Unveiling 'Atlas': Jennifer Lopez and the Rise of AI on Streaming Platforms

Jennifer Lopez may have her critics, but streaming platforms can't seem to get enough of her. This is evident in the recent surge of movies she has starred in, such as “The Mother” on Netflix, “Shotgun Wedding” on Amazon, and “Marry Me” on Peacock, all released within the past two years. In addition to these, there is also “Atlas,” a sci-fi action film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, drawing parallels to Disney's “Big Hero 6” but with a more mature tone.

While “Atlas” follows the familiar theme of artificial intelligence going rogue, the focus shifts to the relationship between Lopez's character, Atlas Shepherd, and the AI robot Harlan (played by Simu Liu), who has turned against humanity. As the story unfolds, Atlas must join forces with another AI robot (voiced by Gregory James Cohan) in order to navigate the challenges and threats they face together.

The movie starts off with a fast-paced scene showing the destructive AI attack caused by Harlan. Then, it jumps ahead 28 years into the future, focusing on the main character who is recruited by two military individuals (Mark Strong and Sterling K. Brown) for a mission to stop Harlan. Despite doubts about her abilities, she joins the mission, and the movie shifts its focus to her.

The concept of having to work with something the main character despises or fears is a common theme, often seen in science fiction. In this sense, "Atlas" doesn't bring anything new to the table conceptually, just like its robot design, which resembles the armored suits seen in "Avatar" or "Aliens."

"Atlas" primarily aims to be an action-packed movie, with director Brad Peyton, known for films like "Rampage" and "San Andreas," keeping the story engaging and fast-paced. The familiarity of the plot points allows viewers to easily follow along without overthinking.

Netflix continues to invest in big-budget genre films, such as Zack Snyder's upcoming two-part movie "Rebel Moon." Jennifer Lopez takes on a new role as both producer and lead actress, showing versatility by stepping away from her usual romantic comedy roles.

It's not completely clear how the math adds up, but you don't have to be a genius data analyst to see what Netflix is aiming for with the combination of J-Lo and sci-fi.

"Atlas" will be released on May 24 on Netflix and is rated PG-13.

Editor's P/S:

Jennifer Lopez's recent foray into sci-fi action with "Atlas" is a testament to her versatility and the growing demand for her on streaming platforms. While the film treads on familiar thematic ground, it is elevated by Lopez's compelling performance and director Brad Peyton's knack for creating engaging and fast-paced action sequences. The similarities to "Big Hero 6" add a touch of familiarity, but "Atlas" distinguishes itself with its more mature tone and focus on the complex relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence.

Netflix's investment in "Atlas" and other big-budget genre films demonstrates its commitment to providing diverse and high-quality content. The combination of Lopez's star power and the sci-fi genre is a strategic move that is likely to appeal to a wide audience. "Atlas" is a solid addition to Lopez's filmography and a further indication of her enduring popularity in the entertainment industry.