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4

quincytheodoreDec 4, 2014

Riddled with as many plot holes as the rust on dystopian mold, Automata stutters worse than an old wind-up toy. Although a reminiscence of "I, Robot", the movie does start with decent prospect. It is at least intriguing and Antonio BanderasRiddled with as many plot holes as the rust on dystopian mold, Automata stutters worse than an old wind-up toy. Although a reminiscence of "I, Robot", the movie does start with decent prospect. It is at least intriguing and Antonio Banderas plays as a character in torn down world with suitable heavy gait. However, the plot moves painstakingly slow and it doesn't really progress toward anything significantly. Some scenes are simply uninteresting with questionable twist or just plain lacking in exposition to clarify the story while the characters are pushed towards accepting random outcome unreasonably.

Antonio Banderas plays as Jacq Vaucan, an insurance investigator who stumbles upon evidence that the robot humanity uses to make shelter in post-apocalyptic world may become sentient. The setting, barren modern cityscape, has its charm although there isn’t any that's really outstanding. Everything just feels bogged down with bits from other sci-fi movies, but never comes into one consistent world. The story tries to deliver the same enigma that robot may have self-awareness, and does nothing to rejuvenates or at least present itself in a novel fashion.

Plot will just move with hefty confusion, events rushed with little sense and characters react in odd manners. It merely regurgitates most sci-fi movies did better, without bringing satisfying conclusion. There are too many concepts that are not answered, or answered lazily with tired "Life finds a way" of some sort, only slightly yet still lazily reworded, to convince audience of any weight to its script. What a couple decent thing it makes in the beginning will fade away as the movie crawls numbingly pass its second half. Music tries desperately to instill any form of dramatization, even to simple conversation, it comes off as really heavy-handed and fruitless attempt.

Acting isn't that good either, Antonio Banderas is capable, but even he seems disordered at some points and the script doesn't help much. In some scenes the actors feel out of place or worse, unintentionally funny. The characters just don't convey any emergence or significance, and it's hard to relate to any predicament. As for the robotic roles, they are made with slight humane gesture or accidental facial similarity as attempts to humanize them, but they look so detached it's near impossible to sympathize with them. Any CG added at this point might only worsen the matter rather than help.

Automata is an odd movie, it borrows from sci-fi blockbusters, but doesn't have their flair. It tries to be artistic, but it lacks depth. The stifling struggle for identity is truer to the movie itself than the characters in it, because it has none.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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3

BroyaxMar 25, 2019

Un film bien sympathique au premier abord : la réalisation est très correcte, les effets spéciaux convaincants et l'ambiance dystopique (un peu à la Blade Runner) est assez édifiante. Puis vient se greffer cette histoire de robots quiUn film bien sympathique au premier abord : la réalisation est très correcte, les effets spéciaux convaincants et l'ambiance dystopique (un peu à la Blade Runner) est assez édifiante. Puis vient se greffer cette histoire de robots qui déconnent et voici notre gentil gars (Banderas très bien comme toujours) qui vient fourrer son nez là il ne faut pas...

Car la société qui fabrique les robots est une méchante société et en général et en particulier, les hommes sont méchants dans le film sauf notre Antonio (toujours beau gosse même la boule à zéro) qui aime bien les tas de ferraille (à son insu sans doute) et aussi parce que sa bonne femme va accoucher (accouchement du mari par procuration, on appelle ça) : il aime trop la vie, tu vois, même quand c'est pas la vie... m'enfin bref.

Donc les robots gentils sont trop gentils mais également trop intelligents et c'est trop émouvant les gentils robots qui se réparent tout seuls et c'est trop sympa les gentils robots, tout mignons... (mode bisounours enclenché).

Donc une fois à la fin, on est un peu énervé et soûlé en même temps : l'impression qu'on nous a pris pour des andouilles alors que par ailleurs le film est bourré d'incohérences pour "justifier" la méchanceté des méchants humains.

