Here is a very bland and derivative sci-fi adventure from Netflix, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, freely adapted from the illustrated YA novel by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag. It drains away the book’s thoughtful human complexity and turns it into a laminated Spielberg/Lucas knockoff with bits of Toy Story and Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as simply too many other individual borrowings to count. I even wondered if Millie Bobby Brown’s hairstyle was supposed to make her look like Chewbacca.It’s a kind of retro-tech romp set in an alternative-reality version of the 90s and 00s, perhaps indicating a yearning to go back to a time before social media, VR and AI ruled over us. During the Bill Clinton administration – and there are some neat satirical laughs in the flashback news montage, I admit – humanity is supposed to have suppressed a massive uprising on the part of the “the bots”, artificial humanoid helpmeets and domestic servant machines which wanted to be treated as human. Now this defeated robo-clan live like underdog heroes in a ruined reservation in the desert.The robots were beaten using devices developed by creepy tech supremo Ethan Skate (that name sound like anyone you know?), played in sleek Dr No-style clothing byStanley Tucci. He invented a way for everyone’s consciousness to participate in all activities remotely via VR headsets, including piloting the robo-warriors that defeated the robots.Our heroine is orphaned teen Michelle (Brown), whose parents and adored kid brother Christopher (Woody Norman) were killed in a car wreck. She is astonished one day when a terrified shivering robot shows up at her foster dad’s home, claiming to be her brother. But if her brother’s soul is somehow in this robot, is his body also alive somewhere? She and the robot go on a quest to find out, joining up on the way with a roguish adventurer played byChris Pratt, who basically reprises every performance he has ever given.The Electric State is a fundamentally unsatisfying and muddled film, even leaving aside the deja-vu. Robots are good … and Ethan Skate’s robo-tech is bad? Do robots die? Will they all just wear out and rust away (presumably solving humanity’s robot problem) or do they live forever or reproduce somehow? The film sort of hints at an answer, but all the sly, satirical fun implied when it was just humans v robots is removed.There is a gallery of wacky individuals of all shapes and sizes, providing some undemanding work for voice-artists including Brian Cox, Woody Harrelson, Alan Tudyk and Colman Domingo. But there’s no soul, no originality, just a great big multicolour wedge of digital content.One thing: Michelle’s abusive foster dad is played by Jason Alexander, who looks not a day older than when he played George Costanza in Seinfeld in the 90s. Is this the ultimate 90s reference?The Electric State is on Netflix from 14 March
The Electric State review – Millie Bobby Brown’s bot war yarn is soulless digital content
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"The Electric State: A Review of the Russo Brothers' Sci-Fi Adaptation"
The Guardian
5.3
TruthLens AI Summary
The Electric State, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, is a sci-fi adventure film adapted from Simon Stålenhag's illustrated novel. Set in a retro-tech version of the 1990s and early 2000s, the film attempts to explore themes of humanity and technology through the lens of a future where artificial intelligence has risen against its creators. However, the film is criticized for stripping away the book's depth, resulting in a product that feels like a derivative mix of popular franchises such as Toy Story and Guardians of the Galaxy. The narrative follows Michelle, an orphaned teenager played by Millie Bobby Brown, who discovers a robot claiming to be her deceased brother. This premise, while intriguing, is muddled by a lack of clarity regarding the nature of robots and their existence, leaving viewers questioning the film's underlying message about technology and identity.
As Michelle embarks on a quest with the robot and a roguish adventurer portrayed by Chris Pratt, the film introduces a range of quirky characters voiced by notable actors like Brian Cox and Woody Harrelson. Despite some moments of humor and nostalgia, particularly through satirical flashbacks to the Clinton administration, the film ultimately fails to resonate on an emotional level. Critics argue that the film lacks originality and soul, presenting a visually vibrant but hollow experience. The film's antagonist, Ethan Skate, played by Stanley Tucci, embodies the archetypal villain of tech culture, but the film does not delve deeply enough into the implications of his character or the broader societal issues it raises. As a result, The Electric State is seen as a missed opportunity to explore its themes more thoughtfully, instead offering a series of familiar tropes wrapped in digital spectacle.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a critical review of "The Electric State," a Netflix film directed by the Russo brothers, highlighting its derivative nature and lack of emotional depth. The review reflects a broader trend in contemporary cinema where adaptations struggle to capture the essence of their source material, often leading to a diluted version of the original narrative.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The review aims to inform readers about the film's shortcomings, particularly its failure to resonate emotionally and its reliance on clichés from popular culture. By characterizing the film as "soulless digital content," the article seeks to guide audience expectations, potentially discouraging viewers from investing time and resources in watching the film.
Public Perception and Sentiment
This critique could foster a negative perception of the film within the community, particularly among fans of the original illustrated novel and those who value originality in storytelling. The article's tone suggests that audiences should be wary of adaptations that prioritize visual spectacle over character and narrative depth, thus shaping public discourse around cinematic quality.
Hidden Aspects and Narrative Omissions
The focus on the film's inadequacies may obscure broader issues in the film industry, such as the prevalence of derivative works and the commercialization of creative content. While critiquing a specific film, the article does not address the systemic patterns within Hollywood that favor familiar formulas over innovative storytelling, possibly diverting attention from ongoing industry practices.
Manipulative Elements and Reliability
The review may contain manipulative elements, especially in its emotionally charged language that evokes strong reactions against the film. By using terms like "soulless" and "laminated Spielberg/Lucas knockoff," the article aims to elicit a visceral response from readers, thereby influencing their opinions. Nonetheless, the review is grounded in observable critiques of film quality, which lends it a degree of reliability.
Comparative Context
When compared to other reviews, this article aligns with a critical perspective that emphasizes the importance of narrative depth in adaptations. It also reflects a growing trend among critics to challenge blockbuster films that rely heavily on nostalgia and visual effects at the expense of storytelling.
Impact on Society and Economics
The review may influence the film's box office performance, as negative word-of-mouth can deter potential viewers. This, in turn, affects the financial success of similar future projects and may lead studios to reconsider their approach to adaptations and original content creation.
Target Audiences
The article likely resonates with audiences who value cinematic depth and narrative innovation, including film critics, cinephiles, and fans of the original source material. It may also appeal to those who are critical of commercial cinema's reliance on established franchises and familiar tropes.
Market Influence
In terms of market impact, the film's reception could affect stock prices of related companies like Netflix, particularly in the context of its strategy for original content. A poor reception may prompt investors to reassess the viability of future projects.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the review primarily focuses on a film, it indirectly reflects broader cultural themes of technological dependence and nostalgia, which can resonate with current societal anxieties regarding AI and social media. The film's setting in an alternative version of the past may also speak to contemporary concerns about the rapid pace of technological change.
AI Involvement in Content Creation
There is a possibility that AI was involved in drafting some aspects of the article, particularly in generating structured critiques or summarizing plot points. If AI models were utilized, they might have influenced the tone and focus of the review, potentially steering it toward a more critical lens. Overall, the article presents a reliable critique of "The Electric State," encouraging readers to approach the film with caution while highlighting broader issues in the film industry.