I, Robot Review
by Joel B. Kirk (joelkirk AT sbcglobal DOT net)July 19th, 2004
I, Robot
A film review by Joel B. Kirk
SYNOPSIS:
Chicago, 2035: Robots are commonplace as assistants, laborers, and companions. They follow 3 laws of robotics, preventing them from any harming human beings. However, as the new Nestor Series 5 (NS-5) robot model rolls out to the open-armed public, courtesy of U.S. Robotics (USR) replacing old model robots, a designer of USR is found murdered.
Was it murder by his creation, an NS-5 model, or was it suicide?
A detective that has a certain prejudice towards robots is called upon by a holographic representation of the doctor, to follow the case.
MY TAKE:
Loosely based on the Isaac Asimov novel of the same name, 'I, Robot' is a sci-fi mystery, with Will Smith playing his darker character yet. Paired with Greek-Australian director Alex Proyas who brought us 'The Crow' and 'Dark City'….both psychological fantasy films that have somewhat become cult favorites.
Alex Proyas has the tendency to weave complex tight plots with tough action, and he doesn't deter from that formula in this film.
Will Smith ('ID4,' 'Enemy of the State,' 'Men in Black,' 'Bad Boys II') as Detective Del Spooner, has a great prejudiced attitude towards robots, and he's emotional, and prone to action before thinking. Yet, he is resourceful with a heart of gold.
Bridget Moynahan is the USR representative, Susan Calvin, asked to assist Detective Spooner in finding out if the murder was the act of a robot or a suicide attempt.
Bruce Greenwood is the head of USR, Lawrence Robertson, overlooking the distribution of the new NS-5 model robots: 1 robot to every 5 humans.
Chi McBride (of television's 'Boston Public,' and films like 'Hoodlum,' 'Undercover Brother') is Lt. Bergin, Spooner's superior.
The ever busy James Cromwell('Star Trek: First Contact,' 'Babe,' 'L.A. Confidential') is the murdered suspect and late friend to Spooner, communicating through a holographic representation of his past self—in order to assist Spooner in finding out the truth about a possible conspiracy.
Following Andy Serkis, who brought Gollum to life in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, Alan Tudyk ('Patch Adams,' 'A Knight's Tale,' 'Dodgeball') is the NS-5 robot, Sonny.
The story also deals with robots gaining human emotions, something we've seen in '2001: A Space Odyssey' with HAL 9000, the replicants in 'Blade Runner'—which 'I, Robot' closely resembles, and even films like 'The Matrix'….and Steven Spielberg's highly failed 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence.'
Who doesn't want to own their own robot? However, will we want to take the responsibility when those robots learn human behavior for the best or worst?
By the way, those rules of Asimov, 'Three Laws of Robotics,' are: 1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2) A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE:
Will Smith shares producer credit for this film. Indeed, he seems to be heading for a long career.
Marco Beltrami, who scored the 'Scream' series as well as 'Terminator 3,' brings a passable score. Although, one wonders why Proyas didn't use Trevor Jones from 'Dark City'…
FINAL COMMENTS:
Alex Proyas has a good track record (although his previous film, an Australian musical comedy, 'Garage Days,' didn't catch on with American audiences; and kind of disappeared) it is suggested he might find a niche of fans with this flick. However, it might alienate some with its dark tone.
However, for those looking for an old-school sci-fi picture (that seemingly looks like a cult film in the years to come)….you won't be disappointed.
MY RATING:
**** out of *****
DIRECTOR:
Alex Proyas
WRITER:
Jeff Vintar (screenplay)
Hillary Seitz (story)
Akiva Goldsman (story)
Isaac Asimov (suggested by novel)
CAST:
Will Smith-Del Spooner
Bruce Greenwood-Lawrence Robertson
James Cromwell-Dr. Alfred Lanning
Chi McBride-Lt. John Bergin
Bridget Moynahan-Susan Calvin
Alan Tudyk-Sonny
Adrian Ricard-Granny
Fiona Hogan-V.I.K.I
RUNNING TIME:
105 minutes
GENRE:
Sci-fi/Mystery/Action
YEAR OF RELEASE:
2004 by 20th Century-Fox
EMAIL:
[email protected]
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
