The biggest problem with Atlas isn't that it's bad—it's that it feels like it was assembled by the very technology it’s trying to warn us about. We’ve seen this "Netflix Original" template before: take a massive global superstar, drop them into a high-concept sci-fi world with a nine-figure budget, and hope the algorithm finds enough people to leave it running in the background. Critics absolutely panned it, and with a 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear the pros weren't buying what J.Lo was selling.
The Titanfall of it all
If you have a kid who spent their middle school years playing Titanfall or watching Pacific Rim on a loop, they will probably ignore the script's flaws because the mechs are actually pretty cool. The design of the "Arc" suits and the way they move feels heavy and tactical. The movie is at its best when it leans into the "buddy cop" dynamic between Atlas and her AI, Smith. It’s a classic trope—the grumpy human who hates the tech they’re forced to use—and while it doesn't break any new ground, it’s the only part of the film that feels like it has a pulse.
Simu Liu as the "Bad" AI
We usually see Simu Liu playing the charming hero, so seeing him flip the script as a genocidal AI is a choice. He’s doing a lot with very little here. If your kids are fans of his from the Marvel universe, they might find his performance as a cold, calculating villain a bit jarring but interesting. He’s become a massive figure in the industry for a reason, and even in a mid-tier sci-fi flick, his presence carries weight. For a deeper look at his career trajectory and why he’s such a prominent voice for this generation, check out our guide to Simu Liu.
The "Ick" Factor
The age-fit note mentions the bone injury and the eye torture, but it’s worth noting why these feel out of place. Most of the movie has the vibe of a shiny, PG-13 action romp. Then, suddenly, it pivots into some fairly gnarly body horror that feels like it belongs in a different movie. It’s not enough to ruin the experience for a teenager, but it’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder who the target audience was. It’s too violent for the Transformers crowd and too simplistic for the Blade Runner crowd.
Why you might actually watch it
Despite the 5.7 IMDb score, Atlas works as a "laundry movie." You know the type: you can look away for fifteen minutes to fold a basket of towels, come back, and know exactly what’s happening. It doesn't demand your full attention, and sometimes that’s exactly what a Friday night requires. It’s a loud, expensive-looking distraction that explores the idea of human-AI synergy without ever getting too deep into the weeds. If you want a movie that challenges your worldview, this isn't it. If you want to see Jennifer Lopez yell at a computer while falling from orbit, you’re in the right place.
