Parents' Guide to Superintelligence

McCarthy's charm and comedic gifts make this otherwise serviceable end-of-the-world comedy worth watching, but it works much better as an unconventional romcom than a compelling thriller. There's arguably more romance in Superintelligence than in most of McCarthy's comedies, and her scenes with the endearing Cannavale are sweet and natural (unsurprising, since the two are friends and former co-stars). Corden is a convincing pick as the AI voice (it picks the voice that will be most calming for each person). Other notable performers include Jean Smart, who's underused as the president of the United States, and director (and McCarthy's husband) Ben Falcone and Sam Richardson as slightly bumbling intelligence agents.

Despite the talented cast, the screenplay isn't exactly inspired, and the entire premise is underwhelming and confusing (not in the too-difficult-to-follow way, but in the "could this really be all the AI wants?" way). Sure, it's fun to watch Carol get a Pretty Woman-level makeover, since the AI immediately turns her into a multimillionaire with a new penthouse apartment, a self-driving Tesla, and a boutique wardrobe. But the heart comes from her reunion and reconnection with George, a "tall, tan, and tenured" professor who's headed to a Trinity College appointment. The movie's tone is uneven, as the potential for peril never feels immediate, and the political aspects are definitely underdeveloped and played for laughs. Still, for all its flaws, it's always a pleasure for fans to witness McCarthy's gift for physical comedy.