Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you like sci-fi or British films.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
“Robot Overlords” is a science fiction dystopian movie that follows a ragtag group of teens as they attempt a daring rescue in a world ruled by totalitarian robots. It stars Callan McAuliffe (Sean Flynn), Ben Kingsley (Robin Smythe), Gillian Anderson (Kate), James Tarpey (Nathan), Ella Hunt (Alexandra), and Milo Parker (Connor).
“Robot Overlords” blends an aesthetic and genre that rarely go together, ie, British science fiction. It definitely has a indie feel to its production quality, but makes up for it in dialogue and performances. It isn’t quite the explosion extravaganza the the title suggests, but still delivers a pretty enjoyable movie nonetheless.
Highlights
Likeable protagonist
Besides Gillian Anderson and Ben Kingsely (who both give fairly good performances as seasoned thespians), Callan McAuliffe also gives a good performance as the main protagonist of the film. In fact, the casting is pretty stellar on the whole, and Sean Flynn come across as a very likeable protagonist. He might not have the deepest of insights or the most gut wrenching of emotions, but his sincerity and optimism win you over quickly.
Milo Parker plays an adorable Connor
Despite his young age in a rather thankless role, Milo Parker manages to make his character an endearing and useful protagonist. He doesn’t come off as the token kid that’s casted in an attempt to draw a younger crowd, and strikes a good balance between maturity and innocence. Here’s to hoping that Milo Parker continues his good performance as he ages!
Cleverly interesting dialogue
It is a British film after all, so witty lines are very much expected. But even on the run, the characters still find time to lob smart jibes at each other and engage in some verbal sparring. It makes for a unique diversion between action scenes, and helps add a degree of stylization to the film.
Letdowns
Not enough robot overlords
The biggest issue is that the movie doesn’t have enough robots, and by corollary robot overlords. It has machines, drones, vehicles, and another pieces of advanced technology – but as for an actual robot overlord? Only one appears in the film, and there are no other overlords of the robot variety in the film. Sure, there are giant robot soldiers and grunts, but no robot leaders. And that’s a rather critical flaw in a movie titled “Robot Overlords.”
Lack of emotional resonance
While the casting and dialogue are superb, the film just doesn’t provide you with enough impetus to root for the main characters. There’s a lack of empathy for the protagonists – events just happen, but the motivation to see them triumph isn’t there. It’s a pity, because the emotional resonance would have propelled this above average sci-fi flick into a fantastic one.
Robin Smythe is an annoying villain
Robin Smythe is a bland and boring antagonist, who sneers and does evil deeds that are frankly, pretty meh. There’s an attempt to round out his character with some background and a flimsy motivation, but otherwise he’s more of a pest than a true threat to the heroes. Ben Kingsley adds a certain level of snark and poise to the character, but even his acting prowess can’t save a what is fundamentally a flat, pesky, and dispensable villain.
“Robot Overlords” is a fun film that exceeds expectations in some areas, but disappoints in others. Overall, it’s a movie worth watching even if you aren’t a science fiction buff, though it ironically leaves fantasy fans wanting.
“Robot Overlords” opens in cinemas 16 April, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Singapore.
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