Automation

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!

As soon as I saw the robot I almost turned it off, but I'm glad I didn't. It's clear that this movie is low budget, but the humour and the basis of the movie which is the AI takes over kind of terminator vibe is pretty funny and enjoyable. If you don't mind bad special effects and cheesy jokes you'll enjoy it, just try not to take it too seriously!

The movie is terrible in just about every way but it remains fun to watch, for instance while getting drunk and with a group of friends. It's completely predictable and a total farce. The level of effort is minimal in just about every way. But then, it's sort of like the old Godzilla movies where you can even see the zippers on the costumes. It doesn't even try to be serious at all - the result is just a relaxing and fun to watch film. The film is satisfying because it delivers what the audience is there for - to see what happens when the AI involved with a robot malfunctions and the consequences unfold. So watch it with minimal expectations and enjoy the romp, or otherwise just don't bother. Now, having said all the above, this movie has a subplot, which is a love story and it's actually very sweet - the robot develops real feelings for a girl in the movie and she's a bit of an unrecognized artist and she reciprocates in a certain way because she feels appreciated. It gives the movie an unexpected depth, so if you can look past the veneer there's a pretty good movie here.

Firstly, I am biased. I grew up on B-movies. And this one takes me back with a nostalgic smile. The movie has so much bad to it that it's almost laughable, but when adjusting your lenses to "B", then it kinda pulls it off. Yes, the acting is stinted. But still enjoyable. The script? What script? Some of the snippets are choice inputs for memes! Yet, with everything going against it, I could still watch it to the end. This is a sci-fi movie for B-movie fans. If you cannot deal with the "B", it's not for you. For me, out of all the rubbish out there, this was recyclable. It didn't need to be unique. It just needed to be honest. And it will get you to rate other movies more honestly too. When you see bad, you appreciate good all the more.