i, Robot

I, Robot is a futuristic thriller staring Will Smith in the lead role of Detective Del Spooner.

Will Smith is one of those actors I normally refer to as popcorn actors – in other words, there movies are perfectly complimented by a big bowl of popcorn, and not your brain.

But I,Robot is different. Based around some short stories by Isaac Asimov, this is a movie that almost gives Will Smith some credibility as a serious actor.

Set in the year 2035, robots have become a trusted and essential part of life for everyone, except Detective Spooner. Spooner likes the old days, when you valued what you did, because you had to do it. His go against the flow attitude is emphasized with some great product placement in a pair of old school 2004 Converse shoes that he receives at the start of the movie. His petrol driven motorbike further reinforces this.

So when a robot seemingly kills a human – something they are not supposed to be able to do – Spooner is sent to investigate. Whilst everyone else is saying suicide, Spooner is like a dog with a bone, not willing to let go of his ‘the Robot did it’ theory.

And this is where the movie really takes off, with a mix of action, suspense, and awesome special effects.

The movie could have easily gone down the no-brainer road, but thankfully doesn’t. Instead it turns into a rollercoaster ride, with many spiritual themes abounding through a twisting and turning plot.

This special effects laden end of the world movie is probably one of the most positive of the recent glut of movies in this genre, and is essential viewing for anyone who likes a good action movie as well as food for thought.