Autómata 2014

Tom Keogh, Seattle Times: One gets the feeling of witnessing some kind of primordial origin story about parallel destinies for the human race and the intelligent machines we make. Read more

Jay Weissberg, Variety: Even for sci-fi, some logic has to enter the plot, which also needs to be devoid of major holes if it's not to fall into ridiculousness, and that, unfortunately, is where Automata lies. Read more

Vadim Rizov, AV Club: Automata's generic urban 2044 dystopia is a realm of hazily gray CGI buildings, many rubble-strewn and abandoned. Read more

Jonathan Holland, Hollywood Reporter: The overwrought, uncontrolled sci-fi thriller Automata is a disappointing example of a film that lacks the imagination to follow persuasively through on its engaging initial premise. Read more

Michael Rechtshaffen, Los Angeles Times: Visually inspired but thematically derivative, the apocalyptic sci-fi drama "Automata" pits humans against robots with predictable results. Read more

Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News: Antonio Banderas does work hard to keep us engaged in this convoluted sci-fi thriller about rebellious robots. After an hour, though, you'll wonder why you didn't just stay home to watch "Blade Runner" again. Read more

Stephen Holden, New York Times: There are interesting ideas here, but they are swallowed up in dull, poorly choreographed shootouts and other action nonsense. Read more

James Rocchi, TheWrap: "Automata" is a movie that's all look and no feel, all sizzle and no steak; while it's remarkably easy to appreciate a film with such nimble visuals, the lead-footed storytelling makes it difficult to care. Read more

Keith Uhlich, Time Out: The effort to make thinking man's sci-fi is admirable, but it requires a steadier, surer hand. Read more

Chris Packham, Village Voice: The poetry in Ibanez's soul has to cohabit with a lot of spray cheese. Read more