Renner: Frankie Muniz in An AI Thriller

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You may have noticed an increase in the amount of feature films with AI as a subject — whether it’s Jennifer Lopez finding a friend in Atlas or Megan Fox going evil in Subservience, it’s something clearly weighing on screenwriters’ minds. But it’s curious that most of them tend to lean toward the prospect of dating robots. Renner is another one. The title isn’t the name of the AI, it’s the name of the guy who made the AI — like how you expected “Atlas” to be the name of the robot, or the planet, but it was the woman. Renner is a computer genius who can solve any complex problem, except how to relate to a female of his species. But wait…if he IS a computer genius, can’t he just BUILD the perfect coach to teach him how to date girls? If those dopes in “Weird Science” did it, how hard can it be? So Renner creates Salenus — a small eyeball-looking thing who walks him through the steps on how to woo Jamie, his next door neighbor. Salenus’ tips seem to be working….Renner and Jamie are getting closer. But then, of course, Salenus inevitably starts acting sinister, and […]
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Renner: Frankie Muniz In An AI Thriller | popgeeks.com

Renner creates Salenus -- a small eyeball-looking thing who walks him through the steps on how to woo Jamie, his next door neighbor. Salenus' tips seem to be...

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[Norelle]

The premise made me laugh out loud. Accidentally programming his manipulative mother into an AI? That’s genius and hilariously awkward. I’m curious about how the film will balance the comedic and thriller elements. Frankie Muniz in a serious role is a surprising choice, but I’m rooting for him to pull it off. It’s refreshing to see him step into something completely different. I might not rush to the theaters, but it’s definitely worth streaming later.

 

[Rebbeca Lunch]

The idea of Salenus turning into a threat is expected, but the mother angle caught me off guard. It’s such a bizarre twist, and I mean that in the best way possible. Frankie Muniz being cast in a serious role piques my interest. He’s been under the radar for years, and this could be his big comeback. I’m a sucker for stories that explore the unintended consequences of technology, so I’ll be checking this one out.

 

[Let em eat cake]

This sounds like a lot of recycled ideas with a quirky twist. AI thrillers are everywhere these days, and they tend to play it safe. I’m not sure Renner will break that mold. Frankie Muniz being cast in a “serious” role feels like stunt casting to me. The mother-programming aspect is clever, but it could come off as gimmicky if the writing isn’t solid. I’ll wait for reviews before deciding if it’s worth watching.

 

[Neville]

I’m really excited about this film! The story seems layered, combining humor, emotional depth, and a genuine critique of AI. Renner accidentally programming his mother into the AI isn’t just funny; it’s a poignant metaphor for how our creations reflect us. I hope the film leans into that emotional complexity rather than just becoming another thriller. Frankie Muniz is a left-field choice, but I trust the director’s vision.

 

[Zato]

I have mixed feelings about this. The premise is clever, but movies about AI often reduce the topic to surface-level drama. If Renner dives into the philosophical questions about technology outpacing humanity, it could stand out. However, if it sticks to the usual “robot gone bad” formula, it’ll feel like a missed opportunity. Frankie Muniz might surprise everyone, though. He deserves a chance to shine.

 

[Kai]

This feels way too similar to M3GAN and Subservience. Both of those films also explored the idea of AI starting as a helpful tool before becoming a dangerous force. Even the "sinister AI with personal connections" trope is something M3GAN tackled recently. While the twist of Renner accidentally programming his mother into the AI is unique, it’s not enough to make the story feel fresh. Frankie Muniz in a serious role is intriguing, but if the narrative treads the same path as its predecessors, it’s hard to see this as anything more than another retread of a familiar concept.

 

[Geoff]

I’m skeptical about how seriously they’re pitching this as a thriller. The whole “programming his mother into the AI” twist sounds like it belongs in a dark comedy instead. Frankie Muniz stepping into a more dramatic role might be a bold move, but I’m not sure this is the project that will prove his range. It feels like the movie is trying to juggle too many tones, and that can be risky if not handled well.