Amazon.co.uk Review
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some impressive pectoral muscles in I, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not sure how. When a leading roboticist dies suspiciously, Spooner pursues a trail that may prove his suspicions. Don't expect much of a connection to Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction stories; I, Robot, the action movie, isn't prepared for any ruminations on the significance of artificial intelligence. This likable, efficient movie won't break any new ground, but it does have an idea or two to accompany its jolts and thrills, which puts it ahead of most recent action flicks. Also featuring Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, and James Cromwell. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
fails to deliver.......2008-02-10
I expected so much from this movie , Will Smith hadn't done anything good for a while and the trailer was excellent . I thought I was going to watch a moderm version of Terminator or Blade runner but this movie is neither.
Will smith plays a cop who does not like robots very much as is asigned to investigate the murder ( apparently by a robot ) or a programmer who desings robots to help humans 9 they are evrywhere ).
Alongside him Bridget Moynahan helps him in the investigation ( the chemistry between the actors is the same as the one between Gordeon Brown and George Bush ). the plot can become a bit muddle and has some very good ( but hardly credible action scenes .
The is some elegant camera work but will Smith is angry and confused the whole movie ( no dry humour threre ) and almost ruins the whole movie by himself.
It could have been so much better
Terminator + The Lawnmower Man = a film about as real as a chocolate tea-pot.......2008-02-09
I Robot is a decent film. That's about it however - as per usual in modern film making, what it lacks in story is made up for with CGI, so it came to no great surprise that Will Smith was acting in front of a Blue Screen about about 95% of the film.
The plot has potentinal, but is suffered by being dampened with Big Will running away from robots, mechanical diggers, and oh yes... those things called humans. And then he has to try and keep up the one-liners every 20 seconds which gets pretty lame. For example, a cat looks at him...
"C'mon man, it just aint gonna happen - you need to find your own partner. For starters, i'm black (oh dear...) and I'm 6ft 3"
What gives the film it's humorous side is the impossibility of pretty much every action sequence. At the end, we see him darting about on top of a giant mainframe thats thousands and thousands feet high, standing on jumping around on platforms that are as slim as your shoulders. Yet he manages to beautifully twist and turn between each one, only to keep saying "Damn I'm scared of heights, this is NOT where I wanna be!).
And like in a typical Chuck Norris film, he has a serious case of 'unlimited ammo', as when a hurdle of hundreds and hundreds of robots attack him on the mainframe, he never re-loads his gun once.
The only difference I Robot offer's from most other technology related/modern flics is that it simply puts all these different themes together in a fancy computer generated package! And though the robots are truly convincing close up, Big Willy's car chase in the tunnel is less than convincing, as he does about 50 360 degree turns in 5 seconds (whilst still travelling at phenomenonal speeds).
Even Audi cashed in on this one - Smith drives a flash new concept car developed by the funny lot. Though if that's what the future of the car industry looks like, i'll stay well clear of German automobilia...
So... I Robot make look like a typical CGI packed film with very little convincing scenes.. and that's because it is! Though for under a fiver, i'd buy it for the laughable factor - Armageddon is currently top of that list for me!
Best Azimov on Screen So Far.......2007-11-23
When I suggested to Will Smith that he should do "I, Robot" I warned it was inevitable that people would say the result wasn't close enough to the Azimov's writings. Go ahead - you try. Azimov's books are for reading and I understand that translating it to cinema is a big challenge. For me, there were many scenes in the movie that were exactly what I imagined as I read. Smith's character was a little experimental but after Independence Day, I was completely convinced that a little of his characteristic cockiness would make it more entertaining for modern audiences. I still laugh when I think about him smacking the alien in the face (Independence Day) in their first face-to-face encounter. Azimov's work is not comedy however and I would take that back today, but would still be very happy with Smith as the lead character. I am willing to take responsibility for Smith's humorous deviation from pure Azimov. It was my fault. I will say however, that his portrayal merely added a little rather than being completely different (while not denying that the addition made it different).
Russian immigrant Azimov blended commentary on mass social (and political) movements and cultural differences in his writing as clearly as descriptions of science and environment - which rivaled Jules Verne. The robot rebellion itself, complete with central computer, mirrored the Bolshevik Revolution and rise of Communism. He defined (take this literally) the meaning of "hero." (One person can make a difference.) Some might have been more satisfied had the film included a Blade Runner type narration to beat home particulars - to have made the central computer's (V.I.K.I) reasoning for the take-over clearer. While viewing with others previously unfamiliar with the story, I heard some "What?" - "Why?" and even a "What's wrong with that?" The apparent loss of understanding of the evil of dictatorship and value of freedom convinces me that Azimov's work is as important today as it ever was.
