Atlas: A Sci-Fi Actioner with a Familiar Formula
Just when you crave mindless pyrotechnics on screen, the universe answers with Atlas, a lovely sci-fi actioner that pretends to discuss deep and meaningful things like whether AI has a soul in its trillion lines of code, when it actually just wants to have fun blowing things up. And blow things it does in jolly spectacular style.
Explosive action sequences are the highlight of Atlas
In the future, AI becomes self-aware and turns on human beings. After several attacks, including one on Bengaluru that leaves over 500,000 killed in an AI-controlled drone strike, Harlan (Simu Liu) flees to a planet, GR-39, in the Andromeda galaxy.
The International Coalition of Nations (ICN) is formed to fight the threat, and Harlan is declared public enemy number one, the first AI terrorist. 28 years later, a grumpy counter-terrorism analyst working for the ICN, Atlas (Jennifer Lopez), is woken up by her smart home.
A Familiar yet Enjoyable Ride
Atlas, whose considerable star power cauterizes the plot holes, and Simu Liu looking well-dressed and menacing, slug it out in this fairly enjoyable AI-versus-human battle. The film’s regular-as-clockwork battles, wisecracks, and explosions offer a suitable adrenaline fix.
 Jennifer Lopez shines as the grumpy counter-terrorism analyst Atlas
The film’s visuals are nicely realized, with GR-39 being an interestingly visualized planet. The final battle is vaguely reminiscent of Terminator, with Harlan’s single glowing eye.
A Fun yet Forgettable Actioner
While not as relentless as Lopez’s Mother, Atlas offers a suitable adrenaline fix. Lopez’s considerable star power cauterizes any plot holes, while Mark Strong and Sterling K. Brown do their thing - the former being the wise mentor and the latter the wise-cracking tough guy. Liu does not have much to do apart from look menacing, which he does with aplomb and nice clothes.
The final battle is a visually stunning and action-packed affair
In conclusion, Atlas is a fun yet forgettable actioner that delivers on its promise of mindless pyrotechnics. With Jennifer Lopez carrying the film on her shapely shoulders, Atlas is a suitable way to pass the time if you’re in the mood for some sci-fi action.