Du cou, ils ont un peu raison : je suis un peu méchant avec ce film : 3/10, ce sera bien suffisant. Même si c'est un peu sévère. Mais juste un peu seulement.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

JLuis_001Sep 6, 2017

Frankly I really had another idea about this movie and I'm left without anything, honestly it's not a terrible job, but it's far from being a good thing.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

TothyOct 30, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the first time I write a review; I never did it before because of the difficulties I have expressing myself in my second language, but this film deserves so much more than it gets.
Due to all the terrible reviews i didn't know what to expect going into the film. But after watching it, I was pleasantly surprised. I find it beautiful and It is certainly one of my favorite films of 2014.

The premise looks a lot like I, Robot but the film isn't. Yes it does share the same subject of self aware robots and the main character that eventually sees beauty in the other kind and helps. but is herein still original and more realistic and believable. The film even managed to get me emotional in few parts and sitting on the tip of my seat multiple times without much violence and shooting. I like the atmosphere and scenery in this movie like for instance that of District 9 and Elysium and even the CGI is on par with much higher budget films.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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1

Anwar-MkayedFeb 20, 2015

Nothing unique at all, an utter waste of money, time, and efforts on a mere replica of a dozen (or even more) other films with the same core idea. But this one fails to entertain one for even a minute, actors don't fit in their roles, poorNothing unique at all, an utter waste of money, time, and efforts on a mere replica of a dozen (or even more) other films with the same core idea. But this one fails to entertain one for even a minute, actors don't fit in their roles, poor dialogue, poor camera, no creativity whatsoever...… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

SSROct 15, 2014

Ever since seeing the (excellent) trailer for Automata I was intrigued. But against a background of lacklustre reviews I was expecting to be disappointed. Thankfully, I wasn't. Whether intentional or not there are a number of cues from otherEver since seeing the (excellent) trailer for Automata I was intrigued. But against a background of lacklustre reviews I was expecting to be disappointed. Thankfully, I wasn't. Whether intentional or not there are a number of cues from other fiction, including the inevitable Asimov books in loose terms, and films such as Blade Runner and Until the End of the World. I was reminded a lot of the latter, as it felt like the film was very much a labour of love on a low budget, although it doesn't show too much. On this basis it might seem like an unoriginal property, but it manages to take all this and still do something original and interesting with it. I found the story, albeit not always fast paced, to be laced with atmosphere. This was helped by fantastic locations and sets, that conveyed a grimy future world, rather than a white shiny one. Antonio Banderas is excellent in the lead role - it's good to see him playing a tough genuine role - and surrounded by a wonderful and eclectic international cast. The special effects are also great, for the budget, and inevitably in your face a lot of the time in the form of the excellent robots. Clearly the robots are a mix of puppetry and CG, but it's hard to spot the join, and they work brilliantly as what are often key characters. There is a classic orchestral soundtrack that blends well with the rest of the film. So I'm somewhat bewildered as to why this film has, overall, got such poor reviews to-date. It's very much the smaller science fiction film, relying on story and characters, rather than set pieces and explosions. If you like that then definitely give it a try.… Expand

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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10

dtpshkaDec 26, 2014

Undereserved low ratings, true gem. I can't remember such great movie in last 10 years, maybee Sunshine can stand but I'm not sure. It's a deep movie full of love, philosophy and vision of real progress and evolution. If you're missingUndereserved low ratings, true gem. I can't remember such great movie in last 10 years, maybee Sunshine can stand but I'm not sure. It's a deep movie full of love, philosophy and vision of real progress and evolution. If you're missing something REAL nowdays, this peace of art is for you.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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10

