I'm wary of summer blockbusters because H-wood has a penchant for making crappola. Filmmaking is a business to the studios so quite a few blockbusters are cold, rigid, by-the-numbers unoriginality. When I first heard about I, ROBOT I thought it would be more of the same. However, once I learned Alex Proyas (THE CROW, DARK CITY) was at the helm I had a slight change of tune. And after viewing the entertaining flick I can honestly say this is the rare summer blockbuster with substance and style.A first rate sci-fi action thriller filled with enough suspense and intelligence to keep you on the edge of your seat. Will Smith is an old school cop who shuns the latest technology and finds robots (which are ubiquitous in 2035) cold and suspicious. He investigates what may be the first ever robot crime (a murder no less) with the help of Bridget Moynahan’s psychologist for robots. Director Alex Proyas illustrates the future with flourishes and dabs of sleek new fashions (the cars, the robots, the clothes). However, it’s not overboard which adds to the appeal and believability. The writers skillfully intertwine a superb murder mystery with the central theme of technology as a tool or another form of life. Proyas has crafted an all around great film that will entertain you and make you think. And as any great sci-fi flick should have, the film has a wonderful visual effect or two (once again Proyas and company keep it light, so as to not bog down the film with visual spectacle). Alan Tudyk is especially fantastic as one of the main robots (it’s his voice and facial expressions that bring the character to life). Highly recommended.
