The Uninspired Sci-Fi of Atlas and the Unbridled Charm of Hit Man
In the realm of science fiction, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a film that promises more than it delivers. Such is the case with Atlas, a lackluster sci-fi meh-pic that fails to impress. Jennifer Lopez stars as Dr. Atlas Shepherd, a socially awkward scientist and chess master who must chase down a robot terrorist hiding out on a distant planet. The movie unearths nothing new in what is a very old story of man’s touch-and-go relationship with technology.
Robot Terrorist on the Loose
The film’s uninspired take on artificial intelligence is reminiscent of The Terminator and Battlestar Galactica. Lopez’s character spends most of the movie inside a giant walking robot, shouting at a Siri-like computer named Smith. The ancient idea here is that this embittered, distrusting woman starts to see that not all artificial intelligence is inherently evil. Sounds like Sarah Connor to me.
On the other hand, Hit Man is a wild story that will make Glen Powell a star. The film tells the true story of Gary Johnson, a philosophy lecturer who worked as a fake hit man for the New Orleans Police Department. Powell shines as Gary, an amiable, Honda Civic-driving, bird-watching Everyman who becomes a convincing badass when he puts on a wire and meets his marks.
Glen Powell as Gary Johnson
The movie works simultaneously as an indulgence in and a deconstruction of the basic transaction of stardom. It presents us with a guy we can never be, then makes us believe for a moment that we can be him, even as it tells us that such a guy doesn’t exist in the first place.
In contrast to Atlas, Hit Man is a movie that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. While Atlas is a dull, uninspired sci-fi film, Hit Man is a charming, self-aware romp that will make you believe in the power of transformation.
Gary and Madison
So, if you’re looking for a movie that will leave you feeling good, skip Atlas and watch Hit Man instead. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Hit Man Poster
