Product: I, Robot [Region 2] (2004)
Rating: 4.0
An action flick with philosophical undertones
I just finished watching I, Robot on HBO. I can't vouch for the quality of the picture or sound of this particular DVD, just the storyline. I really enjoyed it. A lot of action, but there is (obviously) a philosophical undertone to the whole film.Purists will probably dislike that the philosophy (and much of the original story) of Isaac Asimov's book takes a backseat to the action. During some scenes, I was thinking: wow, they definitely made a video game about this movie. Much of the latter half of the movie is mind-numbing special effects/action, though, contrary to another viewer's opinion, I didn't find the climax "stupid." I found it complimented the philosophical aspects of the film, though it probably could have been developed more fully with a little more dialogue and a little less action.Parts of the movie actually reminded me of arguments put forward by Peter Singer, the radical secularist/ professor at Princeton University who advocates infanticide for disabled children. Specifically, this conversation from the film sticks in my mind:"You are making a mistake. Do you not see the logic of my plan?" To which the reply comes: "Yes. But it just seems too...heartless." Essentially, the robots used absolutely no heart in the decision making process; just cold, detached logic, which sometimes sounds great on paper, but is much less appealing in the real world.In sum, a lot of action, though the philosophical aspect is still very much present (man vs. creator, creator vs. man, the soul, purpose in life, free will, natural law, conscience and consciousness etc) once you reflect on the film. Mostly action entertainment, but also thought provoking on further review.