3190. Superintelligence (2020)

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, James Corden, Bobby Cannavale

Director: Ben Falcone

Running Time: 106 mins

Superintelligence is an American film about an average woman who is contacted by artifical superintelligence, who aims to study her before deciding whether to save humanity or destroy it for good.

For the most part an enjoyable and light-hearted comedy, Superintelligence features yet another lovable lead performance from Melissa McCarthy, as well as a few good laughs along the way. Admittedly, for a comedy with such an out-there plot, Superintelligence does at times take itself a little too seriously, although is still largely a fun watch.

First things first, however, the premise here might seem very familiar, particularly to anybody who’s seen Absolutely Anything starring Simon Pegg. In effect, the story is pretty similar, although Superintelligence tries to strike up some more timely nods towards modern technology rather than full-blown fantasy and superpowers like Absolutely Anything.

That familiarity is a little frustrating, and Superintelligence isn’t quite different enough to really stand out in my mind as a fresh or original take on this premise. For the most part, its light-hearted vibe is thoroughly enjoyable, although its themes and drama are really jarring in the context of what would have been more suited as a really wacky comedy.

Melissa McCarthy is a delight in the lead role, and easily wins you over from the first few moments, although she doesn’t have much to do with a rather bland character in the middle of a rather predictable story. Again, the humour is what makes Superintelligence a fun watch, but when things do take a slightly more serious turn in the final act, it’s a lot less entertaining to watch.

Maybe I shouldn’t always expect a comedy like this to be all about jokes and nothing else, but then again when a film tries to be a little more serious in its messaging, those expectations rise. Anyway, Superintelligence doesn’t manage to stick the landing when it comes to more complex themes, ultimately showing that it should have really stuck to sillier, lighter-hearted comedy.

On the whole, I enjoyed Superintelligence for the most part, especially as a lightweight, throwaway comedy. It’s a fun watch throughout, and with a likable lead turn from Melissa McCarthy (as well as a fun supporting performance by Bryan Tyree Henry), there’s a lot to make you laugh here. Unfortunately, the movie outstays its welcome in the latter stages, taking itself a little too seriously and proving really quite underwhelming in the final act. So, that’s why I’m giving Superintelligence a 7.0 overall.