I think it is important to bring Azimov's work to the screen, not least because it is some of the very best science fiction produced in the twentieth century. And I do prefer keeping films true to the original work. I would argue that this film is the best adaptation of Azimov so far. Letting action speak for itself - to some extent - is not entirely wrong in film. I am hoping that sci-fi fans everywhere will join me in encouraging more Azimov at the movies in the future; regardless of the challenge. Perhaps a nip and tuck here and there will bring the experience a little closer to the read. But I will now caution viewers just as I caution movie-makers. If you really want the full experience of the book - read it!
A great film none the less.......2007-10-27
I found this film thoroughly engaging and was supplied with a host of ingenious and clever acting from suprisingly Will Smith. With cutting edge directing from increasing star Alex Proyas and a large number of production greats I concur I have some isses to discuss. Why rate it a fifteen just because of a trailer for AVP which sadly was uter garbage with noble respects to Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The marketing industry are losing sales to the younger fans by a higher certificate than its original release. None the less a great adaption of Isaac Asimovs Robot novels that have supplied endless imaginative ideas
A future murder mystery.......2007-10-05
The movie starts by showing the Three Laws of Robotics. They appear within what are the workings of a robots positronic brain. Though taken from a number of short stories by Isaac Asimov, do not expect it to be faithful. It is a fast paced detective story. Filled with action and many great special effects.
Will Smith plays our detective, Del Spooner, and suspects a robot of murder. He believes a robot, called Sonny is the murderer. Though no one else can even conceive of such a concept. He follows a trail of clues that leads him toward solving the case. Will is his usual self in this movie...just in better shape.
In contrast, we have Dr. Susan Calvin played by Bridget Moynahan. She believes that Sonny did not commit murder. For it would violate the main law of the Three Laws of Robotics, that is hardwired into each robot. She starts off true to the Asimov character, but evolves, as all good characters should in a good movie.
Though a Sci-Fi/Action Adventure movie. Its plot is that of a murder mystery. And in that aspect, I think this movie was well done. And you will be thrown a twist during the course of the movie. If that is not enough for you. You may just want to watch a movie for great action and fun.
Amazon.co.uk Review
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some impressive pectoral muscles in I, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not sure how. When a leading roboticist dies suspiciously, Spooner pursues a trail that may prove his suspicions. Don't expect much of a connection to Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction stories; I, Robot, the action movie, isn't prepared for any ruminations on the significance of artificial intelligence. This likable, efficient movie won't break any new ground, but it does have an idea or two to accompany its jolts and thrills, which puts it ahead of most recent action flicks. Also featuring Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, and James Cromwell. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
fails to deliver.......2008-02-10
I expected so much from this movie , Will Smith hadn't done anything good for a while and the trailer was excellent . I thought I was going to watch a moderm version of Terminator or Blade runner but this movie is neither.
Will smith plays a cop who does not like robots very much as is asigned to investigate the murder ( apparently by a robot ) or a programmer who desings robots to help humans 9 they are evrywhere ).
Alongside him Bridget Moynahan helps him in the investigation ( the chemistry between the actors is the same as the one between Gordeon Brown and George Bush ). the plot can become a bit muddle and has some very good ( but hardly credible action scenes .
The is some elegant camera work but will Smith is angry and confused the whole movie ( no dry humour threre ) and almost ruins the whole movie by himself.
It could have been so much better
Terminator + The Lawnmower Man = a film about as real as a chocolate tea-pot.......2008-02-09
I Robot is a decent film. That's about it however - as per usual in modern film making, what it lacks in story is made up for with CGI, so it came to no great surprise that Will Smith was acting in front of a Blue Screen about about 95% of the film.
The plot has potentinal, but is suffered by being dampened with Big Will running away from robots, mechanical diggers, and oh yes... those things called humans. And then he has to try and keep up the one-liners every 20 seconds which gets pretty lame. For example, a cat looks at him...
"C'mon man, it just aint gonna happen - you need to find your own partner. For starters, i'm black (oh dear...) and I'm 6ft 3"
What gives the film it's humorous side is the impossibility of pretty much every action sequence. At the end, we see him darting about on top of a giant mainframe thats thousands and thousands feet high, standing on jumping around on platforms that are as slim as your shoulders. Yet he manages to beautifully twist and turn between each one, only to keep saying "Damn I'm scared of heights, this is NOT where I wanna be!).
And like in a typical Chuck Norris film, he has a serious case of 'unlimited ammo', as when a hurdle of hundreds and hundreds of robots attack him on the mainframe, he never re-loads his gun once.
The only difference I Robot offer's from most other technology related/modern flics is that it simply puts all these different themes together in a fancy computer generated package! And though the robots are truly convincing close up, Big Willy's car chase in the tunnel is less than convincing, as he does about 50 360 degree turns in 5 seconds (whilst still travelling at phenomenonal speeds).
