I, Robot Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

superb

my children loved this film. it is set in 2035, where Will Smith stars as Chicago law enforcer Detective Del Spooner.

Called upon to investigate the mysterious suicide of scientist Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell), Spooner deduces that Lanning didn't kill himself but was, in fact, murdered.

Lanning worked for the US Robotics headquarters, where he constructed friendly robots designed to help humans with mundane tasks. Lanning's creations are prevalent all over the city, and have been fully integrated into the culture.

They are allegedly programmed not to harm humans, but as Spooner digs deeper, his investigations lead him to a new type of robot that Lanning was working on before his death, and one of these models--the highly charismatic Sonny--becomes the prime suspect in the case.

Spooner bears a grudge against robots due to an unfortunate incident, so his case against Sonny is met with shrugs of indifference from colleagues who know his prejudices all too well. Fortunately he meets an ally, and a romantic interest, in Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan), who agrees to help him.

As Sonny is cured of his violent tendencies, the other robots amass across the city, working on the assumption that they need to control humanity in order to safeguard its future.

Director Proyas unleashes a fearsome arsenal of special effects, while Spooner and Calvin chase the errant robots all over the city. Sonny's facial features and voice are digitally manipulated from the actor Alan Tudyk, lending an unnerving element of humanity to the character.

Smith and Moynahan give convincing performances throughout, and as the action races towards a nail-biting conclusion, the message of the movie suggests that technologies built to help mankind could also provide its downfall.

well worth renting out.

I-loathed it.

From the other reviews, I guess this must be good if you're into the genre, but unfortunatley I'm not.

What got my back up:

1. Will Smith is once again the super cool Will Smith. Boring. The film is a showcase for the man, every line is a wise crack etc., unecessary and pointless muscle shots. Plays a role for mums and kids to enjoy.

2. How many adverts for Audi, Converse etc etc can you fit in one film?? A brutally unsubtle example of why these American films are made... PROFIT. Cringe worthy, think the spoof promoting of Pepsi in Waynes World.

3. Too many effects, in a 'Look what we can do now' sort of way. Sadly this came at the expense of decent characters and atmosphere.

Blade Runner won me over, even though I'm not into such flicks. This is merely a high budget, lacklustre clone. I'm sure a true fan of Blade Runner would sneer at this. It's more for the mindless Hollywood film crew who want to feel cultured.