I, Robot

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As widely acclaimed as Isaac Asimov is, in the world of sci-fi literature, this singular title, I, Robot, did not originate from Isaac’s prolific pen. Asimov’s short story collection of nine tales about positronic robots was in search of a more synchronous, front cover identity, when his publisher “appropriated” the title from a short story by Eando Binder that had been published in 1939. Oddly enough, the original title of this movie was “Hardwired.” So, what did not belong to Asimov belongs not to director Alex Proyas, as is proven by the failings of the last of the summer blockbusters.

This rattling title, two words, six letters and a comma prove that less can be better. In it’s simplicity it evokes a cathartic image of machine become human. With this state would come an experience: of being, of awareness, of questioning, of dreaming. These are all the things that one might expect from this movie ... but dream on. From the opening, the film tracks well with its genre and both the special effects and action sequences are top’o the mark, but not beyond. What’s missing throughout is that eerie depth when man and machine face-off in a world where creator and created scramble to define their place. There are moments when this is touched on, but it remains an action movie to the end.

Will Smith’s delivery as Detective Del Spooner is better than classic Smith, and this is the second reason (the first is on its way) why this movie floats when it should drop like Martha Stewarts pre-trial stock. Spoon, as you will come to know him, searches for the killer of robotic’s genius, Dr. Lanning. The writers, Jeff Vintar and Akiva Goldsman, author-in plenty of motivation and character for Smith but we still end up with a wise-cracking cop who eventually has to turn in his badge ... how many times do we have to see this? To his credit, Smith delivers a performance that indicates he is becoming an actor that can deliver his own, unique style, with less of himself.

The first reason that this film makes it is because it has resurrected the ghost of C3PO in the character of Sonny, played by Alan Tudyk. Sonny is a “special” robot and has been left by the late Doctor as a clue for Detective Spooner to unravel the upcoming insurrection of the robots. C3PO is one of the most beloved mechanical characters of the cinema, and though Sonny may not rank as high he demonstrates the ability to have heart and legs ... stay tunned for I-bot II.

Bridget Moynahan, as Dr. Susan Calvin, is a robot psychologist whose job is to make the robots seem more human. Her role is an interesting one, that unfortunately, will be remembered as “most forgettable.” The character’s role leaves her as cold as the robots she works with, all the way through the movie. While I enjoyed the irony of a person in charge of teaching others what she cannot come to grips with, her own humanity, the writers and/or the director fail to release her from this prison before the story ends.

It is regrettable that this film didn’t find more in itself than just another Robocop. Like Asimov’s classic, this could have had set a standard, as it is it should have kept it’s original name. There’s much amiss here, and I wouldn’t shell out the big bucks for an evening view, but it’s great matinee, getting outa-the-heat fare.