Even Audi cashed in on this one - Smith drives a flash new concept car developed by the funny lot. Though if that's what the future of the car industry looks like, i'll stay well clear of German automobilia...
So... I Robot make look like a typical CGI packed film with very little convincing scenes.. and that's because it is! Though for under a fiver, i'd buy it for the laughable factor - Armageddon is currently top of that list for me!
Best Azimov on Screen So Far.......2007-11-23
When I suggested to Will Smith that he should do "I, Robot" I warned it was inevitable that people would say the result wasn't close enough to the Azimov's writings. Go ahead - you try. Azimov's books are for reading and I understand that translating it to cinema is a big challenge. For me, there were many scenes in the movie that were exactly what I imagined as I read. Smith's character was a little experimental but after Independence Day, I was completely convinced that a little of his characteristic cockiness would make it more entertaining for modern audiences. I still laugh when I think about him smacking the alien in the face (Independence Day) in their first face-to-face encounter. Azimov's work is not comedy however and I would take that back today, but would still be very happy with Smith as the lead character. I am willing to take responsibility for Smith's humorous deviation from pure Azimov. It was my fault. I will say however, that his portrayal merely added a little rather than being completely different (while not denying that the addition made it different).
Russian immigrant Azimov blended commentary on mass social (and political) movements and cultural differences in his writing as clearly as descriptions of science and environment - which rivaled Jules Verne. The robot rebellion itself, complete with central computer, mirrored the Bolshevik Revolution and rise of Communism. He defined (take this literally) the meaning of "hero." (One person can make a difference.) Some might have been more satisfied had the film included a Blade Runner type narration to beat home particulars - to have made the central computer's (V.I.K.I) reasoning for the take-over clearer. While viewing with others previously unfamiliar with the story, I heard some "What?" - "Why?" and even a "What's wrong with that?" The apparent loss of understanding of the evil of dictatorship and value of freedom convinces me that Azimov's work is as important today as it ever was.
I think it is important to bring Azimov's work to the screen, not least because it is some of the very best science fiction produced in the twentieth century. And I do prefer keeping films true to the original work. I would argue that this film is the best adaptation of Azimov so far. Letting action speak for itself - to some extent - is not entirely wrong in film. I am hoping that sci-fi fans everywhere will join me in encouraging more Azimov at the movies in the future; regardless of the challenge. Perhaps a nip and tuck here and there will bring the experience a little closer to the read. But I will now caution viewers just as I caution movie-makers. If you really want the full experience of the book - read it!
A great film none the less.......2007-10-27
I found this film thoroughly engaging and was supplied with a host of ingenious and clever acting from suprisingly Will Smith. With cutting edge directing from increasing star Alex Proyas and a large number of production greats I concur I have some isses to discuss. Why rate it a fifteen just because of a trailer for AVP which sadly was uter garbage with noble respects to Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The marketing industry are losing sales to the younger fans by a higher certificate than its original release. None the less a great adaption of Isaac Asimovs Robot novels that have supplied endless imaginative ideas
A future murder mystery.......2007-10-05
The movie starts by showing the Three Laws of Robotics. They appear within what are the workings of a robots positronic brain. Though taken from a number of short stories by Isaac Asimov, do not expect it to be faithful. It is a fast paced detective story. Filled with action and many great special effects.
Will Smith plays our detective, Del Spooner, and suspects a robot of murder. He believes a robot, called Sonny is the murderer. Though no one else can even conceive of such a concept. He follows a trail of clues that leads him toward solving the case. Will is his usual self in this movie...just in better shape.
In contrast, we have Dr. Susan Calvin played by Bridget Moynahan. She believes that Sonny did not commit murder. For it would violate the main law of the Three Laws of Robotics, that is hardwired into each robot. She starts off true to the Asimov character, but evolves, as all good characters should in a good movie.
Though a Sci-Fi/Action Adventure movie. Its plot is that of a murder mystery. And in that aspect, I think this movie was well done. And you will be thrown a twist during the course of the movie. If that is not enough for you. You may just want to watch a movie for great action and fun.
Amazon.co.uk Review
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some impressive pectoral muscles in I, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not sure how. When a leading roboticist dies suspiciously, Spooner pursues a trail that may prove his suspicions. Don't expect much of a connection to Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction stories; I, Robot, the action movie, isn't prepared for any ruminations on the significance of artificial intelligence. This likable, efficient movie won't break any new ground, but it does have an idea or two to accompany its jolts and thrills, which puts it ahead of most recent action flicks. Also featuring Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, and James Cromwell. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
Action packed fun formula predictable .......2006-04-29
Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) is not a fan of robots and on the surface looks like he does not believe they are as benign as advertised. The top inventor of the robots Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell) commits suicide (presumably). He leaves a message that has Spooner assigned to the investigation. Why Spooner?
