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I, Robot on DVD (2004)

I, Robot cover art
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Average rating: (71%)
1113314122027
3.5
 
Starring: Will Smith | Bridget Moynahan | Bruce Greenwood | James Cromwell | Chi McBride | Alan Tudyk
Director: Alex Proyas
Studio: 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Certificate: 15
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Genres: Action/Adventure | Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Languages: English
Released: 03/12/2004
Also Available on: Also Available on: BLU-RAY

Brief synopsis of I, Robot

A future time, 2035, when robots have become man's best friend. Employed by everyone to do the manual tasks that everyone hates to do, a servile underclass... Detective Del Spooner (played by Will Smith) is investigating the death of a scientist. He hates robots and thinks that the suspicious death involved a robot.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 4 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov's stories provide the inspiration for this futuristic action thriller, set in Chicago in the year 2035 when robots have been fully integrated into society, occupying the positions of trusted servant and menial worker. Asimov's laws of robotics state that a robot may not allow a human to come to harm. When a top scientist from the US Robotics corporation turns up dead, Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) suspects the involvement of a prototype that may not be bound by the laws that govern its brethren. Smith gives a charismatic performance in this blockbusting sci-fi, which succeeds chiefly because of the use of CGI, blending the robots seamlessly into the human environment. As a meditation on whether robots are capable of human emotions, this may not delve as deeply as AI: Artificial Intelligence or Blade Runner, but director Alex Proyas keeps the action racing along with enough invention and thrills to make this well worth the ride.

Halliwell's Film Guide

Some interesting concepts on the relationship between humans and robots and whether machines can feel emotion are quickly abandoned for a sleek, though formulaic, action movie about the hunt for a killer among revolting robots.

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starssuperb

williamsgwynfa [Highly rated reviewer] , 20/04/2007

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.

  66 out of 69 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsNOT just lights and clockwork

JediSi JediSi , 21/08/2007

The best special effects I have ever seen.

A stunningly worrying storyline based on the speed at which technology is evolving and our depedance on it. The usual unbeatable acting of Will Smith can be expected throughout and takes filmmaking to new heights.

If only all films could be half as good as this.

  51 out of 56 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 3 starsIt could just have been so much better

A customer from N. Ireland , 03/01/2005

I watched this film and left the cinema feeling slightly let down. Will Smith is ok, but a little over the top at times..his timing is not as good as it was. The product placement was too in your face. Special effects would appear to have hit a brick wall if this production is anything to go by, and the story is disjointed, confusing, interrupted by pointless action sequences, resulting in poor plot delivery. Come on, guys, we are waiting to be gobsmacked, so let's get smacking gobs!

  34 out of 46 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 2 starsI-loathed it.

Andy E from Nottinghamville , 10/01/2005

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.

  28 out of 37 people found this review helpful
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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 4 starsgood movie

ces4bulls from Bradford , 29/08/2008

this is a very enjoyable movie to watch. another top performance from will smith and a good support cast, make it a sort of sunday afternoon relaxing film. good story line and good effects. if you've not seen give a go.....its well worth it.

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