I, Robot - a true science fiction

Rating: 8/10 (11 February 2008)

I, Robot is an Action-SF playing in a world full of robots close to Asimov's vision, but in contradiction to Asimov's beliefs, as Alex Proyas thinks different. The movie plays on 2 layers - one delivering the action and a plot around a crime, the other delivering the scientific questions about what will happen if we let machines decide what's best for humans and who should die and who should live in extreme cases.
The action around the crime plot plays well. CGI looks good and Will Smith does what you can expect of him. The sets are well designed and you'll never feel out of place.
For Asimov's fans like me it's difficult. You'll hate how Dr. Susan Calvin was characterized - a slap in the face - probably some people thought the world wasn't ready for true Dr. Calvin. You'll probably recognize Del Spooner as an 'actionized' Elijah Bailey and Sonny as a 'naked' Daneel learning from Del how humans decide. What you'll probably hate most is the movie telling you, that the 3 laws of Asimov will never really work - because they're too 'heartless' - although that's exactly what the movie is trying to tell on that second layer.
If you've ever met Giskard & Daneel in Asimov's books - the robots that both had a total insight in humans moral to destroy themselves - you might recognize a parallel in this movie. The parallel itself shows a difference to Asimov's views. While Asimov stayed true to his laws, Alex Proyas shows their very nature as inhuman in itself - maybe another reason for Dr. Calvins change of character, as she had to be more 'heartful' for the end.
It all depends how true you'll stick to Asimov's vision. The claim Alex Proyas makes is right in its own and even Asimov had troubles with his laws. If you wanted to see old Asimov's strength of logical showdowns you'll be disappointed, as it's too shallow in this movie. If you want to rethink about the 3 laws again you'll be pleased about a new argument. If you want some futuristic action you'll have your fun.
Although not a true Asimov it pays respect and delivers a scientific fiction about the human aspect of robotic laws. The movie doesn't have enough to be referential or bring something truly new. So finally an 8 out of 10 for a solid science fiction.
Any hard SF fan will be pleased to see a minimum of fantasy elements that you'll see so often with other so called 'Science Fiction' movies, although the main theme is soft SF.