Spooner gets suspicious and will not leave the suicide lie. Naturally his boss Lt. John Bergin (Chi McBride) says drop it. The head of the robotics firm says drop it. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan) knows he is crazy and says drop it. Even his own mother says drop it.
V.I.K.I. (Fiona Hogan) is mistrustful of Spooner's motives.
So does Spooner finally come to his senses and drop it?
Is he paranoid or are his suspicions founded?
This is definitely a Will Smith vehicle with a few CGI robots thrown in. The title of course came from a Robert Heinlein novel. From here we have all the standard cliché and scenarios as a boss who does not believe the same and kowtows to authority, an obvious bad guy, a girl that puts her foot in everyone mouth, standard red herrings, and much more.
Still this is great fun and Will makes the movie. There are plenty of "action" scenes, "stay in the car" scenes, "shower" scenes, "chase" scenes, and even cliffhangers.
Amazon.co.uk Review
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some impressive pectoral muscles in I, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not sure how. When a leading roboticist dies suspiciously, Spooner pursues a trail that may prove his suspicions. Don't expect much of a connection to Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction stories; I, Robot, the action movie, isn't prepared for any ruminations on the significance of artificial intelligence. This likable, efficient movie won't break any new ground, but it does have an idea or two to accompany its jolts and thrills, which puts it ahead of most recent action flicks. Also featuring Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, and James Cromwell. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
fails to deliver.......2008-02-10
I expected so much from this movie , Will Smith hadn't done anything good for a while and the trailer was excellent . I thought I was going to watch a moderm version of Terminator or Blade runner but this movie is neither.
Will smith plays a cop who does not like robots very much as is asigned to investigate the murder ( apparently by a robot ) or a programmer who desings robots to help humans 9 they are evrywhere ).
Alongside him Bridget Moynahan helps him in the investigation ( the chemistry between the actors is the same as the one between Gordeon Brown and George Bush ). the plot can become a bit muddle and has some very good ( but hardly credible action scenes .
The is some elegant camera work but will Smith is angry and confused the whole movie ( no dry humour threre ) and almost ruins the whole movie by himself.
It could have been so much better
Terminator + The Lawnmower Man = a film about as real as a chocolate tea-pot.......2008-02-09
I Robot is a decent film. That's about it however - as per usual in modern film making, what it lacks in story is made up for with CGI, so it came to no great surprise that Will Smith was acting in front of a Blue Screen about about 95% of the film.
The plot has potentinal, but is suffered by being dampened with Big Will running away from robots, mechanical diggers, and oh yes... those things called humans. And then he has to try and keep up the one-liners every 20 seconds which gets pretty lame. For example, a cat looks at him...
"C'mon man, it just aint gonna happen - you need to find your own partner. For starters, i'm black (oh dear...) and I'm 6ft 3"
What gives the film it's humorous side is the impossibility of pretty much every action sequence. At the end, we see him darting about on top of a giant mainframe thats thousands and thousands feet high, standing on jumping around on platforms that are as slim as your shoulders. Yet he manages to beautifully twist and turn between each one, only to keep saying "Damn I'm scared of heights, this is NOT where I wanna be!).
And like in a typical Chuck Norris film, he has a serious case of 'unlimited ammo', as when a hurdle of hundreds and hundreds of robots attack him on the mainframe, he never re-loads his gun once.
The only difference I Robot offer's from most other technology related/modern flics is that it simply puts all these different themes together in a fancy computer generated package! And though the robots are truly convincing close up, Big Willy's car chase in the tunnel is less than convincing, as he does about 50 360 degree turns in 5 seconds (whilst still travelling at phenomenonal speeds).
Even Audi cashed in on this one - Smith drives a flash new concept car developed by the funny lot. Though if that's what the future of the car industry looks like, i'll stay well clear of German automobilia...
So... I Robot make look like a typical CGI packed film with very little convincing scenes.. and that's because it is! Though for under a fiver, i'd buy it for the laughable factor - Armageddon is currently top of that list for me!
Best Azimov on Screen So Far.......2007-11-23
When I suggested to Will Smith that he should do "I, Robot" I warned it was inevitable that people would say the result wasn't close enough to the Azimov's writings. Go ahead - you try. Azimov's books are for reading and I understand that translating it to cinema is a big challenge. For me, there were many scenes in the movie that were exactly what I imagined as I read. Smith's character was a little experimental but after Independence Day, I was completely convinced that a little of his characteristic cockiness would make it more entertaining for modern audiences. I still laugh when I think about him smacking the alien in the face (Independence Day) in their first face-to-face encounter. Azimov's work is not comedy however and I would take that back today, but would still be very happy with Smith as the lead character. I am willing to take responsibility for Smith's humorous deviation from pure Azimov. It was my fault. I will say however, that his portrayal merely added a little rather than being completely different (while not denying that the addition made it different).
