A Familiar Recipe: Why Jennifer Lopez’s "Atlas" Fails to Launch into Sci-Fi Stardom
With the constant stream of science fiction films hitting theaters and streaming services, finding a truly original and memorable entry has become a rare feat. Jennifer Lopez’s latest Netflix offering, "Atlas," unfortunately, falls into the trap of recycling familiar tropes and uninspired storytelling, leaving viewers yearning for something more. While the film attempts to delve into the complexities of artificial intelligence and its potential dangers, it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling narrative or resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
A Premise Grounded in AI Anxiety
"Atlas" introduces us to the world’s first AI terrorist, Harlan (Simu Liu), who has corrupted AI bots globally, leading to a devastating attack on humanity. We then fast-forward 25 years to a world where the International Coalition of Nations (ICN) fights against the threat of AI terrorism. This premise, while intriguing, carries a heavy reliance on the anxieties surrounding AI’s potential misuse. The film attempts to explore these fears, yet it ultimately relies on familiar tropes and superficial portrayals, leaving audiences unconvinced.
The "Atlas" of Expectations Sinks: Jennifer Lopez’s Unconvincing Performance and a Superficial Script
The film centers around Atlas Shepherd, a data analyst played by Jennifer Lopez, who holds the key to stopping Harlan’s return. Despite being positioned as a brilliant and enigmatic figure, the script fails to develop her character beyond a caricature of emotional turmoil. Her erratic behavior and constant fits of anger feel contrived and unconvincing, hindering any genuine empathy or connection with the audience.
Lopez’s performance struggles to capture the nuances of Shepherd’s supposed emotional baggage. The film merely throws out terms like "emotional pain" and "inner turmoil" without delving into the complexities of these experiences. Ultimately, Shepherd remains a one-dimensional character, falling short of the depth required for her to carry the film’s emotional weight.
A Glimmer of Hope: The AI Suit’s Poised Presence
One of the few bright spots in "Atlas" is the introduction of a special AI bot suit, voiced by Gregory James Cohan, which serves as a foil to Shepherd’s volatile personality. The suit, calm, patient, and with a belief in the inherent consciousness of AI, provides a contrasting perspective that attempts to address the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. This juxtaposition, while brief, offers a glimpse into a more nuanced exploration of the relationship between humanity and AI.
However, this glimmer of depth is overshadowed by the film’s overall lack of substance. The AI suit character, while refreshing, is ultimately not enough to salvage a plot plagued by shallow writing and unconvincing performances.
A Comparison to "Her": Lacking the Emotional Depth and Thought-Provoking Insights
When exploring the complex relationship between humanity and AI, "Atlas" falls short compared to films like Spike Jonze’s "Her," which debuted a decade earlier. "Her" delves into the emotional complexities of this relationship, raising profound questions about love, connection, and the nature of consciousness. "Atlas," on the other hand, offers a surface-level treatment of these themes, failing to engage audiences on an intellectual or emotional level.
A Disappointing Destination: "Atlas" Fails to Take Flight
Despite its intriguing premise and the potential to explore the complex ethical dimensions of AI, "Atlas" ultimately takes a disappointing dive into familiar territory. A lackluster script, unconvincing performances, and a dearth of original ideas contribute to a film that feels stale and uninspired. While the AI suit character provides a brief moment of thought-provoking engagement, it is not enough to salvage a film that ultimately fails to capture the imagination or leave a lasting impression.
