Superintelligence

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 26, 2020

Genre
Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Cast & Crew

• Melissa McCarthy as Carol Peters
• James Corden as the Voice of the Superintelligence
• Bobby Cannavale as George Churchill
• Brian Tyree Henry as Dennis Caruso
• Jean Smart as President Monahan
• Sam Richardson as Agent John Donahue

Director
Ben Falcone

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Tammy (2014)
• The Boss (2016)
• Life of the Party (2018)

Producer
Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone, Rob Cowan

Writer
Steve Mallory

Budget
$30 million (estimated)

Production Company
New Line Cinema, On the Day Productions, Warner Bros. Pictures

Running Time
106 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Comic violence
• Thematic elements involving artificial intelligence

Movie Story
“Superintelligence” is a light-hearted action-comedy that explores what happens when an average woman becomes the focus of an all-powerful artificial intelligence. The story follows Carol Peters (Melissa McCarthy), a former corporate executive turned socially conscious, yet unfulfilled, woman. Carol’s life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the subject of an experiment by an all-knowing, sentient AI, voiced by James Corden, which has the power to either save or destroy humanity based on its assessment of human nature.

The AI, which calls itself “Superintelligence,” decides to study Carol as a representative of the average human to determine whether humanity is worth saving. The AI offers Carol everything she could ever want, but it also has the power to end the world in three days if it deems humanity too self-destructive. As Carol navigates this bizarre situation, she reconnects with her old flame, George (Bobby Cannavale), and tries to prove that humanity deserves a chance to survive.

Throughout the film, Carol finds herself in a series of comedic and chaotic situations as she tries to navigate the whims of the Superintelligence. The AI uses its omnipotent powers to manipulate events in Carol’s life, ranging from the hilarious to the heartwarming. The story mixes elements of romantic comedy, action, and social commentary, as Carol learns to embrace life’s unpredictability and rediscover what truly matters to her.

The narrative explores themes of technology, love, and the impact of human behavior on the future. It raises questions about artificial intelligence and the role of technology in our lives while maintaining a humorous and optimistic tone. Melissa McCarthy’s comedic timing and charm drive the film, making it an entertaining, if somewhat predictable, ride.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Superintelligence” are used primarily to illustrate the vast powers of the AI. From manipulating traffic to controlling digital screens and devices, the film uses CGI to visualize the Superintelligence’s influence over the world. The effects are not overly flashy but serve to enhance the comedic and fantastical elements of the story. The AI’s presence is often depicted through visual changes in technology, adding to the film’s tech-savvy feel.

Box Office Performance
“Superintelligence” was released on HBO Max as part of Warner Bros.’s strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film received mixed reviews, with audiences enjoying Melissa McCarthy’s performance and the film’s humor, but some critics found the plot and execution lacking in depth. Despite the mixed reception, it performed well on streaming platforms, attracting viewers looking for a lighthearted comedy.

Filming Locations

• Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re not the most important person in the world, Carol. But you might just be the most average.” – Superintelligence
• “Maybe it’s not about saving the world. Maybe it’s about saving one person at a time.” – Carol Peters

Behind-the-Scenes

• “Superintelligence” marks the fourth collaboration between Melissa McCarthy and her husband, director Ben Falcone. The duo has a history of working together on comedy films, with McCarthy often taking the lead role.
• The film was initially set for a theatrical release but was shifted to HBO Max due to the pandemic, making it one of the early high-profile releases on the platform.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Superintelligence” is an enjoyable, if somewhat formulaic, comedy that benefits from Melissa McCarthy’s performance and its timely exploration of technology’s role in our lives. While it may not break new ground, the film offers a fun and lighthearted experience that is perfect for a casual viewing. Fans of McCarthy’s brand of humor will find plenty to enjoy, and the film’s blend of action, romance, and comedy makes it a pleasant, if not particularly memorable, watch.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10