Robot Overlords

Overlords has its share of clunky moments yet nonetheless proves, like Monsters before it, what can be achieved when you’re short of cash but rich in imagination.

The film is never less than amiable, and rather more spirited and nonconformist than the Transformers movies.

Less of a riot than Wright’s previous Grabbers, Robot Overlords displays the same knowing intelligence, sense of fun and deep-rooted love for post-’70s genre film. Unlike its titular villains, it’s sleek and it never malfunctions.

Amiable if predictable.

Even with such generic scripting, however, there’s a genial, palpably enthusiastic chemistry between the four young, capable stars that gives their hijinks a bit of bounce.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of its cast, the film just isn’t that good.

The blend of influences does feel hackneyed, at certain junctures.