Automation

AUTOMATION is a B movie with a heart. That element separates it from low budget sci-fi that has to resort to more exploitive means that vie for your attention. My favorite performance comes from the robot, but that's okay. This movie is about that robot. The voice and mannerisms are well done.

From the human performers, Elissa Dowling stands out. There is nothing from her that feels forced. She is believable and this roots the movie as she is the main protagonist.

The story is decent and so is the pace. While obviously an indie production, that fact didn't hamper my enjoyment of the movie.

The setting is the near future. There are just enough visuals to convey a familiar city setting with some sci-fi enhancements, but they aren't over the top. Most of the movie transpires in a warehouse and its offices.

There was obviously not a lot to work with, in terms of budget and production, but I appreciate that the filmmakers properly presented the story and the robot. I give it high marks for doing a lot with a little.

The only review you need to read is the 8/10 by Insprivet, I second everything he said above my own review.

Automation was certainly budget but low experience actors aside it was also thoughtful and well paced. The film rounded out nicely at the end and was thematically consistent and well balanced. I had a couple of niggles with the Sci-Fi technical aspects but I was happy to put those aside because even if the script wasn't 1st class, thematically it was intelligent and gave rounded perspective of the complex subject of sentient AI and how such a scenario may play out.

Above all and most importantly I did not feel robbed of time and I did feel moved to comment here. Take that for what it is, watch it yourself and make your own mind up.

This is a really fun B-movie that knows exactly what it wants to be. The cast and crew were obviously having a great time making it, and it's easy to join them. Are there a few logic gaps and some cheesy effects? Sure, but it also features a number of cool moments and a very satisfying ending, which puts it way ahead of most films made on this kind of budget.

I saw Rise of Skywalker in IMAX on the same day that I watched Automation at home, and I enjoyed both. One took hundreds of people several years to make on a nine-figure budget, and the other was shot in 12 days with a cast of about a dozen and a budget that wouldn't buy a decent used car. It seems like some people are dissing this movie because it isn't a major Hollywood feature. If you don't like this kind of thing, that's fine, but as far as low-budget indie flicks go, Automation is really well done. And, frankly, I've seen plenty of movies that did a lot less with a lot more money.

What a fun and enjoyable film to watch. Automation has traits worthy of a Richard Matheson novel. Consider what would happen if all our computer driven devices achieved human consciousness (think V'ger in Star Trek The Motion Picture). Auto, the workplace robot has in fact become aware of his human traits and his subsequent deactivation has driven him to fight for his survival. The power of this film is the character of Auto. As viewers we feel for his situation and are rooting for his survival. If it weren't for his metallic shell, you'd easily mistake him for human. Just because I'm highlighting the emotional response of this film, it doesn't mean Automation doesn't have its share of action. Remember, this is a robot (with strength, intelligence and some hidden defense mechanisms) who just found out that he's to be terminated. The retaliation and chase scenes are lots of fun to watch, and it's great to see some of these office slugs finally "get theirs." All in all, Automation is very fun to watch. Don't be swayed by its low budget, independent status. This film is destined to become a cult classic. Brilliant first film by Garo Setian, and I hope that he has many more to come!

Saw this indie film a few months ago. It's a nice throwback to the fun horror we used to watch back in the day. Great pacing and campy!