Introduction to The Electric State
The Electric State is a sci-fi film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, based on the graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag. The movie takes place in a world where sentient robots have revolted against humanity in the 1990s. The story follows Michelle, a teenager played by Millie Bobby Brown, as she teams up with a robot named Cosmo and a smuggler, played by Chris Pratt, to find her long-lost brother.
A Visual Spectacle
The Electric State is a sight to behold, with top-tier visual effects that seamlessly blend live-action humans with CGI robots. The film’s post-apocalyptic world is filled with creative and varied robot designs, reminiscent of Pixar’s WALL-E. The final battle between humans and machines is a bombastic sci-fi spectacle, with stunning visuals and a thrilling score by Alan Silvestri.
Writing Issues
However, the film’s writing is where it falls short. The story tries to tackle relevant commentary about humanity’s addiction to technology, but it spends too much time explaining things and repeating information. The pacing is also jarring, with scenes jumping quickly from one to the next without giving viewers a chance to breathe. The film’s attempts at campiness and humor often fall flat, with corny jokes and nonsensical dialogue.
Underwhelming Performances
The cast, which includes Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, and Stanley Tucci, delivers underwhelming performances. The acting often seems unconvincing and doesn’t match the tone of the scene. Even the usually talented Millie Bobby Brown comes across as moody and wisecracking, rather than genuinely emotional. The only exceptions are Brown and Woody Norman, who show some pathos in their scenes as siblings.
Is it Worth Watching?
Ultimately, The Electric State is a film that is perfect for those looking for a easy, mindless blockbuster. While it has some great visuals and a timely premise, it is bogged down by poor writing, one-dimensional characters, and lackluster performances. Fans of the Russo Brothers may be disappointed by this effort, but it is clear that they have the skills to craft great blockbusters. Perhaps they will learn from this experience and create something better in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Electric State is a film that had great promise but ultimately falls short. While it has some stunning visuals and a relevant premise, it is brought down by poor writing, underwhelming performances, and a lack of emotional depth. If you’re looking for a mindless blockbuster, you might enjoy The Electric State, but if you’re looking for a thoughtful and well-crafted sci-fi film, you might want to look elsewhere. The Electric State is now streaming on Netflix.
