Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown star in “The Electric State,” a film by the Russo brothers. (photo courtesy of Netflix)
This has to be some kind of record. The Russo brothers, who delivered four of the best Marvel films, just dropped a star-studded mediocre mess that cost $320 million. Netflix’s “The Electric State” is the filmmakers’ third middling contribution since “Avengers: Endgame,” which makes me very nervous for their return to Marvel with “Doomsday.”
I could drag “Electric State,” but plenty of critics beat me to it. They’re right, despite a memorable premise. It’s the 1990s. In the aftermath of a human/robot war, clear lines divide both sides until a droid locates Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown). The pair must move quickly before they’re caught by aggressors on both sides. Luckily, smuggler Keats (Chris Pratt) and his robo-buddy Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie) help them seek answers about their unique connection This is a promising concept, but the credit for that belongs to Simon Stålenhag, author of the 2018 illustrated novel of the same name. Whatever this is, I don’t know. It’s neither terrible nor measurably good. Call it watchable-adjacent. Still, the critical score below 20% is too severe, but I understand the critical frustration. The cost, cast size and acclaimed source add up to a whole lotta wasted potential.
Amidst a struggling film industry, the idea that this bland flick was greenlit at the expense of several other projects that would add up to $320 million feels perverse. At least “Electric State” looks like an expensive film with tight computer graphics. Those droids, including a robotic Mr. Peanut (voiced by Woody Harrelson), do look fantastic, even if they have little to do for two hours. If only the human hands behind this film cared more about the story’s plotting and the performances.
Please don’t let this serve as foreshadowing. For the next two “Avengers” films, the Russos likely will receive whatever budget they want. They can also bring in any household names they desire, including Robert Downey Jr. returning to Marvel not to play Iron Man but supervillain Dr. Doom. That news is concerning enough – add to it another weak film from the directing duo who seemed unstoppable six years ago.
Frankly, simpler bits like humor are now a concern. The Russos have a background in comedy (“Arrested Development,” “Community”), but not even a single laugh lands here. Pratt is especially unfunny throughout the entire thing, though he sure tries. It’s all so forced.
I think back to how effortless “Infinity War” infused more than 40 characters into the story. Here, we get to know around eight characters well. Beyond that, it’s all cameos: Holly Hunter as an on-air reporter, Jason Alexander as a deadbeat foster parent, Kurt Loder as himself and Colman Domingo as a smuggler, perhaps a setup for a sequel. The voice cast does much of the same with the likes of Jenny Slate, Alan Tudyk, Hank Azaria and Brian Cox. This is excess without a payoff.
I don’t mean to drag the Russos. Apparently, they drew ire for comments on A.I. and arthouse films last weekend. Those are distractions to this argument. Instead, consider this venting. I’m invested in the “Avengers” films (clearly not this one), finding so much joy in them and plenty of other Marvel contributions. I don’t want them to fail.
Maybe the Russos work better with established characters, not new ideas. Let’s hope that’s the case. If not, then be prepared for a film that might look fantastic but won’t get off the ground. That’s “The Electric State.” Hollow and lacking a pulse while it wastes money best spent on other things.
“The Electric State” is a new big budget sci-fi film that doesn’t reach its full potential. (photo courtesy of Netflix)
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