Asimov is not spinning in his grave.

Rating: Null/10 (31 August 2007)

The 3 Laws of Smithsonics:
1. Annoy the viewers with phony grins and dumb jokes
2. If you're not playing a comedy, be only slightly less annoying
3. If they miscast you in an SF movie, show your muscles as much as possible
Proyas's "Dark City" was terrific, but I was reluctant to go anywhere near this movie due to Will Smith's amateurish presence. But if "Dark City" could get away with having that entirely talentless charisma-less Kiefer Sutherland, then certainly "I, Robot" could withstand a mediocre Smith. Smith's acting range isn't much better than Schwarzenegger's, but at least this kind of miscasting cannot even begin to compare with him playing Ali (what were they thinking??). The movie offers a good, logical story, with twists that are surprising but not idiotic, and some great visuals, especially in the second half. I was fearful of Smith's annoying gags and one-liners, and, yes, there were several to squirm/cringe to, but fortunately the other afore-mentioned positive factors make up for it. I just wish they'd make more true SF, i.e. the kind in which the main character is not a cop.
There was one scene in particular in which Will Smith exposes his lack of acting ability: the scene in which he relates the story of the drowned girl. The (tragic/sad) faces he makes here are... well... tough to watch.