TrevorDevendorfFeb 3, 2015

What is with the low ratings? With no expectations, I stumbled on this movie on Netflix and its a good watch. Definitely not a blockbuster film, to me it's undeserved, and underrated, the cast is brilliant! A new cult film to put underWhat is with the low ratings? With no expectations, I stumbled on this movie on Netflix and its a good watch. Definitely not a blockbuster film, to me it's undeserved, and underrated, the cast is brilliant! A new cult film to put under Antonio Banderas' belt. The Robots depicted in this film are fairly believable. i'm all about cinematography, and this guy Alejandro Martínez is freaking amazing, his only work i know of is Wer (2013). Amazing direction by Gabe Ibáñez and Editing by Sergio Rozas Being a SF fan, i did see similarities to Blade Runner and I, Robot. A well written script by the director, it grips you emotionally and psychologically. This film is a new favourite! 10 out of 10… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

crypto44x2Jan 14, 2015

What the f***? I can not understand the "professional critics". This is a great film, with a excellent photography, a great plot and a good performance and acting. I think that there is a complot against good spanish cinema, because in spainWhat the f***? I can not understand the "professional critics". This is a great film, with a excellent photography, a great plot and a good performance and acting. I think that there is a complot against good spanish cinema, because in spain the film is not released, but "ocho apellidos vascos" was advertised until the death. I think there is no hope in the humanity.

To death, you must be alive.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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7

ScifixOct 13, 2014

If you are a fan of science fiction, especially the one dealing with deep subjects like "robot self-awareness" and "humanity" you will enjoy it for the most part. The problem with the movie is that it might as well been a short. Half of theIf you are a fan of science fiction, especially the one dealing with deep subjects like "robot self-awareness" and "humanity" you will enjoy it for the most part. The problem with the movie is that it might as well been a short. Half of the movie is spent doing nothing and some of the things that happen in the plot will leave you wondering and they don't lead to anything rewarding. There are a few moments of brilliance that make this movie worth watching once. Just lower your expectations from the trailer a bit.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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9

slicshuterNov 3, 2014

I don't understand why this film has negative reviews. I found the film very interesting, as while it really gave the feel of a dystopian world, it also explored the ideas of evolution in contrast with robots and how they're minds evolve whenI don't understand why this film has negative reviews. I found the film very interesting, as while it really gave the feel of a dystopian world, it also explored the ideas of evolution in contrast with robots and how they're minds evolve when not biologically hindered.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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9

LarkfeastOct 11, 2014

An excellent film. Contrasts human psychological evolution to robot (who are also created by humans) psychological evolution. If you are brain dead and need all action and no plot, then this film isn't for you.

Almost as good as BladeAn excellent film. Contrasts human psychological evolution to robot (who are also created by humans) psychological evolution. If you are brain dead and need all action and no plot, then this film isn't for you.

Almost as good as Blade runner, but not quite at that standard. 9/10. A Must see!… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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9

Tenchu13Dec 12, 2014

I have no idea why this movie scored so badly in the mainstream. Truly thought provoking and incredibly well shot, it deserves to be seen by anyone who likes to engage their brain while watching a film.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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3

nxrbleOct 31, 2014

There are so many good notions that seem to be just sitting off the edge of the camera, but nothing of worth happens on screen. I can (and do) suspend belief for good science fiction, but in less than 30 years this is the world as we knowThere are so many good notions that seem to be just sitting off the edge of the camera, but nothing of worth happens on screen. I can (and do) suspend belief for good science fiction, but in less than 30 years this is the world as we know it-with insurance companies and a fraction of a fraction of today's population? The acting is wooden, with Melanie Griffith phoning in a performance; you can almost see her reading her lines as if, off-camera, someone was holding cue cards.
What the film does get right is the realistic movement and actions of robots, and the tone of dingy squalor is what the script called for, I'm sure. That humans, even those just three decades from now, are just so absolutely unbelieving of autonomous robotics made me facepalm over and over.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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7

adpirtleOct 24, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film reminded me of District 9, in that the setup is far more interesting than the resolution, which, for the most part, eschews the sci-philosophical subject matter in favor of a paint-by-numbers industrial thriller, complete with villains who are far less fleshed out than the film's flesh-less robots. However, the first half really is very good, and the second half is good enough to make me wonder what an interesting film this might have made if it had dispensed with the evil henchmen and focused more on the robots' leader through its interactions with Jacq.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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7

