Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the film Guilty as Charged features Chris Pratt in a challenging new role within the sci-fi genre. Released recently in theaters, the movie explores a near-future scenario where a detective is accused of murder and must confront an artificial intelligence system he helped create. Chris Pratt’s new sci-fi venture has sparked varied reactions among fans and critics alike.
In this intense thriller, Pratt plays Chris Raven, a detective accused of killing his wife and judged by a cutting-edge AI that offers him just 90 minutes to prove his innocence before deciding his fate. Co-starring Rebecca Ferguson and Annabelle Wallis, the film draws comparisons to Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report, as it intertwines futuristic technology with crime and courtroom drama. The story, set in a dystopian near future, examines themes of automated justice and human resilience against machine control.
The Film’s Edge-of-Seat Entertainment Value
Guilty as Charged delivers a suspense-filled cinematic experience that many viewers found gripping and engaging. Several commentators highlight its exciting plot twists and elaborate visual effects, noting that it successfully maintains a tense atmosphere throughout. Audience members frequently liken the film’s premise and style to Minority Report, suggesting it serves as a contemporary sequel with a more believable dystopian vision.
Adamlebg, rating it 5 out of 5, declared,
“Exciting film with lots of twists and very impressive scenes.”
Fafling described it as
“both a good distraction and yet it makes you think about several current themes. Compared to ‘Minority Report,’ which shares the theme of automated justice, this one is a more realistic dystopia, which could occur not so far in the future. It’s ultimately perhaps less serious, but on the other hand less artificial and more frightening than Spielberg’s film.”
ModENASh1 gave the film 4.5 out of 5, stating,
“This film is simply excellent! I didn’t see the time pass, the film keeps us in suspense until the last second, the actors perfectly embody their roles, for now my favorite of 2026! A must-see.”
TNT awarded it 4 out of 5, praising the
“excellent direction, cinematography, story, and dialogues. The two main actors hardly move but it doesn’t bother, even in virtual.”
Sandrine Dessailly remarked,
“I find the film very interesting, especially today. The human brain is always stronger than the machine, including AI. Even though Chris Raven (Chris Pratt) is a broken cop, he remains strong and logical enough to carry out his investigations well. The effects are spectacular (I saw the film in IMAX and 4DX) and I admit that I was captivated by the plot, even if it seems obvious. The progression is smooth and interesting. Thank you for this really pleasant entertainment.”
Concerns Over the Predictability and Execution
Despite praise, numerous viewers expressed frustration with the predictability of Guilty as Charged and its reliance on familiar sci-fi tropes. Many readers noted that the film’s trailer reveals critical plot points, diminishing the impact of its twists. Some critics also questioned whether the cast, including Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, consistently delivered convincing performances, suggesting that the movie depends heavily on their appeal rather than on deep character development.
Nicolas Lima rated the film 3.5 out of 5, commenting,
“The film is quite engaging overall for a single-shot plan. The plot remains hidden for only a short time: we quickly discover who does what, to whom, and why.”
Lil Sprite gave it 3.5 out of 5 and said,
“A rating perhaps too generous for this new thriller titled ‘Guilty as Charged’, which, beyond being simple, even simplistic, sometimes turns out to be lowbrow but never forgets to entertain and relies a bit too much on Chris Pratt’s likability to remain captivating.”
Mr cinetok, with a 3 out of 5 score, described the movie as
“A high-tech Cluedo timed in a closed setting to caricature, which is watchable despite the static nature, and a classic plot, but we are fortunately compelled to follow, too curious to discover the outcome. A soulless and artistically empty sci-fi thriller, it’s a shame because we see the technical means invested. The protagonists and the AI are not more convincing. The perfect commercial film to watch on a platform.”
Schlaupele criticized the storytelling and concluded with a 2 out of 5 rating:
“It starts off really well. Really. The actress from Mercy is incredible, the idea is good, the plot is well-knit and we are immediately immersed in the action. Unfortunately, the producers had the brilliant idea to spoil their film from the trailer (but who does that?), coupled with a huge scriptwriting error at the end that reveals yet another AI movie in which its operation is totally fantasized. In summary: it’s a pity. And if you’ve seen the trailer, save yourself the disappointment at the cinema.”
Vador Mir’s harshest critique gave the film 1.5 out of 5, stating,
“We have known Timur Bekmambetov to be more daring, especially visually. The screenplay inevitably reminds us of ‘Minority Report,’ but it is far from the quality of Spielberg’s film. The semi-closed setting gets a bit tiring after a while. Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson do the bare minimum.”
Audience Reception and Overall Impact
Guilty as Charged currently holds a 3 out of 5 average rating on AlloCiné, based on 56 user ratings and 21 reviews. The film provokes a divided response, with some audiences appreciating the suspense and reflection on human versus AI dynamics, while others criticize the predictability and missed opportunities in storytelling.
The debate centers on whether the film can genuinely restore the freshness of its sci-fi courtroom concept or if it falls short, overshadowed by its notable similarities to Spielberg’s earlier work. Regardless, the movie’s focus on the ethical tensions between man and machine resonates strongly in today’s climate of rapid technological advancements.
As Chris Pratt’s new sci-fi project unfolds in theaters, the film prompts broader questions about trust, surveillance, and artificial intelligence’s role in justice—issues that feel urgent and relevant to many viewers.
For now, Guilty as Charged stands as a provocative example of how science fiction continues to explore complex societal challenges, even as it struggles to break fully new ground.
