Gore Verbinski's AI Caper: A Lively Yet Overstuffed Sci-Fi Adventure
Gore Verbinski, the director behind blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Ring, has returned with Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, a sci-fi comedy adventure that pits humanity against artificial intelligence. Starring Sam Rockwell in a manic role, the film delivers a tech-fearing narrative with big action set pieces, but it struggles with an ungainly length and a frustrating lack of restraint.
A Director's Ambitious Swing
Despite his success with franchises and A-list stars, Verbinski has never become a household name. His work often features a dark sense of humour and a knack for pushing megastars, yet he has largely served existing IP or top talent. After the 2013 flop The Lone Ranger, he took a break, returning with the ambitious horror A Cure for Wellness in 2016, which was admired for its originality but criticized for its length. Now, after nearly a decade, Verbinski presents an even bigger independent swing with this new film, picked up by distributor Briarcliff, known for acquiring unconventional projects.
Plot and Themes: Familiar Yet Timely
The story begins with Sam Rockwell's character entering a diner, claiming to be from a future where smartphone dependency has led to societal collapse and AI has taken control. He recruits volunteers, including Juno Temple, Zazie Beetz, Haley Lu Richardson, and Michael Peña, to track down the source and alter its course. The setup echoes classics like Terminator 2 and The Matrix, blended with modern touches from Black Mirror and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Screenwriter Matthew Robinson gives each character a vignette highlighting tech's negative impacts, such as a teacher dealing with TikTok-addicted students or a mother cloning her deceased son's consciousness. These moments explore relatable fears about technology's corrosive effects, adding depth to the more conventional quest narrative. Verbinski's press tour has emphasized his timely disdain for AI, resonating with current societal anxieties.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film's energy and craft are undeniable, with Verbinski showcasing his signature style through flashy sequences and imaginative visuals. However, the 134-minute runtime feels excessive, and the plot's jumping between timelines can leave viewers dizzy. The enemy's chaotic rules introduce elements like pig-masked goons and a giant cat creature, which sometimes detract from the smarter, more human observations.
Sam Rockwell's performance is a highlight, balancing energy without becoming annoying, while Haley Lu Richardson stands out as a tech-allergic purist who adds emotional texture. Despite its flaws, the film's scrappy, animated brainstorm approach makes it an engaging, if messy, experience that reflects very human creativity.
Release Details and Final Thoughts
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die releases in the US and Australia on February 13 and in the UK on February 20. While the film could benefit from tighter editing and more focus, it offers a fun, tech-critical adventure that fans of Verbinski's work will appreciate. Its messiness, at least, stems from a passionate, human-driven vision in an era of formulaic blockbusters.