Russian immigrant Azimov blended commentary on mass social (and political) movements and cultural differences in his writing as clearly as descriptions of science and environment - which rivaled Jules Verne. The robot rebellion itself, complete with central computer, mirrored the Bolshevik Revolution and rise of Communism. He defined (take this literally) the meaning of "hero." (One person can make a difference.) Some might have been more satisfied had the film included a Blade Runner type narration to beat home particulars - to have made the central computer's (V.I.K.I) reasoning for the take-over clearer. While viewing with others previously unfamiliar with the story, I heard some "What?" - "Why?" and even a "What's wrong with that?" The apparent loss of understanding of the evil of dictatorship and value of freedom convinces me that Azimov's work is as important today as it ever was.
I think it is important to bring Azimov's work to the screen, not least because it is some of the very best science fiction produced in the twentieth century. And I do prefer keeping films true to the original work. I would argue that this film is the best adaptation of Azimov so far. Letting action speak for itself - to some extent - is not entirely wrong in film. I am hoping that sci-fi fans everywhere will join me in encouraging more Azimov at the movies in the future; regardless of the challenge. Perhaps a nip and tuck here and there will bring the experience a little closer to the read. But I will now caution viewers just as I caution movie-makers. If you really want the full experience of the book - read it!
A great film none the less.......2007-10-27
I found this film thoroughly engaging and was supplied with a host of ingenious and clever acting from suprisingly Will Smith. With cutting edge directing from increasing star Alex Proyas and a large number of production greats I concur I have some isses to discuss. Why rate it a fifteen just because of a trailer for AVP which sadly was uter garbage with noble respects to Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The marketing industry are losing sales to the younger fans by a higher certificate than its original release. None the less a great adaption of Isaac Asimovs Robot novels that have supplied endless imaginative ideas
A future murder mystery.......2007-10-05
The movie starts by showing the Three Laws of Robotics. They appear within what are the workings of a robots positronic brain. Though taken from a number of short stories by Isaac Asimov, do not expect it to be faithful. It is a fast paced detective story. Filled with action and many great special effects.
Will Smith plays our detective, Del Spooner, and suspects a robot of murder. He believes a robot, called Sonny is the murderer. Though no one else can even conceive of such a concept. He follows a trail of clues that leads him toward solving the case. Will is his usual self in this movie...just in better shape.
In contrast, we have Dr. Susan Calvin played by Bridget Moynahan. She believes that Sonny did not commit murder. For it would violate the main law of the Three Laws of Robotics, that is hardwired into each robot. She starts off true to the Asimov character, but evolves, as all good characters should in a good movie.
Though a Sci-Fi/Action Adventure movie. Its plot is that of a murder mystery. And in that aspect, I think this movie was well done. And you will be thrown a twist during the course of the movie. If that is not enough for you. You may just want to watch a movie for great action and fun.
Amazon.co.uk Review
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some impressive pectoral muscles in I, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not sure how. When a leading roboticist dies suspiciously, Spooner pursues a trail that may prove his suspicions. Don't expect much of a connection to Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction stories; I, Robot, the action movie, isn't prepared for any ruminations on the significance of artificial intelligence. This likable, efficient movie won't break any new ground, but it does have an idea or two to accompany its jolts and thrills, which puts it ahead of most recent action flicks. Also featuring Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, and James Cromwell. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
fails to deliver.......2008-02-10
I expected so much from this movie , Will Smith hadn't done anything good for a while and the trailer was excellent . I thought I was going to watch a moderm version of Terminator or Blade runner but this movie is neither.
Will smith plays a cop who does not like robots very much as is asigned to investigate the murder ( apparently by a robot ) or a programmer who desings robots to help humans 9 they are evrywhere ).
Alongside him Bridget Moynahan helps him in the investigation ( the chemistry between the actors is the same as the one between Gordeon Brown and George Bush ). the plot can become a bit muddle and has some very good ( but hardly credible action scenes .
The is some elegant camera work but will Smith is angry and confused the whole movie ( no dry humour threre ) and almost ruins the whole movie by himself.
It could have been so much better
Terminator + The Lawnmower Man = a film about as real as a chocolate tea-pot.......2008-02-09
I Robot is a decent film. That's about it however - as per usual in modern film making, what it lacks in story is made up for with CGI, so it came to no great surprise that Will Smith was acting in front of a Blue Screen about about 95% of the film.
The plot has potentinal, but is suffered by being dampened with Big Will running away from robots, mechanical diggers, and oh yes... those things called humans. And then he has to try and keep up the one-liners every 20 seconds which gets pretty lame. For example, a cat looks at him...
