Gore Verbinski, the director behind the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, has returned with a new film, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, a sci-fi comedy adventure that explores the dangers of artificial intelligence. As reported by The Guardian, Verbinski's work often features a dark sense of humor and a willingness to push his stars to their limits. However, his films have not always received the recognition they deserve, and he has struggled to break through as a household name.
After the disappointment of The Lone Ranger in 2013, Verbinski took a step back and returned with the ambitious horror film A Cure for Wellness in 2016. Although it received mixed reviews, it showcased Verbinski's unique style and craftsmanship. Now, with Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, he has made an even bigger swing, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The film starts with a familiar premise: a man walks into a diner claiming to be from the future, warning of a world where smartphone dependency has led to societal collapse and AI has taken control. Played by a manic Sam Rockwell, the character is both convincing and charismatic, drawing the audience into his quest to prevent this dystopian future. As Verbinski discussed in his press tour, the film's timely hatred of all things AI is a key aspect of its appeal.
Exploring the Consequences of Tech Dependency
The film's use of flashbacks, flashforwards, and other narrative devices can be dizzying at times, but it also allows for a deeper exploration of the consequences of tech dependency. Each character has a vignette that showcases how tech has negatively affected their lives, from a teacher struggling with a classroom of TikTok addicts to a mother transferring her dead son's consciousness into a clone. These moments are often more interesting than the main quest, which can feel overwhelming at times.
The film's cast, including Juno Temple, Zazie Beetz, Haley Lu Richardson, and Michael Peña, deliver strong performances, with Richardson standing out as a tech-allergic purist who may hold the key to preventing the apocalypse. Rockwell, meanwhile, brings his signature energy to the film, keeping the pace lively even when the plot gets convoluted.
A Human, If Flawed, Film
Despite its flaws, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is a film that is hard to dislike. Its messiness is at least a very human one, and its willingness to take risks and explore complex themes is admirable. As Verbinski's first film in nearly a decade, it is a welcome return to form, even if it does not always succeed in its ambitions.
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is set to be released in the US and Australia on February 13 and in the UK on February 20. While it may not be a perfect film, it is a thought-provoking and entertaining ride that is sure to spark conversations about the role of technology in our lives.
