The robots are out to get us again, and this time it’s up to Will Smith to stop them. The pumped-up former Fresh Prince is certainly up to the task, deftly mixing humor, toughness and a good measure of heart in this eye-popping futuristic whodunit from director Alex Proyas (“The Crow”) inspired by the writings of science fiction demigod Isaac Asimov. “I, Robot,” with a screenplay co-written by Academy Award-winner Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind”) is an unparalleled special effects marvel featuring, hands-down, the coolest film-bots ever, with an exemplary cast, compelling narrative and one whale of a fantastic finish. This is earthbound sci-fi entertainment most everybody can appreciate, and one that merits mention alongside such popular favorites as “The Terminator” and “The Matrix.”
In 2035, robots are as common as cell phones are today. The sleek technological marvels tend to their masters’ every need and are bound by the ironclad “Three Laws of Robotics”: A robot may not harm a human, must obey all orders (except those in conflict with Rule No. 1) and must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not violate the first two laws. When Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell), the scientist responsible for the robotic revolution, turns up dead in a dubious suicide, technophobic Chicago cop Del Spooner (Smith) points an accusatory finger at an anthropomorphic NS-5 (automated domestic assistant) named Sonny. Everyone from his captain on the force (Chi McBride) to a fetching shrink named Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan) thinks Spoon’s off the mark — robots, after all, are programmed never to harm people — but when the machines start behaving badly, it’s up to our anachronistic hero to save humankind. (Rated PG-13 for intense stylized action and some brief partial nudity.)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 16, 2004. Read the original PDF.