DVD Review - I, Robot

Loosely based on the writing of Isaac Asimov, I, Robot, directed by The Crow director Alex Proyas, is probably one of the better straight science fiction films of the last ten years. Expertly paced and with a surprise twist I actually didn't see coming, I, Robot surprises from start to finish.

Will Smith stars as Del Spooner, who finds himself investigating a murder in which the suspect for the first time ever is a robot. The robot, named Sonny (voiced and performed via motion capture by Alan Tudyk), was the only thing nearby when Dr. Alfred Lanning (the always amazing James Cromwell) fell through a window he never would have been able to break himself. Thus, his death is ruled a murder, but Spooner finds that the truth may not be so simple.

Smith is in fine form here (both physically and acting wise) as the cautious (read: paranoid) detective. His reason for his deep-rooted hate of robots is one of his more interesting characteristics, and Smith plays it beautifully.

Doing mere adequate work is the wooden Bridget Moynahan as Susan Calvin, a representative of the corporation where Lanning worked and died. For some reason Hollywood has decided Moynahan is either attractive or a good actress, but thus far I am unconvinced. I can't help but feel that this film would have been more enjoyable had a stronger (or at least more attractive) actress been cast in this role.

Tudyk turns in a brilliant performance as the confused and emotional Sonny, a fascinating character. If they gave awards for best motion capture performance, the award for 2004 would have easily gone to Tudyk for his unique work in this film.

Look for a cameo by Shia LeBeof who was just starting his film career.
Grade: 8
(All films are graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being cinematic perfection and 1 being any TV film where something is going to strike the earth.)