When discussing the few names that perpetuate the concept of super-stardom, Jennifer Lopez prominently stands out as a multi-talented entertainment powerhouse. Her recent projects as a producer, actor, and singer showcase her vast cultural influence across various genres and mediums. Notable examples include the 2019 heist film “Hustlers,” the rom-coms “Marry Me” and “Shotgun Wedding” (2022), the action-thriller “The Mother” (2023), her self-funded project “This is Me … Now” (2024), and a memorable Super Bowl halftime show in 2020. Jennifer Lopez consistently proves her multifaceted talent, even as the public laments the scarcity of iconic movies and larger-than-life stars.
Jennifer Lopez undeniably embodies the whole package, boasting a uniquely magnetic presence that captivates audiences on any screen, regardless of the project’s quality. Her latest venture, the cheesy, AI-themed sci-fi flick “Atlas,” directed by Brad Peyton, is no exception. Though this lackluster streaming film may never reach the big screen like “Minority Report,” “I, Robot,” or “Gravity”—movies that clearly influenced co-writers Leo Sardarian and Aron Eli Coleite—it still showcases Lopez in her fiery, muscular glory, delivering even the cheesiest lines with conviction.
“Atlas” may fall short in many aspects, but its greatest assets remain its knowingly hokey dialogue and Lopez’s performance. This makes the film’s straight-to-streaming release especially disappointing; lines like “Eat Shit!” delivered by recent Oscar nominee Sterling K. Brown (“American Fiction”) and Lopez’s own “Let’s go, bitch!” would be far more enjoyable in a lively theater. Instead, viewers will follow data analyst Atlas Shepherd (Lopez) through a cartoonish, futuristic Los Angeles and into outer space. In this distant future, AI is dominant but regulated, and a renegade robot named Harlan (Simu Liu) who fled Earth 28 years ago remains a threat. The fear is that he might return with an army, leading to the wrong kind of AI takeover.
Similar to Will Smith’s character in “I, Robot,” Atlas harbors a deep distrust of AI, preferring traditional, analog methods. However, a mission to the unstable planet GR39, led by Colonel Elias Banks (K. Brown), forces her to rely on AI, particularly Simon, an AI persona controlling her mech suit. As she grapples with her trust issues, the film endeavors to show that not all AI is harmful, much like Gareth Edwards’ “The Creator.” Yet, this message feels hollow amidst growing concerns about AI’s potential to replace human creativity.
As “Atlas” unravels the mysterious link between Atlas and Harlan, it strays into derivative visual designs and thematic ideas borrowed from superior films. Despite the high stakes, the narrative fails to coalesce effectively. Nevertheless, Jennifer Lopez’s star power shines through, driving the film forward. While it may not be enough to elevate “Atlas” into greatness, her presence is undeniably something special.
In summary, Jennifer Lopez continues to dominate as a multifaceted superstar, with projects spanning various genres and mediums. Despite the shortcomings of her latest film, “Atlas,” her magnetic presence and willingness to embrace even the cheesiest aspects make her a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
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