'The Electric State' review: Millie Bobby Brown's Netflix robot movie is draining
'The Electric State' review: Millie Bobby Brown's Netflix robot movie is draining
Show Caption
Hide Caption
'The Electric State' stars Chris Pratt, Millie Bobbie Brown and robots
A teenager (Millie Bobby Brown) goes looking for her brother with the help of a smuggler (Chris Pratt) and a bunch of robots in "The Electric State."
With artificial intelligence being such a hot-button topic, it does seem like the right moment for a salient man-vs.-machines film. By the time the singing animatronic bass and He-Man Zagnuts make their appearance, it's pretty clear 'The Electric State' is not that movie.
'Avengers' directors Joe and Anthony Russo craft a nifty alt-history world with this sci-fi adventure (★★ out of four; rated PG-13; streaming now on Netflix) geared toward kids and parents alike. Yet the middling mix of 'Ready Player One,' 'E.T.' and 'A.I.' is Spielberg-lite without any real wonder, saddling stars Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown with familiar personalities in a drab dystopia.
Based on Simon Stålenhag's 2018 illustrated novel, 'Electric State' posits that Walt Disney back in the day pioneered the creation of robots to help mankind and do menial tasks we didn't want to do. The 'bots began to fight for their rights and sparked a revolution and a war was won thanks to billionaire tech guy Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci) creating mechanical soldiers piloted by human minds.
Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox.
In 1994 of this reimagined America, Michelle (Brown) is a rebellious foster teen who lost her family in a car accident and wants nothing to do with people, most of whom mainly exist in a VR stupor powered by Skate's Apple-esque mega company. One night, she's visited by a weird smiling robot based on a cartoon she and her genius younger brother Chris (Woody Norman) watched as kids. It's an odd sight, as machines have been outlawed and are now imprisoned in a huge walled-off Exclusion Zone in the Southwest. But this Cosmo 'bot, using TV catchphrases, tells Michelle that he's really Chris and that her brother is still alive, somewhere.
The key to locating her bro is in the Exclusion Zone, and Michelle finds a way in courtesy of scruffy ex-soldier Keats (Pratt), a black marketeer who smuggles kitschy lunchboxes and vintage firearms out of there and to his customers. They go on a quest that introduces a host of colorful robots, led by the wise but wary Mr. Peanut (Woody Harrelson). But that alliance puts our heroes in the sights of antagonists such as Colonel Bradbury (Giancarlo Esposito), a machine-hating military man who does his drone dirty work from his cush home library.
The Russos' retrofuturistic landscape is populated with computer-generated machine characters and their famous voices, like Keats' sidekick Herman (Anthony Mackie), old-school baseball mascot Pop Fly (Brian Cox) and mail girl Penny Pal (Jenny Slate). Even Rob Gronkowski gets a very on-brand role.
As do the movie's two leads. Pratt can do lovable rogue in his sleep at this point, and Brown's got a spunky young woman down pat. Both of them have some good lines and emotional moments but they mostly feel plug-and-play rather than mining anything new and exciting.
'Electric State' also brings up a bunch of interesting themes, from how technology can consume and divide us to what we consider 'human.' The movie comes close to being a little subversive and digging into real nuance – especially when it comes to mankind kicking out robots, then using tech to become metal avatars themselves – only to default to a zany gag or earnest sentimentality.
The film is also a strange beast from a nostalgia standpoint: There's a super high-tech society still using old Macs and email? Also, as someone who lived through those decades, there was never this much of a thirst for all things '80s back in '94. (Though bits are admittedly appreciated here in 2025.)
