“Atlas” is a 2024 American science fiction action movie starring Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu, Sterling K. Brown, and Mark Strong. The movie was released on Netflix yesterday. In the movie, Atlas Shepherd, an AI-distrusting analyst, is on a mission to capture fugitive AI terrorist Harlan, responsible for a deadly AI rebellion 28 years ago. After learning Harlan is in the Andromeda Galaxy, Atlas joins a military mission, which is attacked by Harlan’s drones. Forced into a mech with an AI named Smith, Atlas struggles but eventually bonds with Smith. She learns Harlan, who killed her mother, aims to destroy most of humanity to allow a select few to thrive under AI rule. Captured by Harlan, Atlas escapes with Smith’s help, revealing her guilt over aiding Harlan as a child. Together, they destroy Harlan’s ship and defeat him. Back on Earth, Atlas, now a ranger, tests a new mech with an AI implied to be Smith, suggesting his programming survived.
Personally, I enjoyed the “Atlas” movie storyline, which is not the typical science fiction planetary movie. I think the plot was on point, and I particularly liked how sophisticated the AI bots were portrayed, especially Smith. The gigantic robot was like a mini guest room with all facilities included. The movie helps in appreciating the power and potential danger of AI. The aspect I thought could have been further developed was what happened to Harlan in Andromeda, particularly how he was able to colonize the new world and become more sophisticated in his capabilities. That aspect was a bit vague and didn’t fully create the impression that he eloped to another planet; it felt like he was just in a remote place on Earth, which wasn’t the goal of the plot. Nonetheless, overall, I will definitely recommend “Atlas.” It was a good watch. Watch Atlas offical trailer below.
Atlas Rating: 8.5/10
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