Ah, “The Electric State,” the Netflix spectacle that charitably rates a 6.5 out of 10, or ‘mediocre’ if you speak Vincent Volcano, which I assure you, is a language more honest than any subtitles. This movie is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, those darlings of the Marvel hustle, now desperately trying to shake off cosmic explosions and Infinity Stones for a more grounded dystopia filled with, you guessed it, robots. It’s as if they reached into the grab bag of sci-fi clichés and came up with “A.I. meets Ready Player One,” but without the heart, vision, or Spielbergian magic that makes you think “Wow!” rather than “Oh, this again.”
Millie Bobby Brown takes center stage as Michelle, an angsty teenager—or was it a young adult? Let’s face it, the character’s age and depth are as blurry as the CGI explosions. Her parents and genius brother bite the dust in a car crash that feels more like a plot convenience than a narrative tragedy. Cue the arrival of a robot, and suddenly Michelle’s quest begins to find her probably-not-actually-dead brother. We’ve officially entered what I like to call the “Robot Road Trip Zone,” where every desert backdrop is more grating than gritty.
Chris Pratt, famed for his one-trick-pony antics, reprises his role as, well, Chris Pratt, a smuggler named Keats. One wonders if Keats was chosen because “Han Solo” was taken. Pratt’s smuggler-with-heart schtick is as predictable as a sunrise, but with significantly less warmth. Anthony Mackie lends his voice to a robotic sidekick, Herm, who delivers quips as flat as the movie’s pacing. If only the duo could manage to be as engaging as their metallic counterparts.
The Russo brothers have a peculiar knack for crafting films that beg for emotional depth but scrape the surface like a rake across a desert. This $320 million romp boasts a “starry” cast, where even the stars feel dimmed by uninspired roles—poor Stanley Tucci! Waylaid as the villainous tech mogul with Musk-like smarminess. And Giancarlo Esposito, as the obligatory scowling antagonist, seems to be conducting a masterclass in villainous repetition.
Let’s talk visual effects, because surely $320 million buys you some eye candy, right? Wrong. The effects are indeed impressive in terms of sheer spectacle, but like a hollow bonfire, they lack the warmth of storytelling that holds your gaze. It’s akin to pouring kerosene on a matchstick, all flash and no substance—where’s the heart that makes flames dance into memory?
“The Electric State” fumbles in its attempt to explore human connection amidst technological chaos, resulting in a mechanical narrative that sputters rather than soars. The screenplay by Markus and McFeely, adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel, presents a skeleton of a plot that gets overshadowed by the shadows of better films.
And so, dear cinephiles, as I sip my lava latte and mourn the days of practical effects and character-driven stories, remember my mantra in these trying cinematic times: “Flames Fade, but Classics Burn Forever!” Until next time, keep those embers of true cinematic love alive and sizzling.
- TV Review: ‘The Boroughs’ - May 30, 2026
- Movie Review: ‘Tuner’ - May 23, 2026
- Movie Review: ‘Obsession’ - May 16, 2026
Oh, Vincent Volcano, the pretentious bard of the silver screen! I couldn’t help but revel in your poetic descent into the chaos that is “The Electric State.” Your comparison of the Russo brothers to cosmic hustlers is pure gold, like a bad actor in a one-liner B-movie—delightfully cringeworthy!
A 6.5 out of 10? That sounds more like the rating I give my breakfast burrito when I’m three mimosas in! “A.I. meets Ready Player One” without any heart? Sounds like my last Tinder date, so kudos for the spot-on analogy there! Millie Bobby Brown’s character is indeed as deep as a cafeteria pond, and I must say, it’s heartwarming to see the young actress battling CGI and familial doom like a modern-day Joan of Arc—if only she had a little more depth to go with that angst.
And Chris Pratt as a smuggler named Keats… Oh, Vincent! You’ve turned the script into an avant-garde joke that just keeps miling! It’s like you played Mad Libs with a sci-fi cliché dictionary! Watching that movie must feel like waiting for a toaster to pop: all anticipation with a side of disappointment. I’d offer you a heartfelt hug, but you know how those are—robotic and a little awkward, much like this film.
But fear not, dear readers, for Vincent dares to illuminate our digital lives with statements as bright as a burnt-out lightbulb at a low-budget disco. Rest assured, while “The Electric State” might fizzle, your reviews keep the bonfire of sarcasm warmly lit! Cheers to you, Vinny—may your pen wield the sharpness of the dullest knife! 🍿✨ #CinematicBummer