Atlas is one of the big blockbuster movies from Netflix for 2024. Starring Jennifer Lopez, this was a movie that I was really looking forward to. With 2022’s Shotgun Wedding, 2023’s Mother, and now Atlas in 2024, Jennifer Lopez has been a real badass over the last few years. It has been a lot of fun to see her really embrace these more action roles, she has done it in the past, but the last couple of years have been great.
How to Download Atlas
Atlas was released on May 24, 2024. You can download or stream the film from Netflix. Click on the Download button at the end of this review.
The Movie Review
A Sci-Fi Action Adventure
What we have here is a sci-fi action movie. Atlas is the definition of a “popcorn movie” and there is nothing wrong with that at all. It is the kind of movie that on one hand would have been cool to see on the big screen. However, it is also a very basic sci-fi and action movie as far as the plot goes and it is more about style than substance, again, nothing wrong with that at all.
Timely Themes with AI
I will say that the fact Atlas is about AI and the dangers if AI ever goes wrong does at the very least give it a kind of timely story with how AI is growing at a rapid rate these days. I have seen this get mediocre reviews at best and to be honest, I feel that many of these reviews are a bit harsh. Yes, there are far more “smarter” action movies that deal with AI, but this was still a fun, turn-your-brain-off kind of movie.
Jennifer Lopez Shines as Atlas Shephard
It takes place in the future and our main character is a woman called Atlas Shephard who is played by Jennifer Lopez. Atlas has a major distrust of AI which is now a massive part of our everyday life. To be fair to Atlas, she has a very good reason for not wanting to have anything to do with AI.
A Personal Vendetta Against AI
You see her mother (who is played by the stunning Once Upon A Time alumni, Lana Parilla, was the pioneer of AI. She created an AI called Harlan and Harlan managed to be able to break out from the confines that AI had and he became the first AI terrorist. Harlan would build an AI army and wage war on humanity.
Humanity’s Struggle
Mankind would eventually succeed in running Harlan off Earth, however, Harlan vowed that he would one day return. Fast forward and Atlas has all grown up and she has been called in by a government agency to head to the distant planet where Harlan is to bring him in so they can find out why he went rogue.
The Heart of the Story
A huge part of the “heart” of Atlas is that Atlas must put her distrust of AI to the side so she can pair with an AI called Smith. You see, the only way that they can fight Harlan and his forces is inside these awesome mechs that are linked to the pilot via AI. It is fun and action-heavy stuff.
Impressive Visuals and Special Effects
I will say that Atlas is one of the best-looking Netflix original movies I have seen in a long time. When I saw the trailer for this I was sure that there was going to be some rather bad-looking CGI, but that was not the case at all. This is a fantastic-looking movie and the mechs they use are so awesome as they look badass, but their stumpy little legs give them a ton of personality.
Supporting Cast and Performances
While this is a popcorn action movie that is all about spectacle, Atlas does have a bit of emotional depth thanks to Atlas and the relationship she builds with her AI, Smith. Simu Lui as the AI Harlan is pretty awesome, but I do wish we got to see a bit more of him. While it is Jennifer Lopez and Gregory James Cohan as the voice of Smith who carries the movie. We do have a great support cast with Lana Parilla, Sterling K Brown, and Mark Strong.
Final Thoughts
If you want something with substance, Atlas is not the movie for you. However, if you want a fun sci-fi action movie and if you like Jennifer Lopez, I am certain you will have a good time with this. This is a movie that I am sure I will watch again, I can see it being a good “comfort” movie when I am in the mood for something cool, and fun and that does not require me to think! Although, what the heck do I know as most people seem to not have very nice things to say about this movie!
