I-Robot

I hope this movie does not suck!:(

This movie seems to be getting quite a bit of flack from the fans of the book. I'll wait and judge for myself.

At first I didn't want to see it because it has Will Smith, who is not a bad actor but I don't know if he could handle serious sci-fi. After I found out that its directed by Alex Proyas (The Crow, Dark City), it was a no-brainer, now I'm definetly going to see it. The trailers look decent, and the film has great potential. I just hope it's not too much like other recent sci-fi (like Minority Report or the Second Renaissance from the Animatrix. I find similarities to Minority Report in all of the new sci-fi. Maybe it's because Minority Report was awesome, but I don't like other films to be too derivative...)

The movie looks like "A.I."-meets-"Minority Report"-with-a-sprinkling-of-"Bubblegum Crisis 2040".

The fans of the books biggest complaint seems to be the fact that originally the movie was originally named Hardwired. But because it was 'loosely' based on the stories Asimov created they opted to call it I ROBOT. So basically they're pissed off because a Will Smith action movie was branded with the I, ROBOT signature.

This is the basic case of Summer Action Movie vs. Cerebral Book uproar.

The book is a collection of stories by Asimov detailing different possibilities that arise when robots are introduced into mainstream society, from their first inclusion as small, labor-saving devices through their evolution to highly stylized helper robots. All of the stories take place in the universe Asimov created in the book and follow chronologically as the robots become more advanced. This movie focuses on only one of the stories in the book, but it is one of the better ones.

I can't recall what they are off-hand, but the robots have 4 specific laws programmed into them that limit their capabilities so humans stay on top and robots remain products. This story revolves around the possibility of the seemingly impossible: a robot may have broken one of these laws.

Great book if you get a chance to read it. The best story is about the senator running for office. Don't miss it.

For those poo-pooing whether it will be as good as the books: forget it, like always. Watch it for what it is: a summer actionfest. If you want to be disappointed, you'll be disappointed.

Here's hoping I can listen to my own advice!

Sean (...so, what's the verdict?...am I, Robot or am I, Sean?...) 8)

Ben,

Well, one must admit that if that's the case, it is pretty lame! However, the trailers I have seen are definitely reminiscent of an amalgam of two Asimov I, Robot stories. Let's hope their intent was to pay homage and not rip off!

Note to self: check brain at the door on this one...

Sean (...oh, wait...if I check my brain, what will I sit on?!?...)

Nowhere near cinema perfection, but I was entertained. Whatever value that holds lol. If I can get a few good laughs and some impressive action sequences I'm satisfied :)

I share Eddie's views on Paycheck here, it's not necessarily a bad movie (I enjoyed it), just one we've seen already.

People really need to stop using that routine in which the lead character has a hunch, and the rest of the world he lives in is too damned stubborn and hard assed to think that whatever the lead character believes is remotely possible until it's too late and they are eating their own words. << annoying

Much like many of Will Smith's other movies, he is playing himself. Not necessarily a bad thing because I like Will's overly flamboyant self. I think it works well in movies such as MIB and here with I, ROBOT. But it wouldn't hurt to try and break out of that shell more often (think Ali).

Depression,

I agree. When the tv spots started showing more and more of this film, we started to see more of the stereotypical Will Smith performance. As you mentioned, this isn't necessarily a bad thing... I've been a fan of Will since his days on "The Fresh Prince Of Bellaire". However, this character that Will seems so comfortable with is the same basic character in "Bad Boys", "Independence Day", "Men In Black", and now "I-Robot". I thought Will did an excellent job in "The Legend Of Bagger Vance", and "Enemy Of The State". I never did see "Ali". I too wish Will would choose more roles outside of his 'norm'. Will was on Goodmorning America a couple of days ago, where he mentioned that this is the first time he's really been the "lead role". Normally he has a partner or co-star to share the lime light. Being that this is new territory for Will, it may explain why he chose a character style that's he's most comfortable with. Will is getting almost as good with his catch phrases as Arnold Schwartzenegger was/is. Which is really what's kind of got me bored with that character. From "I have GOT to get me one of these!" in "Independence Day", to "Some how I told you so, just doesn't cut it" now in "I-Robot", it's just a little old. Like I said, I don't mean to come down on Will, I just wish he'd break out of his mold more often.

- Josh

I haven't seen this yet, but I greatly anticipate it. Alex Proyas did the Crow and Dark City, 2 flicks that I absolutely love. Will Smith is one of the only action stars I like also. I hope the movie at least somewhat follows the Asimov source material. The previews look great, and i can't wait to see it.