not robotic at all

Rating: 7/10 (7 April 2006)

Obviously, "I, Robot" is the sort of movie that could very easily end up being completely ridiculous: an action star in a futuristic movie about humans battling robots. That certainly sounds like it could degenerate into an even lamer version of "Independence Day" - and I'm not just saying that because it stars Will Smith.
However, the movie does manage to do something good. For starters, it's not just an excuse for a bunch of action (although there is a lot). To me at least, the movie seems to be looking at the possible dangers of people relying too much on technology, like what "2001: A Space Odyssey" looked at. As cop Del Spooner, investigating a murder in 2035 Chicago that may or may not have been committed by a robot, Will Smith is sardonic, but never formulaic. Also starring James Cromwell. On one level, maybe the movie is sort of eye candy. But like I said, there is a plot here. And let's face it: this is a much better robot-themed movie than "Bicentennial Man" apparently was.