Everything you want, Sci Fi fan or not

Rating: 8/10 (19 July 2004)

We've heard the arguments that Proyas' film is not true Asimov. However, unless you're a die-hard purist, or just hate Will Smith in general, this movie has everything you could want in good sci-fi, action, summer movie, built for entertainment. The face-actors do a pretty good job carrying their part, Alan Tudyk comes across very well as Sonny, and the animation and effects of the robots themselves are top-notch. Sure, there's huge holes, and scenes where you will grimmace and say "why in the world did the director see the need to do that?!" But give me any recent film that doesn't have those in it? The good thing is that if you're not a Sci Fi fan, the story travels pretty well enough to drift you past the nerdy parts so you don't have to consider what "similacra" is. If you are a Sci Fi fan, there's certainly enough techno-fun to peak interests, and keep the action scenes from dominating the experience for you. The only thing it doesn't have is much of a love story. Oh well. The rest is pretty good. The eminent danger from the robots is forced pretty hard, and shoved down your throat, although not bad enough to trash the whole movie. That's the only real reason I'm NOT giving the movie a solid A+. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed it, loved the job they did with Sonny, enjoyed the story, and yes I even HAVE read Asimov's book. Don't care that they're different. The premise remains, and that's enough for me. Good film, not tremendous, very enjoyable for both dummies and brainiacs. B+.