Atlas (English) Movie Review: ATLAS works due to the plot and Jennifer Lopez’s performance

Atlas (English) Review {2.5/5} & Review Rating

Director: Brad Peyton

Atlas Movie Synopsis:
ATLAS is the story of an analyst trying to stop an AI terrorist. Val Shepherd (Lana Parrilla) of Shepherd Robotics develops an AI robot named Harlan (Simu Liu). Things go wrong and Harlan becomes very powerful. He weaponizes other AI bots and begins to attack humanity. Various countries together develop an organization named the International Coalition of Nations (ICN) to tackle the threat. They successfully destroy the AI bots. Harlan escapes into the space to save himself but leaves a message that he’ll be back soon. 28 years pass. Casca Vix (Abraham Popoola), an agent of Harlan, is found on Earth and with great difficulty, he’s captured by ICN forces. Atlas Shepherd (Jennifer Lopez), daughter of Val and who has deeply studied Harlan, is called to investigate Casca. She smartly finds the location of Harlan from Casca. Harlan is residing on the planet named ‘GR 39, Andromeda Galaxy’. General Jake Boothe (Mark Strong) puts up a squad to travel to GR 39 and capture Harlan. Atlas, at first, warns General and Colonel Elias Banks (Sterling K Brown) that this can be a suicidal mission since it’s an un-researched territory and moreover, Harlan will be equipped to attack the forces. Elias, who’s heading the mission, assures Atlas that they have the best of the weapons and assistance from AI to capture Harlan. Atlas requests the General that she’d like to accompany Elias on the mission as she is the best person to understand Harlan. The General agrees. The squad heads to GR 39 and even before they land on the planet, things go haywire. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Atlas Movie Story Review:
Leo Sardarian and Aron Eli Coleite’s story is promising and talks about the threats as well as advantages of AI. Leo Sardarian and Aron Eli Coleite’s screenplay is engaging but, in several places, it’s unconvincing. The dialogues are sharp and add to the humour quotient.

Brad Peyton’s direction is decent. He keeps the run time in check (120 minutes). Also, despite it being a sci-fi film, the focus is not just on action and VFX. One of the most memorable aspects of the film is the bond that Atlas shares with the AI bot, Smith (voiced by Gregory James Cohan). A few dramatic and emotional moments stand out.

On the flipside, the biggest issue with the film is that certain developments are difficult to digest. It is bewildering that General Boothe immediately deployed his soldiers to capture a dangerous terrorist like Harlan that too on a planet that is completely alien territory for humans. One expects humans to study the planet for a few years before sending soldiers. Instead, the soldiers are sent in a few days! Also, there’s inconsistency. At times, Harlan and his army seem to be all-powerful and yet, Atlas is able to escape from captivity in the pre-climax by easily destroying Harlan’s squad.

Atlas Movie Performances:
Jennifer Lopez, however, rocks the show. She plays a difficult role with perfection and scores with this performance-heavy role. Simu Liu has limited screen time and is decent at best. Abraham Popoola leaves a huge mark with his robot-like expressions and dialogue delivery. Sterling K Brown is dependable and the same goes for Mark Strong. Lana Parrilla is nice in a cameo. Finally, Gregory James Cohan is terrific as the voice of Smith.

Atlas music and other technical aspects:
Andrew Lockington’s music is appropriate for a film of this kind. John Schwartzman’s cinematography is splendid. Barry Chusid’s production design is rich and fascinating. Daniel Orlandi’s costumes are realistic. The VFX matches global standards. The action is entertaining. Bob Ducsay’s editing is smooth.

Atlas Movie Conclusion:
On the whole, ATLAS works due to the plot and Jennifer Lopez’s performance. However, since it’s unconvincing and convenient, the film turns out to be an average fare.