Although it simplifies Asimov's message, this memorable film is thought-provoking and emotionally satisfying

Rating: 7/10 (17 December 2004)

It's 2035 and robots are everywhere, thanks to the monopolistic USR  US Robotics Corporation. Will Smith is Del Spooner, a technophobe cop with a troubled past and a penchance for product placement. When USR's founder Dr Lanning (James Cromwell) falls to his death, an apparent suicide, Del suspects it's murder. His investigations lead him to Sonny, the first robot to experience emotions and dreams. He's assisted by robot psychologist Bridget Moynahan (think Dana Scully without the charisma) and thwarted by USR's CEO, Bruce Greenwood, who insists, along with everyone else, that robots can never harm humans as it's built into their wiring.
I, Robot is a conventionally structured film that works. Assisted by some deft CGI, director Alex Proyas (Dark City, The Crow) presents us with a meticulously rendered environment  we even know the price of a pot of beer ($13.50). A Beautiful Mind scriptwriter Akiva Goldsman injects enough philosophy into a script (originally by Jeff Vintar) to satisfy SF buffs and popcorn munchers alike. And for the first time, the standout actor is half CGI, half voiced by Alan Tudyk  Sonny the robot is a fascinating entity who leads the cast and viewers alike into the future. ***½/***** stars.