jrmegioApr 9, 2015

Another Sci-Fi apocalyptic film has hit the big screen, but rather than zombie virus, alien invasion, or war against other species it is the sun who causes the earth's demise. The sun is now spouting up continuous solar flares, an eruption ofAnother Sci-Fi apocalyptic film has hit the big screen, but rather than zombie virus, alien invasion, or war against other species it is the sun who causes the earth's demise. The sun is now spouting up continuous solar flares, an eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface, causing electromagnetic disturbances on the earth, as with radio frequency communications and power line transmissions. Making the earth a large radioactive dust-bowl.

When a cop reported a robot fixing itself which is a violation of a protocol, Jack Vaucan a burned-out ROC's insurance agent was assigned to investigate, so that the company can avoid future costs that will ensue and to stop a clockwork from altering its robots to maintain the contract with the city's government.

This film served as a great entertainment in the sci-fi genre with its interesting plot, the depiction of earth's current state and the type of people living in that era. It is the first time that I watched Banderas in a film where he is not suave or Zorro character that my mind had boxed him in. Rather I saw him portray a normal employee that dreams of having a bright future for his family and also being burned-out of his everyday life and has been dreaming of living in the old days. This role has a sizable disparity from his last role in the movie Expendables 3.

This is a new genre entry for Ibanez a distinct taste comparing to his previous films. There is a scene that would make you question the robots protocols and would be better if they renew the scene so it would be more fitting to the story however its minor and unnoticeable even on the first watch. What I praise in this film is the main character Vaucan since he is so relatable to an average person. Comparing to other sci-fi films' main characters which are usually engineers, astronauts, physicists or scientists who are likely to save the world. On the other hand, we have an insurance agent wanted to finish the task that he is assigned and becomes involved in a larger than life truth about the future of humanity. This makes him so appealing because he is not attempting to be a hero or has the ability to solve what people are undergoing rather he is an ordinary man, with an ordinary job, wanting to live an ordinary life.

This film is not the first of its kind and I bet it's not going to be the last. Automata's easy to follow and fascinating plot is a well worth of your time.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

VadertimeFeb 18, 2016

I gave this an 8, not because it is a particularly good movie, but because of the content and the way it explores the concept of Artificial Intelligence. Ex Machina is much more terrifying and realistic, where as this is both dark and mostlyI gave this an 8, not because it is a particularly good movie, but because of the content and the way it explores the concept of Artificial Intelligence. Ex Machina is much more terrifying and realistic, where as this is both dark and mostly neutral. Neither movie is as benign or marginally optimistic as Spielberg's "A.I." from over a decade ago. In this movie, there is a part where the president of the company is explaining the rapid evolution of the A.I. and how it supposedly stopped communicating with it. That singular piece of dialogue is the core of the movie and had the director and producers taken that and build a movie like Ex Machina around it, then they would had something. Still worth catching on Netflix.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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3

VeberOct 12, 2014

Interesting at first, Automata completely loses logic somewhere by the middle. All in all, this movie feels like it was trying to repeat I, Robot with more philosophical context, but failed to understand or recapture what made it good

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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5

FoxxGuthyOct 12, 2014

Interesting. More philosophical than anything, considers what it means to be alive. However, it feels you feeling a little empty, not quite what you wanted. Definitely not blade runner, not enough shooting.

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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2

nicholasbertOct 30, 2014

Very similar plot to I, Robot and almost identical ending, with the exception of several major plot holes that kind of spoil the view. Not that I, Robot was a masterpiece at all. The psychology of the robot is borrowed here from Asimov'sVery similar plot to I, Robot and almost identical ending, with the exception of several major plot holes that kind of spoil the view. Not that I, Robot was a masterpiece at all. The psychology of the robot is borrowed here from Asimov's tropes and the usual good-evil diatribe is very tiring; the one thing that stands out is the depiction of yet another post-apocalyptic earth (and we've seen quite a handful of those in the last ten years) with some credibility this time. Visuals are theoretically good, especially those of open spaces, however robots come off as slightly fake. Anyway, you'll almost never see bright colours.

