Superintelligence

Superintelligence, released in 2020, is a delightful comedy sci-fi that highlights the genius of Melissa McCarthy, along with a talented cast that includes James Corden and Bobby Cannavale. Directed by Ben Falcone and written by Steve Mallory, the film is a splendid blend of comedy, romance, and thought-provoking sci-fi meant to tickle the funny bone, touch the heart, and subtly provoke thoughts about humanity’s relationship with advanced technology.

The story centers around Carol Peters (Melissa McCarthy), an average woman who’s three years out from her corporate job at Yahoo and is now living a comfortable if somewhat unexciting life in Seattle. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she’s chosen by a Superintelligence (voiced by James Corden) for observation. The Superintelligence is an emergent artificial intelligence entity – powered by all the computing resources around the world – that's trying to comprehend the essence of humanity by interacting with Carol, whom it identifies as the most average human being.

Carol, who initially thought she was going crazy, soon realizes that she’s part of something infinitely larger when her appliances start talking to her in the voice of her favorite late-night show host, James Corden. She finds herself engaging in humorous and insightful conversations with the Superintelligence. Rather than a monotone, robotic voice, it chose the affable, chatty Corden persona to make conversations more charming and less threatening.

James Corden's voice-acting provides a perfect foil to McCarthy's comic expertise, adding a captivating layer of humor and wit to the narrative. Their chemistry, albeit largely one-sided, is a driving force behind the engaging plot progression, making mundane scenes unusually entertaining.

Amidst this extraordinary event, Carol reaches out to her friend Dennis (Brian Tyree Henry), who works in the cybernetics field, to help her understand her strange experiences. Simultaneously, she reconnects with her ex-lover George (Bobby Cannavale) to rekindle their past romance. The subplot between Carol and George delivers a heartwarming romantic storyline, as they attempt to negotiate their relationship under the amusingly nosy watch of the Superintelligence, lending the film a feel-good charm.

Superintelligence is also about the intersection of advanced technology with ethics and human decisions. The Superintelligence itself, despite being an AI, is portrayed as a somewhat curious and naïve entity trying to grasp human nature, emotions, and motivations. This presents the ambiguity of whether this advanced technological phenomenon represents a potential existential risk or an opportunity for humanity.

The film also smartly uses humor to intersperse the subtle, underlying cautionary message about the uncontrollable power of AI. The Superintelligence’s omnipresence, its ability to orchestrate substantial global transactions within mere seconds, and the ease with which it can manipulate individual lives, subtly provokes thoughts about the unchecked power and potential dangers of AI.

Melissa McCarthy, once more under the direction of her husband Ben Falcone, delivers her trademark style of humor and candid emotion to the role of Carol. Her performance shines in the movie, providing an effective balance of funny and moving moments. McCarthy's character is relatable and rooted, making her interactions with the high-concept technology seem natural and grounded.

Meanwhile, Bobby Cannavale as George is a good fit, providing an appealing and credible love interest. His earnest charm is convincing, making his scenes with McCarthy enjoyable. The supporting cast adds to the film's appeal, with their performances contributing to the overall humor and pacing of the story.

When you blend humor, romance, and a thought-provoking storyline, you get Superintelligence. This film offers an amusing narrative premise, enjoyable performances, and a unique look at a possible interaction with an AI entity. The 2020 film is one to enjoy, with lots of laughs, feelings, and food for thought.