ATLAS

US, 2024, 118 minutes, Colour.

Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu, Sterling K.Brown, Gregory James Cohan, Abraham Popoola, Mark Strong.

Directed by Brad Peyton.

In 2001, Steven Spielberg directed the film, AI. While the reality of Artificial Intelligence was known, it was comparatively early days for the movies to explore the repercussions of AI, of robots, of collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence, conflicts.

This theme has continued very strongly through the following tickets.

In one sense, this is familiar material here. However, with computer-generated effects continually improving, this exploration has its spectacular moments, machines, robots, space travel, battles and conflicts.

However, this is a Jennifer Lopez film. She acts as Executive Producer as well as starring. While there are some supporting roles, especially from reputable actors like Sterling K.Brown and Mark Strong, the main focus is on Jennifer Lopez as a technology analyst, Atlas, is called on to confront a rebel robot threatening humanity through his knowledge, technological skills and the creation of a robot army.

While there is an introduction to the theme, especially the pursuit of a vicious robot, his being trapped and destroyed, yet his head surviving connected to machinery, challenging humans to confront his maker, Harlan (Simi Liu). There is a history between Atlas and Harlan, her mother having created him and the daughter feeling his being favoured over her and her resentment and action leading to potential disaster.

As an adult, Atlas is rather humourless, single-minded, agreeing to go on a mission to the planet where she has discovered Harlan is based.

The latter part of the film, Atlas is contained within the giant transformers -like robot was a very pleasant speaking voice (Gregory James Cohan) and a pleasant manner which she doesn’t respond to well. However, there has to be some kind of bonding for the success of the mission as well as for Atlas becoming more human herself. The interplay between Atlas and the transformer robot, whose name is Smith, bring some welcome lightness of touch to the serious proceedings.

So, a mission, a confrontation with Harlan, mission accomplished – and the world is saved until the next AI human-threatening movie.

1. The popularity of this kind of futuristic science-fiction? Advanced technology, space exploration? The development of AI, I created characters, skills and technology, overcoming humans, creating an army of robot warriors?
2. The photography, technology, space travel, the combat sequences, the transformer like armoured robots, the locations of different planets? The musical score?
3. The mood set with cascade, robot, confrontations, fight, destruction, Atlas confronting him, his body missing, but his head linked to the controls? His later reappearance, the multiple Cascas?
4. The credibility of the situation, the future, the scientists, creating the AI robots, the powers, codes, beyond human capabilities, the revolution, need for the pursuit of the Arch robot, the tactics, the expedition and disaster, at the centre survival, communication with Smith? Atlas and her background with Harlan?
5. The introduction to Gen Boothe, his plans, the discussion with Banks, the difference of opinion, especially towards Atlas? The decision for the expedition, the preparation of the Rangers? The issue of Atlas, her background, her mother is the scientist, her growing up with Harlan, her antagonism? Her role as an analyst rather than a warrior?
6. The introduction to the Transformer -like robots, the sequence with Zoe getting the cup of coffee? Importance of these robots?
7. The expedition, the flight, the attack, the disaster and destruction? Banks disappearing? Atlas, single-minded, humourless, being protected by Smith, Smith and his voice, programmed you human, the directions, wanted them to synchronise, her refusal, the searching of the remains, planning strategies, her being wounded, Smith’s methods of treating the leg? Language, humour, sarcasm – and Smith adapting?
8. There are ultimately bonding, working together, Atlas and her wariness, antagonism towards Harlan? The revelation of the background, her feeling neglected by her mother, her mother favouring Harlan, the antagonism?
9. Harlan, eventually appearing, his control, his abilities, his capture of banks, getting information after torture? Atlas captured, the collaboration with Smith, getting free, Banks and his help? The confrontation with Harlan and his robots, destruction?
10. Atlas, returning, mission accomplished, booths visiting her, her new robot protector – and the pleasant review acquaintance with Smith?
11. The popularity of this kind of futuristic AI scenario in the movies of the 2020s?