The Russos have made some seriously awesome Marvel films. Their other directorial efforts since, mainly in the streaming space, have been lacking: 'The Gray Man' was a middling spy flick, while drug drama 'Cherry' was at least a thought-provoking mess. 'The Electric State' is more of the same, an ambitiously starry effort with fits of inspiration that doesn't hang completely together. Like Cosmo, you just need to grin and bear it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix docuseries back for Season 2: See release date, more
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix docuseries back for Season 2: See release date, more Show Caption Hide Caption Need a show to binge? These are the must watch shows this summer USA TODAY's TV critic Kelly Lawler breaks down the best TV shows you don't to want to miss this summer The search to find America's (newest) Sweethearts will kick off shortly. "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," a docuseries about the legendary cheer team, returns for its second season on Netflix June 18. The show follows a group of hopefuls as they compete for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys Cheer Team, the pinnacle of professional cheerleading. "There are, of course, the physics-defying kicks and jump splits of 'Thunderstruck,' the squad's signature — and seriously difficult to master — routine set to the AC/DC song. And then, there are the tears and cheers as girls make or are cut from the final team," per Tudum. The big difference between this season and the last is that the pool of dancers auditioning to accompany the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) through the National Football League's 2024-25 season is that most of them are rookies. Only 23 of 36 veterans will be re-auditioning for a spot. "From Emmy Award-winning director Greg Whiteley and the team behind 'Cheer' and 'Last Chance U,' the fan-favorite series will return to continue giving viewers unfiltered access into this iconic team and franchise," according to Netflix. Here's what we know about Season 2 so far, including how to watch. Watch 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 trailer What's 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 about? This season picks up ahead of the final round of auditions for the 2024-2025 squad and follows the 36 women who get selected through training camp, cuts, the official team announcement and into the NFL season, according to Tudum. "This season dives deeper into the stories, sisterhood, and sacrifices of the women who wear the stars on and off the field," reads a description of the show. "Get ready for new faces, high stakes, and raw emotion as these athletes redefine what it means to shine under pressure." Which 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' are returning for Season 2? It seemingly takes a village to put together a cheer team, especially one as iconic as this one. "This time around, DCC director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell work to build yet another impressive team of talented athletes who can wow the world with their high kicks and jump splits as AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' blasts throughout AT&T Stadium," according to Tudum. Only 23 of 36 veterans are trying out for the team this season, which means DCC will have a larger pool of rookies who are vying for a spot to ultimately make the team. Finglass and Trammel whittled down the nearly 500 new submissions they received to determine the group of hopefuls, made up of veterans and rookies, who will formally audition for a spot on the team. Here are some of the women we know for sure will be in Season 2 (You'll have to tune in to see if your favorite veteran is returning this season.) Coaches: Kelli Finglass, senior director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Judy Trammell, head choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Veterans: Armani Chandi Jada KayDianna Kayla H. Kleine Megan Reece Sophy Rookie candidates: Abby Ariel Ava Charly Clare Marie Cooper Dayton Jenna Kelly V. Madie K. More details about the squad members, whom we know about, can be found here. How to watch 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 The new season drops June 18 on Netflix. You can also stream the first season on Netflix right now, especially if you need to rewatch to prepare.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Sherri Shepherd talks 'Straw' and the painful moments of her divorces
Sherri Shepherd talks 'Straw' and the painful moments of her divorces Show Caption Hide Caption Sherri Shepherd talks new Tyler Perry Movie 'Straw' Sherri Shepherd reveals she had her own straw that broke the camel's back moment while discussing new film "Straw" NEW YORK − Sherri Shepherd stars in the new Netflix thriller "Straw" and the actress remembers a few times when she was at her last straw. In both instances, she was going through a divorce. "I was coming in my driveway and somebody ran up to me," Shepherd, 58, recalls. "I was like, 'Hi.' He's like, 'You're being served.' Then I remember I was at the Essence Festival and somebody came up right before I was supposed to go on stage: 'You're being served.' " Shepherd was married to actor Jeff Tarpley from 2001 to 2010. In 2011, she wed screenwriter Lamar Sally. They divorced in 2015. "I was in arbitration going through a divorce and (the lawyers) were just coming at me: 'You have to pay this amount,' " she says. "I was just like, 'I don't have it. I'm not working. I've been let go from 'The View.' I'm unemployed.' " Shepherd refers to herself as "spiritual" but not "religious." Distraught over the proceedings, Shepperd excused herself to use the restroom. In that moment, prayer helped her get through. "A legal secretary put her hand on my shoulder," she says, noting that she began to feel calm. "She started praying. So for me, you touch me and you start praying, I stop whatever I'm doing." Shepherd plays a calming presence in "Straw," directed and written by Tyler Perry. In the film, Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson) is a single mother dealing with one traumatic event after another, until she finds herself in the middle of a bank robbery. Detective Raymond (Teyana Taylor) can relate to Janiyah's stress in more than one way as she attempts to diffuse the situation. Nicole (Shepherd) is the branch manager of the bank. As she comes to realize Janiyah's struggles, Nicole forms a bond with her that lasts right until the film's finish. "Sisterhood is strong," Shepherd says of the characters' bond. The two "connected through motherhood, that thing that women have, and (Nicole) just wanted to help (Janiyah) win."
