Science Fiction seems to be a good vehicle for analysing the bigger issues that trouble mans ever-curious mind. Having the ability to create a scenario that is both otherworldly yet familiar it can look back at specific issues and put them under the microscope. Science Fiction also has the ability to deliver some cracking action and visual effects and I, Robot manages to do both. Like Blade Runner and particularly the first of the Matrix trilogy this film looks at the inevitable rise of human made artificial intelligence and the possible consequences of opening that particular Pandora's box. In the aforementioned films we are delivered directly to a place where A.I. is already a fact of life, here however we are treated to a cautionary tale of how things could take a turn for the worse and it comes as no surprise that the story is based on a book by one of Science
Fictions literary gods, Isaac Asimov.
I must confess that the idea of Will Smith as a wise cracking, world weary cop with a retro-style and a Luddite suspicion for the robots around him was a daunting prospect, having never been the biggest fan of Smith. But I am slowly learning that the Will Smith of the early days has been replaced by a mature actor that given the right script and direction can more than do the job and here he fits the lead role with ease.
The first half of the film runs pretty much as you expect, Del Spooner (Smith) is called to the scene of the apparent suicide of a top scientist, one that he has a past association with, one that is responsible for the technology that has created Robot dependant society that we have become. Whilst everyone knows that robots are programmed so that they can't harm humans, Spooner is less accepting of the black and white scenario he is presented with. Too cliché? Well yes, but that's the point. As the film builds it becomes obvious, at least to Spooner, that having the most anti-techno cop in the city assigned to such a case is in itself a clue and his "trail of breadcrumbs" leads him ever deeper into a complex mystery.
Against a slick visual backdrop of action and well-done computer trickery this film manages to take us to places that CGI can't, it takes us into our own thoughts. Along side a large comment on the evolution of A.I. into a self-perpetuating human like entity it manages to comment on a number of side issues. When Spooner says to the head of the robot company:
"I don't usually do this, but since I'm here, I got a great idea for your next commercial. There's a carpenter, and he builds this beautiful chair. And then a robot comes along and builds a better chair twice as fast, and then it says: "USR. Shittin' on the little guy." Fade out."
It is more than just a clever line; it updates the whole Luddite argument of the Industrial Revolution for the modern age. This thrust is also built on by putting forward the idea that in a world where robots can be used to kill can they be considered murders themselves, murder weapons or just an "industrial accident".
But aside from the cerebral elements this is a nicely presented action movie. It builds nicely and comes to an energetic ending and still manages to leave you pondering the path that technology may take us down. It does have a few down points, some of the ideas are a bit well worn and there could have been more character development, especially with the past association between Spooner and the dead scientist, which is only lightly played with, but in the interest of keeping the movie down to a manageable 115 minutes it is probably best left as it is. Director Alex Proyas has done a wonderful job; he manages to get the best out of Smith, his character growing from unapproachable and detached to someone that you end up not only fully understanding but someone you are generally fond of. The integration of the robots into a human cast is seamless and if the film does move too far from the book for some diehard fans, it does manage to keep the heart of the story in tact. At a time where many of the current blockbusters have failed to live up to their own promises this is defiantly one to watch.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
Great film although no sign of Azimov's last rule of robotics ... "always break down immediately following the expiry of the warranty, preferrably at the time most inconvenient to your owner" :-)
killiefan 28.02.2006 10:43
I have seen this film 2 or 3 times and really enjoy it. Scott
pinkmatchstick 26.02.2006 22:06
I liked this film but hadn't thought about it in the ways you say here....interesting
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some ... more
impressive pectoral muscles inI, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some ... more
impressive pectoral muscles inI, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some ... more
impressive pectoral muscles inI, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some ... more
impressive pectoral muscles inI, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not ...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: incredible effects, realistic robots, Alex Proyas back in the director's chair Disadvantages: the mass product placement, the injustice towards Isaac Asimov's source material
DarkMark 09.02.2005 (09.02.2005)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of I, Robot (DVD)
Advantages: Great CGI effects and a superb performance from Smith Disadvantages: SMith may be becoming Type Cast, No real chemisrty between Smith and Moynahan
Andy.mack 18.12.2004 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of I, Robot (DVD)
Advantages: Great CGI effects and a superb performance from Smith Disadvantages: SMith may be becoming Type Cast, No real chemisrty between Smith and Moynahan
Andy.mack 18.12.2004 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of I, Robot (DVD)
![I Robot - Single Disc Edition [2004] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78502584.jpg "I Robot - Single Disc Edition [2004] [DVD]")
![I Robot (Collector's Two Disc Edition) [DVD] [2004]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78511494.jpg "I Robot (Collector's Two Disc Edition) [DVD] [2004]")
Feb 25th, 2006
exceptional by (2%):
very helpful by (98%):
