The Electric State: A Costly Sci-Fi Letdown on Netflix
Duration: 128 minutes
Rating: PG-13 (for sci-fi violence/action, language, and some thematic material).
Availability: Now streaming on Netflix.
We’ve been rather misled by directors Anthony and Joe Russo.
Back in 2019, their engaging three-hour Marvel masterpiece “Avengers: Endgame” rightly became the second highest-grossing movie ever. However, what seemed like a triumph was just an anomaly. Since then, the Russo brothers have been on a streak of creating some of the most subpar and budget-busting films of recent times.
Their latest venture, “The Electric State,” available on Netflix, shockingly racked up a $320 million production cost, ranking it as the 13th most expensive movie ever made. This is surprising given the sci-fi adventure is a painful rehash and just another dismal long-form offering from the streaming giant.
Within the opening moments, a 1990s-era President Clinton steps in to proclaim, “As of today, we are at war with the robot population,” signalling we’re in for an ill-conceived journey.
To add to the absurdity, a narrator claims that in this alternative universe, Walt Disney was behind the invention of robots. These machines were enslaved by humans, leading to their rebellion. Thus, according to the film, we can blame Walt for “The Terminator” scenario. Stanley Tucci’s character is credited with helping humans win the war by creating android avatars that can be operated like drones.
The storyline is a blend of outdated and uninspired ideas.
Two years on, Millie Bobby Brown, with her perpetually worried expression, stars as the rebellious Michelle. She sets off on a journey with the illegal bot Kid Cosmo, a lackluster homage to Buzz Lightyear, controlled by her younger brother she believed to be lost.
Throughout the film, a number of celebrities find themselves dragged into this costly spectacle. Notables like Jason Alexander, Brian Cox, Ke Huy Quan, Rob Gronkowski (yes, really), Anthony Mackie, and others make appearances, either in front of a green screen or lending their voices for uninspired reads.
Channeling “Toy Story: Fury Road,” Woody Harrelson lends his voice to a mechanical and jaded Mr. Peanut.
Michelle is joined by Chris Pratt’s character Keats, who once again performs his comical Han Solo routine reminiscent of his roles in “Jurassic World” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
The Russos attempt to weave humor, sci-fi, and action—a blend others have mastered—but they only succeed in trivializing the narrative and frustrating the audience.
The bumbling robots resemble awkwardly assembled beach balls on stick figures. Remember, this project cost $320 million. Many of them seem to echo the “Transformers” Autobots, bizarrely speaking in accents more fitting of the Bronx.
Throughout the film, there’s an emotional disconnect from the characters, whether human or mechanical. Michelle’s journey is devoid of any suspense or notable events. Instead, “The Electric State” trudges forward like a rusted Tinman in need of a good oiling. Unfortunately, Millie Bobby Brown, who excels in “Stranger Things,” faces yet another disappointment outside Hawkins.