a Rubik's Cube, is a journey through chaos and order, trust and betrayal, humanity and machines.
A Film that Does the Bare Minimum
Atlas is like that school assignment you do just to pass: you follow the instructions, do the bare minimum, and turn it in. Jennifer Lopez puts in her best effort, but even she can't save a film that feels like a sci-fi homework assignment.
The plot tries to be deep and complex but ends up being a puzzle more confusing than intriguing. Atlas, our protagonist, is forced to team up with Smith, an AI, to stop a rogue robot named Harlan. Their relationship, which should be the film's heartbeat, is treated superficially. It's as if the screenwriters read "How to Write a Sci-Fi Movie in 10 Easy Steps" and followed it to the letter without adding any original flair.
There are plenty of action scenes, perhaps too many, that seem included just to keep the audience awake. Explosions, fights, races against time: all seen and done before. And when there aren't explosions, there are cliché-filled dialogues. If you've ever watched a sci-fi movie, you can practically guess what the characters will say.
Visually, Atlas is well-made. The special effects are high-quality, the futuristic costumes are captivating, and the settings are spectacular. But it's all style over substance. The visual beauty can't compensate for a plot that never really takes off.
Another issue is the handling of secondary characters. They seem to be there just to fill the gaps between Jennifer Lopez's scenes. They lack depth, don't evolve, and ultimately leave no impact.
And then there's the matter of artificial intelligence. Smith, Atlas's robotic companion, should be an intriguing character but ends up being a simple deus ex machina. He solves problems when the plot gets stuck but never becomes truly interesting or developed. The reflection on trust between humans and machines is sketched out but never explored in depth.
In conclusion, Atlas is a film that does the bare minimum: it follows the rules but never manages to surpass them. If you're looking for something innovative or exciting, this movie isn't for you. However, if you just want to see Jennifer Lopez in action in a futuristic setting, it might be worth a watch.
Rating: 5/10
Why You Should Watch It
I recommend Atlas because, despite everything, it manages to highlight human flaws. Fear, greed, and distrust emerge in every scene, showing us that even in the future, we remain the same. And let's be honest, seeing Jennifer Lopez navigating through science and apocalypse has its charm, don't you think?
Why You Should Skip It
I don't recommend Atlas because it's a wasted opportunity. If you're looking for a compelling and coherent plot, this film isn't for you. The characters are as flat as a surfboard, and the special effects can't save a story that doesn't know where it's going. If you don't like films that get lost in their own twists and turns, avoid Atlas.
