Marketed as the most expensive film in history, The Electric State carried an enormous weight of expectations. Did this grand-scale promotion work in its favor? Perhaps. After all, if you factor in marketing expenses, the budget would be astronomical. So, what kind of movie did the Russo brothers create with their $320 million budget? Let's break it down. Set in 1997, after a devastating war between humans and machines, the film is packed with nostalgic elements-from the soundtrack to countless pop culture references of the era. The world-building is impressive, with a great variety of robotic designs that feel both inventive and visually distinct. The CGI, surprisingly, blends in seamlessly. Compared to a recent film like The Creator, the VFX here are just as good-if not better in certain moments. The story itself is fairly straightforward: a seemingly ordinary girl (Millie Bobby Brown) unknowingly holds the key to saving the world. Along the way, she finds allies in a rogue drifter (Chris Pratt) and his robot companion (Anthony Mackie). This unlikely duo makes for a fun buddy-movie dynamic, mixing the energy of a high schooler with the cynicism of a social outcast. Structurally, The Electric State feels like two different films. The first half leans heavily into childlike simplicity-almost to the point of being off-putting. However, once the second half kicks in, the pacing picks up, and the character dynamics become genuinely engaging. The film's strongest aspects? Without a doubt, its visuals and characters. Each character has a distinct presence, and the mix of humor, especially from the robots and Chris Pratt, works well. Pratt essentially plays a version of his Marvel character, which, honestly, suits him perfectly. Where does the film fall short? Ironically, in the very world it creates. The first 10 minutes set up a fascinating backstory-one that could have been the foundation for a much more compelling narrative. Instead, the film quickly moves past this, leaving us with a far less intriguing plot. Final Verdict: The Electric State is exactly the kind of film that belongs on Netflix. It doesn't try to be something it's not; it's designed purely for entertainment. A solid choice for a casual movie night-fun, visually impressive, but ultimately forgettable.

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