Big Budget, Big Stars, Big Reviews: The Electric State's Mixed Reception

Netflix's latest sci-fi adventure, The Electric State, has sparked quite a debate. The film, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, cost a whopping 320 million dollars to make. Critics have not been kind. The Times called it a "turgid eyesore" and "top-dollar tedium. " The Hollywood Reporter labeled it "slick but dismally soulless. " The New York Times was even harsher, calling it "obvious, garish and just plain dumb. " Some critics pointed out that the film's budget was eye-watering, and the story was bland. However, some reviewers had kinder words. Empire magazine described it as "breezily watchable, " while the Telegraph gave it four stars, calling it a "Spielbergian treat. " Despite the mixed reviews, The Electric State hit number one on Netflix's chart after its release. This isn't the first time a Netflix film has received poor reviews but still managed to be a hit with viewers. The streaming giant often produces star-studded, entertaining, and escapist movies that may not impress critics but are watched by millions of subscribers. The Electric State is set in an alternative version of 1990s America, where humans and intelligent robots are at war. The film is based on a graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag. Some critics felt that the film missed the book's core message about the dangers of a consumerist society obsessed with technology. The Russo brothers, known for their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed the film. The cast includes Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, and the voices of Woody Harrelson and Brian Cox. The film's success will likely be measured against Red Notice, Netflix's most popular film with 231 million views. Red Notice, an action-packed art crime caper, has a 39% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes but a 92% audience rating. Other recent Netflix hits like Mother of the Bride, Atlas, Back In Action, and Lift have also been enjoyed by viewers despite poor reviews. These films are often described as easy to watch in the midst of potential distractions at home. The Electric State has been criticized for its over-explanatory dialogue, which some viewers might find unnecessary. However, this approach can be useful for viewers who are not fully focused on the film. Netflix also produces critically-acclaimed movies, but these often do not attract as large an audience as their more entertaining counterparts. The Electric State's success highlights a growing trend in the streaming age. Critics' opinions seem to matter less when it comes to streaming films. Audiences are more interested in big, spectacular blockbusters to watch at home. The Electric State's impressive visuals and star-studded cast might be enough to draw in viewers, despite its generic story. The film's success will depend on whether it can attract as many viewers as Red Notice. The Electric State's high budget means it needs to perform well to justify its cost. However, Netflix's business model is opaque, making it difficult to predict the film's financial success. The Electric State's mixed reception is a reminder that critics' opinions do not always align with audience preferences. The film's success will depend on whether it can attract as many viewers as Red Notice.