We’re firmly in the summer movie season. That means a season of ambitious, CGI-heavy blockbusters. But, as has been the case for the past few years, you don’t have to exclusively travel to theaters to get your blockbuster fix. In fact, Netflix has an option for those looking to enjoy a blockbuster story from the comfort of home this Memorial Day Weekend.

The newest film from Netflix, Atlas, streams starting May 24. It has a star-studded cast led by Jennifer Lopez and including Sterling K. Brown, Mark Strong, and Simu Liu. It’s got a unique concept, a strong look, and plenty of high-octane action.

The film is set in an alternate world where A.I. has risen with dire consequences. The first major A.I. creation, Harlan (Liu), gained control over his fellow A.I. warriors and quickly turned-on humanity. It sparked a war and, when Harlan was losing, he and his soldiers fled the planet. Now, 28 years later, the hunt for Harlan continues.

But humanity is better prepared. Earth has developed defenses against the return of A.I. soldiers and has better learned to incorporate the technology in its weapons. Yet, Atlas (Lopez) remains skeptical. Her mother—Val (Lana Parrilla)—created Harlan, and the technology. So, as a young girl, Atlas saw just how quickly it can all go wrong. Now an adult, she’s guarded but remains the most dogged hunter of Harlan.

When Harlan is discovered on a far-off world, a mission is sent to capture him and end his threat. It’s led by Colonel Elias Banks (Brown), who believes his new technology is the trick to beating Harlan. Atlas is less convinced, accompanying the team. When things go awry, she’s forced to confront her past and this new technology—an A.I. named Smith (Gregory James Cohan)—in order to complete the mission and save Earth.

We’ve seen Lopez in many different kinds of roles in recent years, but this is decidedly a high-octane blockbuster. She’s the anchor and focal point, carrying much of the narrative and the big action sequences. She does a nice job in the lead role, and her back-and-forth with Smith is one of the more engaging pieces of the film.

The supporting cast does a fine job, too, though none are given a lot of character depth. This is mostly about a concept and the CGI-heavy world and action sequences. Those sequences work well enough to keep your attention and keep the action moving forward.

I enjoyed the ride with this film. It’s an interesting concept that has some strong moments. It felt like a solid and enjoyable blockbuster despite being a somewhat familiar concept. Director Brad Peyton does a nice job crafting the story and the action sequences. It moves at a good pace and doesn’t wear out its welcome.

This will make for a satisfying watch for those looking for a little taste of summer blockbusters on stream at home.

Atlas is streaming on Netflix starting May 24.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.

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