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.
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!
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.
So do I, saw this a couple of weeks ago, luckily I only review those movies I can clearly remember 😉
The cast makes this premise so darn special, and that’s all thanks to Langella being able to be despicable as well as likable. Good review Nostra.
Yeah, he really did that well. Thanks Dan!
Nice review! How was Sarandon?
She didn’t have a big role, but she was good as a librarian…
I adored this film. Went in not knowing anything about it and walked out completely charmed. Frank Langella was phenomenal in this. Great review.
I can imagine that feeling. The poster was the only thing I saw before watching it and also was charmed. Thanks Mark.
Nice review. I saw an interview with Frank Langella talking about the film and I’m interested in checking it out.
Thanks, it really is worth watching. Hope you’ll get around to it soon.
This is kind of an odd little movie I’m looking forward to watch.
Your score makes that all the more enticing. Good job!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it Niels!