I, Robot

I like science fiction films, I like action films, I like detective films, I like films with humour and I like films with a nice idea that's well executed. I, Robot is all of these things and, what's more, it is good. While it's not the 'action film with a brain' revolution that its own hype might suggest, it is a rip-roaring flick with an interesting central premise and characters, that looks great.

Will Smith is Detective Spooner, a man who doesn't like robots in a Chicago of 2035 filled with robots. The film starts with the apparent suicide of Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell), the pioneering genius behind the most powerful robotic company, days before the biggest launch of robots in history. (Fortunately, holograms means this isn't the end of Cromwell, an always welcome addition to a film.) Spooner immediately suspects a robot, even though robots cannot commit crime due to the 3 Laws (as created by Isaac Asimov to control his world of 'positronic brains' in his short stories, which basically boil down to not being able to harm humans.) And one escapes violently from the crime scene, one that displays anger and doesn't obey commands.

The basis for the film is a classic whodunnit, with the cop-on-the-edge doing the investigating, set in a sci-fi world with the idea of robots developing human characteristics, even a soul (which might be a deep point, but it isn't so heavy as to drag down the flow of the film). There are red herrings and conspiracies and the villain is introduced early on so that you could have guessed the identity before the reveal at the end. Smith provides the edge and the humour, an actor it's almost impossible to dislike. Bridget Moynahan is Dr. Calvin, the scientist who is too logical but who gets caught in the story and is finally allowed to display emotion. The unique robot, Sonny, played in Gollum-style by Andy Tudyk, is an impressive representation of a robot with human qualities in CGI form.

The CGI, while occasionally noticeable, is impressive throughout, with robots obviously in many scenes in a background fashion as well as in-your-face scenes with Sonny and the 'bad' robots. (I look forward to the DVD and being able to pause scenes to see all the detail put in them by the CGI team.) The action is spectacular as well, with a horde of robots attacking at one point and Smith doing the 'cowboy thing' with the guns and motorbikes. Alex Proyas does a great job of creating a world, telling a story and handling the action as well. He even gets Smith into the shower for a glimpse of his buff body for all the female fans who might be dragged by boyfriends (I know my girlfriend was happy about that gratuitous scene.)

With only the very, very minor gripe of having one too many Smith quips (for my taste anyway), this is an impressive summer blockbuster with a lot going for it. This is the sort of level that all big releases should be aiming for; an intelligent, well-made action film with some substance.

Rating: DAVE