"C'mon man, it just aint gonna happen - you need to find your own partner. For starters, i'm black (oh dear...) and I'm 6ft 3"
What gives the film it's humorous side is the impossibility of pretty much every action sequence. At the end, we see him darting about on top of a giant mainframe thats thousands and thousands feet high, standing on jumping around on platforms that are as slim as your shoulders. Yet he manages to beautifully twist and turn between each one, only to keep saying "Damn I'm scared of heights, this is NOT where I wanna be!).
And like in a typical Chuck Norris film, he has a serious case of 'unlimited ammo', as when a hurdle of hundreds and hundreds of robots attack him on the mainframe, he never re-loads his gun once.
The only difference I Robot offer's from most other technology related/modern flics is that it simply puts all these different themes together in a fancy computer generated package! And though the robots are truly convincing close up, Big Willy's car chase in the tunnel is less than convincing, as he does about 50 360 degree turns in 5 seconds (whilst still travelling at phenomenonal speeds).
Even Audi cashed in on this one - Smith drives a flash new concept car developed by the funny lot. Though if that's what the future of the car industry looks like, i'll stay well clear of German automobilia...
So... I Robot make look like a typical CGI packed film with very little convincing scenes.. and that's because it is! Though for under a fiver, i'd buy it for the laughable factor - Armageddon is currently top of that list for me!
Best Azimov on Screen So Far.......2007-11-23
When I suggested to Will Smith that he should do "I, Robot" I warned it was inevitable that people would say the result wasn't close enough to the Azimov's writings. Go ahead - you try. Azimov's books are for reading and I understand that translating it to cinema is a big challenge. For me, there were many scenes in the movie that were exactly what I imagined as I read. Smith's character was a little experimental but after Independence Day, I was completely convinced that a little of his characteristic cockiness would make it more entertaining for modern audiences. I still laugh when I think about him smacking the alien in the face (Independence Day) in their first face-to-face encounter. Azimov's work is not comedy however and I would take that back today, but would still be very happy with Smith as the lead character. I am willing to take responsibility for Smith's humorous deviation from pure Azimov. It was my fault. I will say however, that his portrayal merely added a little rather than being completely different (while not denying that the addition made it different).
Russian immigrant Azimov blended commentary on mass social (and political) movements and cultural differences in his writing as clearly as descriptions of science and environment - which rivaled Jules Verne. The robot rebellion itself, complete with central computer, mirrored the Bolshevik Revolution and rise of Communism. He defined (take this literally) the meaning of "hero." (One person can make a difference.) Some might have been more satisfied had the film included a Blade Runner type narration to beat home particulars - to have made the central computer's (V.I.K.I) reasoning for the take-over clearer. While viewing with others previously unfamiliar with the story, I heard some "What?" - "Why?" and even a "What's wrong with that?" The apparent loss of understanding of the evil of dictatorship and value of freedom convinces me that Azimov's work is as important today as it ever was.
I think it is important to bring Azimov's work to the screen, not least because it is some of the very best science fiction produced in the twentieth century. And I do prefer keeping films true to the original work. I would argue that this film is the best adaptation of Azimov so far. Letting action speak for itself - to some extent - is not entirely wrong in film. I am hoping that sci-fi fans everywhere will join me in encouraging more Azimov at the movies in the future; regardless of the challenge. Perhaps a nip and tuck here and there will bring the experience a little closer to the read. But I will now caution viewers just as I caution movie-makers. If you really want the full experience of the book - read it!
A great film none the less.......2007-10-27
I found this film thoroughly engaging and was supplied with a host of ingenious and clever acting from suprisingly Will Smith. With cutting edge directing from increasing star Alex Proyas and a large number of production greats I concur I have some isses to discuss. Why rate it a fifteen just because of a trailer for AVP which sadly was uter garbage with noble respects to Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The marketing industry are losing sales to the younger fans by a higher certificate than its original release. None the less a great adaption of Isaac Asimovs Robot novels that have supplied endless imaginative ideas
A future murder mystery.......2007-10-05
The movie starts by showing the Three Laws of Robotics. They appear within what are the workings of a robots positronic brain. Though taken from a number of short stories by Isaac Asimov, do not expect it to be faithful. It is a fast paced detective story. Filled with action and many great special effects.
Will Smith plays our detective, Del Spooner, and suspects a robot of murder. He believes a robot, called Sonny is the murderer. Though no one else can even conceive of such a concept. He follows a trail of clues that leads him toward solving the case. Will is his usual self in this movie...just in better shape.
In contrast, we have Dr. Susan Calvin played by Bridget Moynahan. She believes that Sonny did not commit murder. For it would violate the main law of the Three Laws of Robotics, that is hardwired into each robot. She starts off true to the Asimov character, but evolves, as all good characters should in a good movie.
Though a Sci-Fi/Action Adventure movie. Its plot is that of a murder mystery. And in that aspect, I think this movie was well done. And you will be thrown a twist during the course of the movie. If that is not enough for you. You may just want to watch a movie for great action and fun.
