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Bicentennial Man Reviews

1999 Certificate PG
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 4411 members

Andrew Martin (Williams) is a household android whose intended function is thrown for a loop when he begins to feel genuine human emotions. Over the next two centuries the resulting dealings with his adopted family and new acquaintances provide the film with ample opportunities to raise important questions about individual .. Read more

Starring Robin Williams, Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, Oliver Platt
Director Chris Columbus
Genres Comedy

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  • Critics' reviews (4) of Bicentennial Man

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  • 2 stars out of 5

    Based on the work of two of science fiction's literary giants, Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg, this sci-fi comedy drama could have become a poignant tale about what it means to be human. Unfortunately, Robin Williams plays for tears as Andrew, the android butler assembled to serve one family over four generations. Programmed to follow Asimov's three laws of robotics (a robot may not harm a human being and must obey his or her orders while protecting its own existence), Andrew is treated well by his owner (Sam Neill), but later has himself reconstructed as a human being for the sake of his true love (Embeth Davidtz). Directed by Chris Columbus from a Nicholas Kazan script, the film makes Andrew irritatingly cute (as does the star), undermining Asimov's original analogy with black outsiders. With marvellous effects and ideas scuppered by sentimentality, it's enough to make a mechanical man weep.

    • Radio Times
  • This is a movie that covers a span of 200 years in which nothing very interesting happens, although the time does provide scope for one of Williams's more simpering performances.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • Williams dons a robot suit for this sentimental sci-fi family epic based on the writings of Isaac Asimov. It's 2005,... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • Most helpful members' reviews (3) of Bicentennial Man

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  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Life, the universe and everything...

    There is not a bad thing that I can say about this movie! The cast is excellent, the plotline is though provoking, humorous but at the same time moving.

    Edward's 200 year journey exploring the human condition is superbly well executed and the acting is so good that you soon forget that it is Robin Williams beneath the robotics.

    This film works on so many levels... sci fi, family, love story, the list just goes on?

    Whatever floats your boat - sit down with the family (or on your own) and just ENJOY

      • Alan Dobson from England
  • Rated - 4 stars

    great film, seen it before,great performance by robin williams, quite hard to place robin williams, as he always plays unusual parts,but this is a very good film.

      • dal#1 from SUFFOLK
  • Rated - 5 stars

    very enjoyable

    I knew this film would be good as Robin Williams stars. It made me laugh and although a little far fetched it is harmless fun. Also stars Sam Neil of Jurassic Park fame.

      • Julie Bennett from Portsmouth, UK
  • Most recent members' reviews (2) of Bicentennial Man

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  • Rated - 5 stars

    A great film

    Always a favourite, its a novel concept that is brilliantly portrayed by all the cast. Its different, funny, touching and well thought out.

    I would recommend this to anyone who likes quality movies.

      • coups from Surrey
  • Rated - 4 stars

    Loved this

    At long last I've managed to watch the first hour of this film to get the gist of it...the times I've only caught the last section. Loved this film, Robin Williams good as always. Lots of humour but some really touching bits.

      • A customer from Cambridge, England
  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Life, the universe and everything...

    There is not a bad thing that I can say about this movie! The cast is excellent, the plotline is though provoking, humorous but at the same time moving.

    Edward's 200 year journey exploring the human condition is superbly well executed and the acting is so good that you soon forget that it is Robin Williams beneath the robotics.

    This film works on so many levels... sci fi, family, love story, the list just goes on?

    Whatever floats your boat - sit down with the family (or on your own) and just ENJOY

      • Alan Dobson from England
  • Rated - 4 stars

    great film, seen it before,great performance by robin williams, quite hard to place robin williams, as he always plays unusual parts,but this is a very good film.

      • dal#1 from SUFFOLK
  • Rated - 5 stars

    very enjoyable

    I knew this film would be good as Robin Williams stars. It made me laugh and although a little far fetched it is harmless fun. Also stars Sam Neil of Jurassic Park fame.

      • Julie Bennett from Portsmouth, UK
  • Rated - 5 stars

    Thoughtful and touching

    The film follows the long life of Andrew, a household robot whose unexpected curiosity and creativity lead him on a quest to become human.

    Ignoring the sci-fi element, this film is about what makes us human. Flaws, feelings, vunerability and mortality.

    Good supporting roles from Sam Neil and Oliver Platt.

      • Anthony Hunt from Maidstone, England
  • Rated - 5 stars

    Strange Film

    Not one of my favourite films, its watchable, and is well acted, and moves seamlessly throughout.

    It is though one of my 5 year old daughters favourite films, she watches it all the way through, and cries at the end every time....

      • A customer from Northampton
  • Rated - 5 stars

    Superb Performace

    This was a superb performance by Robin Williams. The kids just loved it!

      • Karl Wright from Oxfordshire, UK
  • Rated - 4 stars

    Loved this

    At long last I've managed to watch the first hour of this film to get the gist of it...the times I've only caught the last section. Loved this film, Robin Williams good as always. Lots of humour but some really touching bits.

      • A customer from Cambridge, England
  • Rated - 4 stars

    has the lot

    this has 2 be 1 of my all time best films.it has everything in it is funny romance.and some action.a must see if you have'nt

      • A customer from Essex
  • Rated - 4 stars

    Highly recommended

    A great family film-but i would suggest that parents watch with younger children on first viewing as there is an occasion where a mild swear word is said a few times in a humourous context.

    Overall though i would highly recommend this film, as it has a good mix of humour and some serious bits which are dealt with in a sensitive manner.

      • Emily Strange from Croydon, Surrey
  • Rated - 4 stars

    brilliant!

    really enjoyed this film. made me cry at the end. would recommend.

      • A customer from kent, england
  • Critics' reviews (4)

  • 2 stars out of 5

    Based on the work of two of science fiction's literary giants, Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg, this sci-fi comedy drama could have become a poignant tale about what it means to be human. Unfortunately, Robin Williams plays for tears as Andrew, the android butler assembled to serve one family over four generations. Programmed to follow Asimov's three laws of robotics (a robot may not harm a human being and must obey his or her orders while protecting its own existence), Andrew is treated well by his owner (Sam Neill), but later has himself reconstructed as a human being for the sake of his true love (Embeth Davidtz). Directed by Chris Columbus from a Nicholas Kazan script, the film makes Andrew irritatingly cute (as does the star), undermining Asimov's original analogy with black outsiders. With marvellous effects and ideas scuppered by sentimentality, it's enough to make a mechanical man weep.

    • Radio Times
  • This is a movie that covers a span of 200 years in which nothing very interesting happens, although the time does provide scope for one of Williams's more simpering performances.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • Williams dons a robot suit for this sentimental sci-fi family epic based on the writings of Isaac Asimov. It's 2005,... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • "...[The] future-gazing effects are excellent..."

    • Variety

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    • Bicentennial Man
      Andrew Martin (Williams) is a household android whose intended function is thrown for a loop when he begins to feel genuine human emotions. Over the next two centuries the resulting dealings with his adopted family and new acquaintances provide the film with ample opportunities to raise important ...

Rating breakdown

4,411 Member ratings
  • 100
526
  • 90
350
  • 80
709
  • 70
632
  • 60
807
  • 50
485
  • 40
367
  • 30
222
  • 20
209
  • 10
104

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