Over the past decade, several sci-fi adventures have graced our screens (both theatrically and via streaming services) offering new opportunities to explore the vastness of space, artificial intelligence, and an epic journey just barely outside of our reach.

Now, to make her own mark on the genre, singer, dancer, and actor Jennifer Lopez has partnered up with the streamer juggernaut Netflix to showcase a brand-new exploratory story looking to join the epic circle of cinematic sci-fi events — and in some instances, there is some classic cinematic fun to be had.

A Familiar Visual Spectacle

Aesthetically, Atlas appears to draw inspiration from popular sci-fi media titles such as No Man's Sky, Titanfall, and even Marvel’s Iron Man in some instances, attempting to weave together elements from these renowned franchises through sci-fi, AI, and mech-infused elements that drive the film’s primary story. The film's attempt to mirror the awe-inspiring world-building of these predecessors shines through in its intricate sets and grandiose CGI spectacles, especially across some of the more climactic explosions and visuals associated with its game-like final battle.

However, despite its best efforts, Atlas occasionally struggles to match the depth and complexity that made its inspirations so beloved in the first place. It’s a nice way to pay homage to other ideas — but it doesn’t necessarily challenge the genre with special effects that have yet to be showcased across the vast sci-fi landscape. There’s so much familiarity there, it doesn’t stretch the imagination as much as it could have. So essentially, one could argue that it’s more dependent on the comfort of projects that came before. But still impressive, nonetheless!

Alternative Representation of AI

One standout aspect of the film is the AI character (known as Smith), whose emotional depth and relatability surpass that of many of the human characters. Through poignant interactions and a surface-level portrayal of evolving consciousness, the AI brings a sense of humanity and emotional resonance that elevates the overall storytelling. In this regard, Atlas successfully tugs at the heartstrings in a few unexpected ways while exploring themes of connection and companionship in a technology-driven world.

More importantly, it’s a nice narrative contrast to the typical dangers of AI (which we all know about) and creates a partnership that feels like it carries more weight than you would expect given its origins and depiction in other films. And honestly, we’d be willing to trust Smith even if it was to our detriment. It doesn’t always have to be so doom and gloom when dealing with dangerous tech in fictional stories.

EaSYGOING Sci-Fi Fun

Despite the notion that Atlas occasionally drifts into vacuity and mindlessness associated with a casual watch, particularly in its character development and thematic exploration, the film manages to compensate with an entertaining relationship-focused genre arc that keeps viewers invested.

And even when it comes to the optimistic ending, the lighthearted final moments carefully tie up loose ends and offer a satisfactory resolution to the on-screen escapades of Lopez and her AI counterpart.

Score: 6/10

While it has plenty of sci-fi qualities to accommodate its grand ambition — Atlas is more of a mindless popcorn flick than a genre staple.