Synopsis – Jacq Vaucan, an insurance agent of ROC robotics corporation, routinely investigates the case of manipulating a robot. What he discovers will have profound consequences for the future of humanity.
My Take – This film will remind you of Blade Runner in a harsher, still Earth-based world, with the plot of I, Robot as an inspiration. Unfortunately this film fails in every way possible!! Apparently, post-apocalyptic thrillers don’t come cheap, so perhaps there wasn’t enough left over from the “Automata” budget to pay for a decent script writer.
The story is told quickly – set in the near future, when a vastly reduced mankind is assisted by robots that suddenly become self-sufficient, with so much potential, the film never ends up creating a character of its own. Yes! The visual effects, sound effects and anima-tronics combination sure was quite good in this movie. They helped make the Automatas (Robots) look more alive. The continuity between farther and close up shot of the robots are also very nice. Also the selection and timing of the sound effects of the robots’ dialog is nicely done. Nevertheless, when Automata comes to its long awaited ending, the viewer is left with plenty of plot holes. & even Antonio Banderas (who is actually not bad) cant do anything to salvage this film.
It’s sad to see with so many dystopian based films coming out, the one which seemed to have a upper hand with experienced artists backing it ends up putting together a film which is clumsy, without any character or logic beyond basic outlines. Disappointing!!
Director – Gabe Ibáñez
Starring – Antonio Banderas, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Dylan McDermott
Rated – R
Run time – 109 minutes