Elle
an hour ago
- Elle
The ‘Dept. Q' Showrunner Already Has Ideas for Season 2
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Spoilers ahead. Netflix's latest thriller series, Dept. Q, has been a hit with viewers for a plethora of reasons. From attractive and damaged detective Carl Morck—played by eternal heartthrob Matthew Goode—to the extremely twisted cold case his team is tasked with solving, viewers eagerly binged the first season of the Edinburgh-set crime drama. But will Dept. Q be back for a second season? Here's what we know so far. While Netflix has yet to confirm Dept. Q will be back for season 2, the cast and crew have made it clear they'll return to the show in a heartbeat. Matthew Goode described playing Dept. Q's moody detective as 'very freeing,' telling the BBC, 'All these characters have trauma but they're also hilarious, you really root for him.' The actor continued, 'He's so rude to people that their eyebrows shoot off their faces.' While speaking to Collider, Goode shared his hopes for a second season, including the possibility viewers would 'see a bit more of what Carl's life is and his home life, which is a very interesting throuple that's going on.' Goode was, of course, referring to his character's awkward living situation, as Morck resides with his stepson Jasper (Aaron McVeigh), and lodger Martin (Sanjeev Kohli). In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Goode further expressed excitement about returning to play Carl Morck. 'We got to create a different past [for the character],' the actor explained. 'So [Morck] is still a bit of a mystery to people, which is, again, why I want to come back.' In an interview with Cosmopolitan UK, actress Chloe Pirrie, who plays kidnapped prosecutor Merritt Lingard in season 1, said, 'I think [a second season] would be really great for the great for Scotland to have a show like this run again. It's definitely something we would all want.' The actress also told Yahoo UK that, having spent much of the season 1 shoot in isolation, she was thrilled to watch Dept. Q's team of detectives at work. 'I just loved meeting all those characters on the screen and I just think, 'I've got to spend more time with these people,'' she explained. 'I want to see that team do more stuff together.' One of the reasons Dept. Q is highly likely to be renewed for a second season is its source material. While Netflix's TV series relocated the action to Scotland, Dept. Q is actually based on a Copenhagen-set book series by Danish crime writer Jussi Adler-Olsen. Just like in the TV adaptation, Adler-Olsen's 10 novels follow former homicide detective Carl Mørck, who is chosen to head up a cold case unit known as Department Q, after being the victim of a violent crime himself. In a 2017 interview with Crime Fiction Lover, writer Adler-Olsen said of his popular detective books, 'Before I wrote the first novel I wrote a synopsis of the entire series. I defined the main characters, although they have certainly developed during the writing process.' The author also admitted to basing Dept. Q's main character, Morck, on himself to some degree, including giving the detective his own real first name, Carl. 'One characteristic we share is a certain degree of laziness,' Adler-Olsen explained, while noting he envies Morck's ability to deliver 'plain truths directly to people.' With a 10-book series to draw upon, Netflix's adaptation has the potential to run for a very long time. Scott Frank, the creator of Dept. Q, is open to making future seasons of the gritty detective series, telling the BBC, 'I'd love to do more with this and the next book in the series is even more interesting and relevant.' Speaking to Collider, creator Frank revealed that the season 1 finale of Dept. Q ended in a very purposeful place, in the hopes of reuniting everyone for a second season. 'One of the points of the first season was to end it with everybody together,' Frank told the outlet. 'Everybody is in isolation at the beginning, living their own pathetic lives, and by the end, they're all in that shitty little basement together.' Referencing the second book in Adler-Olsen crime series, Frank told the publication, 'I've got a great idea for a second season. It is another cold case and also a current case, at the same time, that they're looking into. So, I would do that.' However, the creator also suggested viewers shouldn't necessarily expect another nine-episode season if the show returns for season 2. 'I might just do six next time,' Frank explained. 'We'll see. But I do know what I want to do next. I do have the story in mind for the next season.' While speaking with Collider, Goode suggested more time should be allotted to exploring the life of Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov), a Syrian refugee and widowed father of two daughters who has a mysterious past and becomes a member of Dept. Q. 'I want to see what it's like back at Akram's house with his daughters,' Goode told the outlet. 'There's a lot of stuff to play around with. It's going to be really exciting if we do get to come back.' During his interview with Yahoo UK, Goode elaborated on his hopes for exploring Akram's impressive physical strength and impeccable skills as an investigator. 'We need to get Alexej into eight weeks of Krav Maga training so the fight scenes in season 2 can be amazing,' the actor enthused. 'It's going to be a sort of Syrian [Jason] Bourne.' For his part, Manvelov simply said, 'Hopefully we get to come back down.' It's also worth noting that, while the majority of crimes explored in Dept. Q's first season were resolved in the show's finale, it's still unclear who shot Carl and his colleague James Hardy, murdering a young police officer in the process. It's highly likely this unsolved mystery would continue into a second season. Throughout the first season of Dept. Q, Carl meets with therapist Dr. Rachel Irving (Kelly Macdonald), and the pair develop a flirty rapport. As for whether or not a relationship might develop between the pair in future seasons, Goode told Collider, 'Maybe there's a romantic entanglement. I have no idea. But sometimes I think people shouldn't be afraid to see a man and a woman navigate a friendship, rather than it necessarily needing to end up in bed. But I don't know. She's a brilliant actress. That's what I can say.' The show's creator Frank also addressed whether or not romance could play a part in the series if it's renewed, telling Collider, 'I could see Carl having a couple women in his life. Also, his ex-wife because there is enormous chemistry between the two of them as well, even though there's conflict. Watching the two of them in the room together, I thought, 'Oh, there's actually a hot chemistry here.'' This story will be updated.
