Automation

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!

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.

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 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.

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.