Robot and Frank (2012)

Review of the movie Robot and Frank

Growing up the visions of the year 2000 were always interesting to see and I always loved programs which showed the future. Robots would be everywhere and could do a lot. It never happened that way, but still we all have things in our house which you could label robots. Just think about a dishwasher, microwave or phone which you can actually talk to and have do things. But still, I still dream of the day that something which actually looks like what we think a robot is, will be in your home, helping you with everything only for the price of electricity and maintenance.
In the world of Robot and Frank that dream has been turned into a reality, but it doesn’t mean everyone is happy with that development.

Frank (Frank Langella) is an ex-jewel thief who lives alone in the middle of the woods. He still can’t help stealing stuff from local stores and is slowly losing his memory. His son regularly visits him in order to help and brings him a robot butler. Frank isn’t interested, he doesn’t want this technology in his house, but his son convinces him to do so. The robot needs to take care of him and look after his health, which means a big change in Frank’s life. Even though he might not like the machine he slowly sees possibilities to use the robot for things it wasn’t programmed to do.

What I loved about this movie was that it didn’t make the fact that robots like that available anything special. It’s all about the people (and robot) and there relationships. Even though the robot can’t feel anything, Frank does feel a bond with it and Frank Langella, with a great performance, convinces the viewer to care for his character. The movie has a lightness to it, which makes it a very enjoyable watch. Maybe not a movie you’ll rewatch anytime soon, but one definitely worth checking out.

14 thoughts on “Robot and Frank (2012)

  1. Great to see the high score for this one. It’s been on my watchlist for some time. I love the cast and the concept sounds intriguing. I’ve got to check it out.

    • Yeah, I’m a fan of science fiction and this was just a very realistic depiction of robots in a ordinary world we live in now. I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it Keith!

  2. Great little film and fine review sir. You’re right to rate this so highly. I still have my review to be finished. Got so much of a backlog to get through.

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