I, Robot

I, Robot

Isaac Asimov is the king of robotics. His short stories which manage to incorporate 3 laws of robotics have been milling around the cinematic arena for years, but how could they ever be converted to film. Well, add amazing computer graphics, one of the biggest stars in the world, Will Smith, and storyline that actually makes you think, and your pretty close!

It was never going to be possible to fully incorporate Asimov's ideas or fully recreate his stories, therefore, this film focuses on a society where robots have developed to such an extent that there should be one in every home. The three laws premise is used to it's fullest extent, and develops the story in a subtle way. The basic ideas behind the rules are that robots are unable to harm humans, or allow them to be harmed. Although, broken down to this level, it does sound quite basic, but it's the intricate plot that keeps your mind searching for the answers.

Will Smith plays Detective Spooner, who is returning to work after a long period of time due to an car accident. He is quite skeptical of the robots introduction into society, and has very little trust because of their standardized way of thinking. Things start to hot up, when Spooner comes across an apparent suicide involving the death of Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell) who spawned the three laws of robotics. This leads us into a complicated 'whodunit' with the lead suspect in the suspicious death being a robot named Sonny.

The supporting cast support Smith well, who himself manages to put in a brilliant performance with just a touch of the wise-cracking that we normally associate the fresh prince with. Bridget Moynahan (The Recruit, Coyote Ugly) stars as Susan Calvin, a scientist who worked alongside Lanning. As the only real female character in the film does manage to keep up with the frenetic pace, but also appears slightly (excuse the pun!) robotic.

Whilst not being quite as serious as Miniorty Report, it does feel similar with the amazing use of computer graphics to expand the futuristic world laid out in front of you. But, always managing to keep the movie going whether it be robot filled set pieces or extended scenes of plot revelations. At the end, it really does become quite a mystery, and the final twist is quite refreshing.

Alex Proyas past films have always tended to be quite dark i.e. The Crow, Dark City. I, Robot has touches of dark but the ending should ultimately leave you with a happy feeling, yet it is produced without the general overblown cheesy endings of your average summer blockbuster. Although, the blatant product placement for a pair of shoes and a certain make of car stinks of corporatism and could of quite possibly been forced upon Proyas, so I'll cut him some slack.

If you think that your going to get gung-ho action, dialogue making you laugh constantly and a plot line with more holes that a block of cheese, then go watch Spiderman because this is one summer blockbuster that actually holds it's own against some of the more intellectual films realized this year.