Customer Reviews:
So good.......2007-08-11
This is one of the best movies ever, I mean ever it is so cool!
Buy it now!
AMAZING ACTION/THRILLER! ! ! !.......2005-07-22
This is probably the best film released in 2004 and definetly the best film Will Smith has ever acted in.
The graphics in this film are astonashing and even though this film is set in the future it still seems to keep realistic.
This special edition version contains mainly a poster and on the disc are a couple of film still gallerys, most of the pictures are in black and white too!
If your looking for a good special edition version then get the ordinary 2-disc version or the great collectors edition (wich is exclusive to this site).
I would still recomend this action packed thriller to anyone who likes action films.
Amazon.co.uk Review
This collector's edition, exclusive to Amazon.co.uk, features the 2-disc edition of I, Robot housed in a custom embossed metal tin, plus four movie artcards and a holographic sticker.
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some impressive pectoral muscles in I, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not sure how. When a leading roboticist dies suspiciously, Spooner pursues a trail that may prove his suspicions. Don't expect much of a connection to Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction stories; I, Robot, the action movie, isn't prepared for any ruminations on the significance of artificial intelligence. This likable, efficient movie won't break any new ground, but it does have an idea or two to accompany its jolts and thrills, which puts it ahead of most recent action flicks. Also featuring Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, and James Cromwell. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
fails to deliver.......2008-02-10
I expected so much from this movie , Will Smith hadn't done anything good for a while and the trailer was excellent . I thought I was going to watch a moderm version of Terminator or Blade runner but this movie is neither.
Will smith plays a cop who does not like robots very much as is asigned to investigate the murder ( apparently by a robot ) or a programmer who desings robots to help humans 9 they are evrywhere ).
Alongside him Bridget Moynahan helps him in the investigation ( the chemistry between the actors is the same as the one between Gordeon Brown and George Bush ). the plot can become a bit muddle and has some very good ( but hardly credible action scenes .
The is some elegant camera work but will Smith is angry and confused the whole movie ( no dry humour threre ) and almost ruins the whole movie by himself.
It could have been so much better
Terminator + The Lawnmower Man = a film about as real as a chocolate tea-pot.......2008-02-09
I Robot is a decent film. That's about it however - as per usual in modern film making, what it lacks in story is made up for with CGI, so it came to no great surprise that Will Smith was acting in front of a Blue Screen about about 95% of the film.
The plot has potentinal, but is suffered by being dampened with Big Will running away from robots, mechanical diggers, and oh yes... those things called humans. And then he has to try and keep up the one-liners every 20 seconds which gets pretty lame. For example, a cat looks at him...
"C'mon man, it just aint gonna happen - you need to find your own partner. For starters, i'm black (oh dear...) and I'm 6ft 3"
What gives the film it's humorous side is the impossibility of pretty much every action sequence. At the end, we see him darting about on top of a giant mainframe thats thousands and thousands feet high, standing on jumping around on platforms that are as slim as your shoulders. Yet he manages to beautifully twist and turn between each one, only to keep saying "Damn I'm scared of heights, this is NOT where I wanna be!).
And like in a typical Chuck Norris film, he has a serious case of 'unlimited ammo', as when a hurdle of hundreds and hundreds of robots attack him on the mainframe, he never re-loads his gun once.
The only difference I Robot offer's from most other technology related/modern flics is that it simply puts all these different themes together in a fancy computer generated package! And though the robots are truly convincing close up, Big Willy's car chase in the tunnel is less than convincing, as he does about 50 360 degree turns in 5 seconds (whilst still travelling at phenomenonal speeds).
Even Audi cashed in on this one - Smith drives a flash new concept car developed by the funny lot. Though if that's what the future of the car industry looks like, i'll stay well clear of German automobilia...
So... I Robot make look like a typical CGI packed film with very little convincing scenes.. and that's because it is! Though for under a fiver, i'd buy it for the laughable factor - Armageddon is currently top of that list for me!
Best Azimov on Screen So Far.......2007-11-23
When I suggested to Will Smith that he should do "I, Robot" I warned it was inevitable that people would say the result wasn't close enough to the Azimov's writings. Go ahead - you try. Azimov's books are for reading and I understand that translating it to cinema is a big challenge. For me, there were many scenes in the movie that were exactly what I imagined as I read. Smith's character was a little experimental but after Independence Day, I was completely convinced that a little of his characteristic cockiness would make it more entertaining for modern audiences. I still laugh when I think about him smacking the alien in the face (Independence Day) in their first face-to-face encounter. Azimov's work is not comedy however and I would take that back today, but would still be very happy with Smith as the lead character. I am willing to take responsibility for Smith's humorous deviation from pure Azimov. It was my fault. I will say however, that his portrayal merely added a little rather than being completely different (while not denying that the addition made it different).
