One Line Review: I, Robot is one of the films that define the decade. An absolute treat for your eyes.
Youtube Trailer I, Robot
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan
Director: Alex Proyas
Release Date: 16 July 2004
Introduction
There’s always a film that describes the decade. In the 80s Back to Future made the whole decade wholesome. In the 90s Shawshank Redemption created history. Well, today we’re going to talk about a similar film. On this day in 2004 ‘I, Robot’ was released into the theatres of the U.S.A. and gave birth to a unique Idea of futuristic warfare films.
Trivia
Did you know that the character of Sonny was created in precisely the same way The golem in the lords of the ring made?
Iconic dialogues from this movie
Del Spooner: So, Dr. Calvin, what exactly do you do around here?
Dr. Susan Calvin: My general fields are advanced robotics and psychiatry. Although, I specialize in hardware-to-wetware interfaces in an effort to advance U.S.R.’s robotic anthropomorphization program.
Del Spooner: So, what exactly do you do around here?
Dr. Susan Calvin: I make the robots seem more human.
Del Spooner: Now wasn’t that easier to say?
Dr. Susan Calvin: Not really. No.
And Of Course, How can you miss it…
Del Spooner: I think you murdered him because he was teaching you to simulate emotions and things got out of control.
Sonny: I did not murder him.
Del Spooner: But emotions don’t seem like a very useful simulation for a robot.
Sonny: I did not murder him.
Del Spooner: Hell, I don’t want my toaster or my vacuum cleaner appearing emotional…
Sonny: I did not murder him!Del Spooner: That one’s called anger. Ever simulate anger before?
Plot Summary
Detective Del Spooner investigates the suicide case of Alfred Lanning who founded the U.S. Robotics. But as he digs deeper into the case he finds out about a conspiracy that may result in the enslavement of the whole human race. Though, U.S. Robotics was created to protect humans from dangers.
Best VFX film of that year
‘I, Robot’ was the best VFX film of that year, maybe of that time. If it were 2004, I would have named it the best film for special effects and VFX. During those times of limited resources and underdeveloped technology, as compared to today, this film somehow managed to create a unique effect that is nothing but the next generation. The imagination used in the creation of this film was beyond expectation and far above the industry standards. Even today, in the age of cutting as special effect software is and technology, this movie holds up very well.
The concept was indeed very futuristic. I can say one thing for sure that this film did not turn out one of those films that cats irrelevant as they grow older. Though the future it predicted is not the same as we see today, it does not bother me a tad bit. It does not (and it should not) borders me at all. Back when I reviewed Back to future 2, I talked about how they showed 2015 as the year of flying cars, but in reality, people were breaking their TV sets over anger when India lost the World Cup semifinals. Anyways you get my point.
The Story
Just because the VFX is so good, that does not mean the story is fluffy and dull. The story of this film is time-tested and classic. Who is not interested in watching the future and challenges of our upcoming generation. Nowadays, this concept might be overused and somewhat dull (for example, space sweepers). Back in 2004, the idea was almost untouched and new (except for Back to future To and few other sci-fi films).
The story has few very evergreen and essential elements like excitement, fun, thrill, and suspense, adding a ton of detailing and dept. Overall, if not the greatest, the story is, to say the least, entertaining.
Conclusion
I’m very impressed and happy with this film. Although, there’s a crowd of critics that is bashing Will Smith’s acting in this film. I don’t why. I did not find any, not even a single, flaw in his acting. In fact, it was his performance that made this movie a fun trip. If you haven’t seen it, then you should rush to your favorite OTT platform because you’re missing the gem.