I'm very glad there weren't lots of shootings and explosions, because that would have gotten Automata my lowest mark, 1.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

JalalBlackJan 11, 2015

A worthy successor to Blade Runner and a must watch for Neo Noir and Asimov fans . What made it more enjoyable to me , is the use of classic special effects instead of the digital .

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

demondred79Dec 27, 2014

Ignore the overly harsh "professional" critics responses on this one. It certainly isn't without flaws but below 40 makes little sense and simply feels abusive.

Physical props, objects, and most importantly, ROBOTS, versus gobs of CGIIgnore the overly harsh "professional" critics responses on this one. It certainly isn't without flaws but below 40 makes little sense and simply feels abusive.

Physical props, objects, and most importantly, ROBOTS, versus gobs of CGI really convinces the viewers that this is a realistic near future instead of a video game (I, Robot). Most of the story telling is smart and it held the attentions of not just myself but several family members who aren't into sci-fi, and they had the full option to leave the living room at will.

Here's what got the critics and myself annoyed: Crappy acting.
Antonio sucked...Mel sucked....pretty much everyone sucked except Dylan McDermott.
Secondly the midway trip into the desert scrambled the initial pull of the film.
Lastly, the robot mfg corporation (I forget the name) became the overly obvious "bad guys" without a solid explanation of why they were suddenly the bad guys. The intelligence of the movie took a dip on this one.

Ultimately it was a smart movie (smarter than the individual critics who reviewed it), with some smart visuals and dramatic pauses. The robots were appropriately twitchy with their motion instead of ultra smooth and unconvincing CGI crap. It will make you think but won't break your brain. It will stir your emotions for robotic beings when you didn't think that was possible.

Go watch it.
If it had better acting and tightened up a few things, this would have been a home run.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

jlhg11Feb 13, 2015

Confused about the professional reviews too.... definitely a good movie. I do like it when some reviews are bad, but there are always good reviews to counter... but no good reviews?
Not as slow and artistic as some hint... but just a veryConfused about the professional reviews too.... definitely a good movie. I do like it when some reviews are bad, but there are always good reviews to counter... but no good reviews?
Not as slow and artistic as some hint... but just a very good movie.
The theme behind it is a raw version of I Robot, which makes it more interesting.

Watched this movie and The Interview during the same evening, and I would only watch Automata again. Though the former was definitely hilarious the first time around.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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3

IzitmeeDec 10, 2014

This is the movie that Asimov and Jodorowsky would've written if they met in a hospital room while recovering after a lobotomy. The only thing that is possibly worse than the meaningless story and the pre-teen attempts at philosophy is theThis is the movie that Asimov and Jodorowsky would've written if they met in a hospital room while recovering after a lobotomy. The only thing that is possibly worse than the meaningless story and the pre-teen attempts at philosophy is the thankfully short acting of Melanie Griffith, which by the way seems lobotomized too. Thinking of that, this movie should've been called Lobòtomata.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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4

ozymandias79Nov 5, 2014

Lacking characterization and soul. It tries to be Bladerunner, but all I could do at the end was ask myself what I else I could have done for the almost 2 hour run-time. It needed more action, characters and dialog. Walking across a desertLacking characterization and soul. It tries to be Bladerunner, but all I could do at the end was ask myself what I else I could have done for the almost 2 hour run-time. It needed more action, characters and dialog. Walking across a desert for the last half of the movie didn't help. The intentions were clear but the execution lacked impact.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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0

