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.

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.

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!

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!

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.