Netflix’s latest film, “The Electric State”, has broken records as the most expensive movie in the platform’s history, but unfortunately, it doesn’t live up to its hefty price tag. The film, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, boasts a reported budget of over $300 million, yet the final product feels like a shallow cash-grab.
The story takes place in an alternate 1990s where robots have become a fact of life, and humans are confined to manipulating them from afar through primitive internet connections. The film’s world is populated with quirky machines and characters that speak in the same quippy, sarcastic patter, but beneath its colorful surface lies a lack of imagination and inspiration.
The plot follows Michelle, a rebellious teenage girl who becomes convinced that her younger brother might still be alive and remotely controlling a robot named Cosmo. However, instead of exploring this emotional theme, the filmmakers opt to skip past it in favor of flashy action sequences and pop-cultural references.
“The Electric State” is often compared to the Russo brothers’ Marvel films, which have been successful due to their ability to spin familiar conventions into something new. But when they’re given creative freedom, as with “The Electric State”, the result is a lackluster film that fails to deliver anything original or memorable.
The film’s reliance on pastiche and intellectual property feels like a shallow attempt to capitalize on popular trends rather than contributing something unique. The Russos’ signature style of carrying out directives from head office is evident in this film, but it’s a stark contrast to their success with Marvel movies, where they’ve managed to make audiences feel like they’re seeing familiar conventions anew.
In the end, “The Electric State” is a disappointing display of the Russo brothers’ creative limitations when given the freedom to make something original. Despite its hefty price tag, this film feels like a waste of money, and it’s a reminder that not all big-budget films are created equal.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/netflix-most-expensive-movie-ever-094500352.html