Netflix has once again dropped its budget on an action blockbuster with “Atlas,” a film that skips the cinema premiere for a straight streaming platform debut. Despite a massive $100 million investment, and Jennifer Lopez’s participation, the film’s critical reception has been negative. With an abysmal 11% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the action film hasn’t been the critic’s cup of tea.
#Atlas starring Jennifer Lopez and Simu Liu is currently at 11% on Rotten Tomatoes — based on 37 reviews
THR says it's "another Netflix movie made to half-watch while doing laundry" pic.twitter.com/R0m54JvS94
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) May 24, 2024
Starring Jennifer Lopez as a data analyst, confronting a rogue AI played by Simu Liu, “Atlas” had a warmer reception among the audience with a 59% score. However, this hasn’t translated into critical success. The good thing? Netflix’s strategy, often focused more on viewership than critical acclaim, may tolerate poor reviews if the viewership numbers hold strong.
Sadly, the initial buzz for “Atlas” likely shows limited potential for the movie to expand its audience and get better viewership numbers. Even though Netflix is all about doing sequels for even moderately successful original content, this particular film’s performance might have the company thinking twice before creating a follow-up.