Impressive

Rating: 8/10 (26 September 2004)

Before I saw this movie, I had written it off as just being another half-brained Will Smith action flick. Now, while I can't say that it doesn't have all of the elements of such a film, I can say that it does transcend the level of the typical Will Smith movie. I like the way robots are depicted in this film; that they're not just brainless enemies of mankind. I like that they chose one unique robot and gave him personality. The film probably doesn't do Isaac Asimov's novels justice(I haven't read them myself), but it does a pretty good job of presenting the whole Artificial Intelligence(AI) Vs. Real Intelligence debate(which has been done many, many times before in science fiction), in a mainstream movie. The plot is pretty good, and it seems original; I don't remember seeing a movie with the same plot, at least. The pace is good, it never loses your patience or your attention, nor does it ever get boring. The acting is good enough; Smith definitely ain't no actor, but he manages to be decent here. The characters are well-written, interesting and credible. Few, if any, are clichés or stereotypes. The CGI is magnificent. Only rarely have I seen such impressive and well done CGI. The humor is pretty good; standard stuff for Smith, but still good. I have to admit, though I'm by no means a fan of his, he did make me laugh at several occasions throughout the film. The cinematography is interesting, and director Alex Proyas manages to keep the action fresh and entertaining, through many chases and fights. The action is very good, even for a sci-fi action film. It's surprising, dynamic and intense, not to mention stylish. There were once or twice where I thought that the film copied The Matrix a little, but the action then proceeded to go in a different direction than I would have expected, and I realized that I was wrong. The science fiction aspects of the film are very well done, and exceptionally well thought-out, most of the time. All in all, a very entertaining science fiction action thriller, which should satisfy most of the mainstream crowd, as well as some of the more critical viewers. Some will probably not like this, though, and fans of Asimov shouldn't expect a film that resembles his works(from what I've heard, at least). I recommend the film to fans of science fiction, action, thriller and Will Smith. Possibly fans of Proyas as well(haven't seen any of his other films, can't say if this is like his other work). 8/10