Solid Robot

Rating: 8/10 (20 August 2004)

Alex Proyas's "I, Robot" starring Will Smith is a solid action thriller that is visually provocative, inspired by the Isaac Asimov book. I remember reading the Asimov classic back in junior high, but not much else. The Three Laws of Robotics basically mandate that a robot shall not kill a human regardless of circumstance. The world according to Jeff Vintar and Akiva Goldman's screenplay, has an apparent loop hole. It is 2035. Robots are part of the human experience and lexicon. U.S. Robotics (USR) is releasing a new model of robot, where soon there will be a robot for every 20 people. USR's CEO, Lawrence Robertson (Bruce Greenwood) dreams of revolutionizing the world with the release of this new model. Going back to the loop hole, a robot stands implicated of murder. This robot, Sonny (voiced by Alan Tudyk), did not just kill anyone. Sonny stands accused of killing the inventor of the Three Laws of Robotics, Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell). Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) investigates Lanning's murder at the request of the late Dr. Lanning's interactive holographic recording of himself. The irony is that the physically recovering, Spooner (Smith) is robot-phobic. This is further revealed and articulated as the story unfolds.
"I, Robot" has a good sense of humor for a science fiction thriller. After the intense interrogation with Sonny, Spooner tells his chief, that he yearns for the old days when "people killed people". During his investigation Spooner enrolls the expertise of Dr. Susan Calvin (the smart and beautiful Bridget Moynahan), who is a psychologist working to make robots more human-like at USR. Calvin's examination indicates that Sonny may be in fact sentient. This seems to further contradict the breach of the Three Laws when Dr. Lanning was murdered. Is there a conspiracy against humans? Dr. Calvin refuses to acknowledge this possibility. To which Spooner responds, "You are the dumbest smart person I know..." Awesome line. Yes, there is a conspiracy-- which is not shocking given that this is an action thriller. So Spooner and Calvin do their heroic best to save Chicago, circa 2035. Director Alex Proyas orchestrates a brisk pace, and his visuals are amazing, particularly with the mass invasion of the robots in the city. I have been a fan of Proyas since his work on "The Crow". "I, Robot" is a great looking big budget movie.
Will Smith is quickly becoming the action star icon. There is no one cooler than Big Will. He is handsome, funny, and full of attitude. He bulked and got ripped for his role as Spooner. It's amusing that in the beginning of the movie to establish the complexity of Spooner, the muscular Smith has a nude shower scene. Well, when he looks the way he does, he is entitled. Aside from that star stroke, Smith is one of the most charming actors, and he has a genuine screen presence. Smith is the focal point of "I, Robot" amidst the spectacular visual effects. Bridget Moynahan as Susan Calvin is a strong foil to Smith. Her studied caution balances Spooner's reckless intensity. Moynahan is very good. She fleshes out what could have been a card board character. She is also gorgeous. She and Smith have great chemistry. Bruce Greenwood is excellent as the ruthless and enterprising corporate baron.
Alex Proyas's visionary style, and Will Smith's star power make "I, Robot" enjoyable to watch, and for the most part it is compelling viewing. And somewhere in there remember that this was all inspired by Asimov. It is a tribute to his genius.