Russian immigrant Azimov blended commentary on mass social (and political) movements and cultural differences in his writing as clearly as descriptions of science and environment - which rivaled Jules Verne. The robot rebellion itself, complete with central computer, mirrored the Bolshevik Revolution and rise of Communism. He defined (take this literally) the meaning of "hero." (One person can make a difference.) Some might have been more satisfied had the film included a Blade Runner type narration to beat home particulars - to have made the central computer's (V.I.K.I) reasoning for the take-over clearer. While viewing with others previously unfamiliar with the story, I heard some "What?" - "Why?" and even a "What's wrong with that?" The apparent loss of understanding of the evil of dictatorship and value of freedom convinces me that Azimov's work is as important today as it ever was.
I think it is important to bring Azimov's work to the screen, not least because it is some of the very best science fiction produced in the twentieth century. And I do prefer keeping films true to the original work. I would argue that this film is the best adaptation of Azimov so far. Letting action speak for itself - to some extent - is not entirely wrong in film. I am hoping that sci-fi fans everywhere will join me in encouraging more Azimov at the movies in the future; regardless of the challenge. Perhaps a nip and tuck here and there will bring the experience a little closer to the read. But I will now caution viewers just as I caution movie-makers. If you really want the full experience of the book - read it!
A great film none the less.......2007-10-27
I found this film thoroughly engaging and was supplied with a host of ingenious and clever acting from suprisingly Will Smith. With cutting edge directing from increasing star Alex Proyas and a large number of production greats I concur I have some isses to discuss. Why rate it a fifteen just because of a trailer for AVP which sadly was uter garbage with noble respects to Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The marketing industry are losing sales to the younger fans by a higher certificate than its original release. None the less a great adaption of Isaac Asimovs Robot novels that have supplied endless imaginative ideas
A future murder mystery.......2007-10-05
The movie starts by showing the Three Laws of Robotics. They appear within what are the workings of a robots positronic brain. Though taken from a number of short stories by Isaac Asimov, do not expect it to be faithful. It is a fast paced detective story. Filled with action and many great special effects.
Will Smith plays our detective, Del Spooner, and suspects a robot of murder. He believes a robot, called Sonny is the murderer. Though no one else can even conceive of such a concept. He follows a trail of clues that leads him toward solving the case. Will is his usual self in this movie...just in better shape.
In contrast, we have Dr. Susan Calvin played by Bridget Moynahan. She believes that Sonny did not commit murder. For it would violate the main law of the Three Laws of Robotics, that is hardwired into each robot. She starts off true to the Asimov character, but evolves, as all good characters should in a good movie.
Though a Sci-Fi/Action Adventure movie. Its plot is that of a murder mystery. And in that aspect, I think this movie was well done. And you will be thrown a twist during the course of the movie. If that is not enough for you. You may just want to watch a movie for great action and fun.
Amazon.co.uk Review
As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith displays both his trademark quips and some impressive pectoral muscles in I, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not sure how. When a leading roboticist dies suspiciously, Spooner pursues a trail that may prove his suspicions. Don't expect much of a connection to Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction stories; I, Robot, the action movie, isn't prepared for any ruminations on the significance of artificial intelligence. This likable, efficient movie won't break any new ground, but it does have an idea or two to accompany its jolts and thrills, which puts it ahead of most recent action flicks. Also featuring Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, and James Cromwell. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews:
fails to deliver.......2008-02-10
I expected so much from this movie , Will Smith hadn't done anything good for a while and the trailer was excellent . I thought I was going to watch a moderm version of Terminator or Blade runner but this movie is neither.
Will smith plays a cop who does not like robots very much as is asigned to investigate the murder ( apparently by a robot ) or a programmer who desings robots to help humans 9 they are evrywhere ).
Alongside him Bridget Moynahan helps him in the investigation ( the chemistry between the actors is the same as the one between Gordeon Brown and George Bush ). the plot can become a bit muddle and has some very good ( but hardly credible action scenes .
The is some elegant camera work but will Smith is angry and confused the whole movie ( no dry humour threre ) and almost ruins the whole movie by himself.
It could have been so much better
Terminator + The Lawnmower Man = a film about as real as a chocolate tea-pot.......2008-02-09
I Robot is a decent film. That's about it however - as per usual in modern film making, what it lacks in story is made up for with CGI, so it came to no great surprise that Will Smith was acting in front of a Blue Screen about about 95% of the film.
The plot has potentinal, but is suffered by being dampened with Big Will running away from robots, mechanical diggers, and oh yes... those things called humans. And then he has to try and keep up the one-liners every 20 seconds which gets pretty lame. For example, a cat looks at him...
"C'mon man, it just aint gonna happen - you need to find your own partner. For st![I Robot - Single Disc Edition [2004]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21A9WB4ESJL.jpg)
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