Atlas 2024 Review
Atlas is a film that was released less than a month ago, but went completely unnoticed. Which is strange because the film’s main star and producer is Jennifer Lopez. Lopez has been in the news a lot recently about her very public breakup (this time with Ben Affleck for the 2nd time) and her now cancelled music tour. The simple reason just might be that “Atlas” deserves to be ignored.
When it comes to sci-fi movies, the genre is ripe for innovation and imaginative storytelling. Unfortunately, "Atlas” misses the mark entirely. Directed by Brad Peyton and starring Jennifer Lopez, this film falls flat on multiple fronts, delivering a derivative and uninspired viewing experience.
First and foremost, "Atlas" is overwhelmingly boring. The pacing is sluggish, and the plot meanders without any real sense of purpose or urgency. It's difficult to stay engaged when the story seems to be treading water for most of its runtime. Unlike the gripping narrative of "I, Robot" (2004), which managed to blend action and philosophical inquiry seamlessly, "Atlas" feels like a poorly stitched together quilt of sci-fi clichés.
Speaking of "I, Robot," it's impossible not to notice how "Atlas" blatantly copies elements from previous sci-fi hits. Will Smith’s character has a deep distrust for robots because one saved his life over a little girls. Jennifer Lopez’s character also has a deep distrust for robots because her A.I. robot, “brother” started a literal world war and fled the planet. The obvious difference here is that Smith’s character’s story is personal, with no one really knowing about it. With Lopez, her conflict is shared with everyone. The whole planet was betrayed by this A.I. robot so everyone should be understanding of Lopez, but they’re not. They openly mock her to her face even though they know her brother started the current war they’re fighting. It’s nonsense.
Similarly, "Atlas" seems to borrow heavily from lesser-known films like "Star Kid" (1997), a movie that, despite its flaws, at least had a sense of adventure and charm. "Star Kid" followed a young boy who discovers an alien exosuit, leading to an engaging story about courage and self-discovery. In contrast, "Atlas" lacks any sense of wonder or character development. The protagonist's journey is predictable and uninspiring, feeling more like the tutorial of a video game than an epic blockbuster.
Jennifer Lopez's performance as the lead is another major drawback. Despite her star power, Lopez fails to bring any depth or nuance to her character. Her portrayal is wooden and unconvincing, making it difficult to connect with or care about her fate. This was also the film that made me realize Lopez does most of her acting with her hair. Flipping it around wildly to convey emotion like some sort of Planet Earth style mating call.
In conclusion, "Atlas" is a disappointing addition to the sci-fi genre. It fails to capture the imagination, lacks originality, and offers a forgettable performance from Jennifer Lopez. If you're looking for a compelling sci-fi experience, you're better off revisiting classics like "I, Robot" or even the nostalgic charm of "Star Kid." "Atlas" is a film that will likely be forgotten as quickly as it was released.
