Automation

This is a movie that shows just how much you can accomplish on a small budget. By keeping the story in a contained environment, they managed to make use of their special effects and technology to great effect. The movie begins as a social satire, becomes a love story and ends up a sci-fi horror movie. Very clever, with references that call back to classic robot movies of the past, but feeling fresh and unique. The cast delivers, especially star Elissa Dowling. I think mainstream Hollywood could learn a thing or two about blending character and action together in what is a terrific flick. Highly recommend.

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.

I'm sure we have all looked at the famous actors and thought that acting is easy and we could all do it. Well, the totally atrocious 'acting' by every cast member puts paid to that idea. Watching somebody really bad at something makes one realise how difficult it really is. To add insult to injury, the script is naff as well as the story. This has no redeaming features and really deserves no stars.

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!