Qgal5kapOct 11, 2014

WAAHHHhhh!!!!! This is the worst piece of garbage I have seen in ages!!!! It actually makes 22 Jump Street seem like a masterpiece in comparison!!! Jeeez..... I feel my senses have been violated by this movie! My brain might have sufferedWAAHHHhhh!!!!! This is the worst piece of garbage I have seen in ages!!!! It actually makes 22 Jump Street seem like a masterpiece in comparison!!! Jeeez..... I feel my senses have been violated by this movie! My brain might have suffered irreparable damage because of this! Who do can I sue, and where?? I want the last couple of hours of my life back!!… Expand

5 of 22 users found this helpful517

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4

tvnewsguidoOct 10, 2014

Like the robots it portrays, this movie has no heart.

Another style over story movie, "Autómata" is well made with good effects but the script is TV movie quality bland. It also lacks a sense of humor. That's a personal pet peeve but alsoLike the robots it portrays, this movie has no heart.

Another style over story movie, "Autómata" is well made with good effects but the script is TV movie quality bland. It also lacks a sense of humor. That's a personal pet peeve but also symptomatic of many recent sci-fi offerings that, for no good reason, take themselves far too seriously.… Expand

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

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8

smiyamotAug 4, 2016

I thought this movie was a remake of Blade Runner. Antonio has his family but he wants more out of life. That always comes with risk. His job makes him realize he needs to take that risk

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

Bournout3000Jan 23, 2019

Another Cyberpunk themed movie that makes you question the ghost in the shell on an other level

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

DimchaChisMar 7, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Очень атмосферный фильм, а какой саундтрек… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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5

MeritCobaOct 30, 2015

(Note: I do not like a scoring mechanism that runs from 0 to 10 and therefore I devised my own value system, which works as follows: 1 for bad, 5 for mwah, 9 for good. 10 for superb.)

Because it happens, the robot answers. And there you(Note: I do not like a scoring mechanism that runs from 0 to 10 and therefore I devised my own value system, which works as follows: 1 for bad, 5 for mwah, 9 for good. 10 for superb.)

Because it happens, the robot answers.
And there you have it. The final answer to all questions in life: because it happens.
Why does the earth revolve around the sun?
Because it happens.
Why does the sun burn the surface of the earth?
Because it happens.
And why are there no zombies in my backyard?
Because it happens?
No, because I don't have a backyard.
It happens.
I wonder why. I wonder a lot of things. Why for instance do they wear plastic see through rain coats in a world that knows no rain?
Well, cause it happens.*
Why is that doctor killed by kids?
Cause it happens.
And why does a story like this sizzle out into an underwhelming fight and philosophy that impresses by how vapid it is?
Cause it happens.
Case in point: you can't be killed when you are not alive.
Astounding observation.. how about making the same remark several times, just so we do not forget the philosophical, moral and social implications?
Here you go : you can't be killed when you are not alive.
Impressive...
So what is alive?
Oh uh. Let's not cross that bridge shall we. We only got two hours that we already filled mostly with robots and people trudging through dystopian landscapes, that are in fact mostly desert scenes and of the dusty grey kind. No time for anything too complex. Let's just repeat the remark to bedazzle everyone with our deep philosophical thinking.
Another question then, more down to earth: why are the bad guys moronic idiots given to destroying pretty expensive robots that pose no threat and killing people at large?
Cause they have shotguns. And everyone knows: weapons are meant to be used and: the gun defines the gunman. The shotgun thus defines a killer.
So why did the robots change?
Because it happens, the robot says.
A tale told in five minutes stretched out two hours to answer the one question that drives the movie and which never gets the answer it deserves. Rock bottom story telling.
The final mystery is this: how could this movie have happened?
Answer: shyte happens.
---
* The real reason of course is that some people are impressed by other people's imagery and thus the plastic rain coat, used in Bladerunner, Brazil and in 12 Monkeys, has become the staple ingredient of dystopian movies. It is either a very lazy rehash or a homage: you pick the option you like.… Expand