Overlords has its share of clunky moments yet nonetheless proves, like Monsters before it, what can be achieved when you’re short of cash but rich in imagination.

Less of a riot than Wright’s previous Grabbers, Robot Overlords displays the same knowing intelligence, sense of fun and deep-rooted love for post-’70s genre film. Unlike its titular villains, it’s sleek and it never malfunctions.

The film is never less than amiable, and rather more spirited and nonconformist than the Transformers movies.

Amiable if predictable.

The blend of influences does feel hackneyed, at certain junctures.