Jackass movie review: "I, Robot” starring Will Smith
my personal rating is -- respectable A minus
this movie is the next high-profile film for the very hip & cool Will Smith
this is a very well-done science fiction film set in the year 2035
my personal belief is this is one of the best science fiction films
since “Matrix” and the “Terminator” series
apart from the comic book genre
it will not inspire a following like its cult or quotes lines or philosophy
but it has laid down a path for robotic plots, computer technology, realism
these robots looked the part, excellent behavior, realistic street scenes
as the majority of robots were doing deliveries and menial jobs
and their walking and running gait were unique
the entire plot is centered on a murder investigation, or suicide inquiry
where the victim is a top-tier robotic researcher & developer scientist
Smith’s attitude toward robots is balanced by scientist Bridget Moynahan’s trust
they create a nice conflict for the whole plot
with his emotional outburst and roughshod manner, distrust of robots
against her cold scientific approach, polished manner, trust of her robots
they are polar opposites in personality, by design
she is responsible for designing more human qualities into robotic behavior
the principal players all seemed to trust the robots too much
especially Smith’s police captain, which got frustrating to the viewer
the “bread crumbs” theme was clever and well-done for the investigation
as clues from the supposed suicide victim
the essence of robotic software were the SACRED THREE LAWS
1. a robot must not harm a human
2. a robot must obey human commands, except in violation of #1
3. a robot can protect himself from harm, except in violation of #1 and #2
Will Smith is far more cool and smooth than really developing a complete character
Bridget Moynahan also has little opportunity to develop a character
throughout the whole movie, Smith eats away at her engrained trust in her robots
even though he can produce no evidence of his experiences
the computer technology was impressive and credible
they did not reveal much actual chip hardware or language software details
however, they laid out some significant futuristic concepts about artificial intelligence
robot central processors (brains) can evolve
they can have secrets, based upon software code fragments
they can experience dreams and nightmares
they can develop social tendencies that are clearly not random
like when idle, sit together
a hierarchy is designed, with a mainframe-type computer leader
which was the equivalent of a queen bee or master controller
futuristic elements extended into several areas
automobiles featured automatic drivers and clever garage racks, neat roadways
human recognition methods focused more on ID cards than biometrics
such as facial, or retinal, or fingerprints, or implanted RF chips
which is not the path that science is currently heading
the mix of old and new was nicely integrated in store fronts and clothing style
some nice work on the walking and running gait of the robots, with sound effects
as well as robot restaurant and delivery servants
my favorite detail was the emotions and learning capability of the nextgen robot
acrobatics by the robots is nicely done and cute
a few touching scenes about decommissioning the robot, who had self-awareness
the advanced robot displayed the capability to learn, and had a purpose
which at certain points resembled a “Christ” figure, if you can allow it
the ultimate battle in the movie mimicked the battle in the computer system world
centralized power & control versus decentralization with leadership
networking technology turned out to be critically important and relevant
actual physical battle included human vs robot, enhanced human vs robot,
first generation robot versus next generation robot,
and next generation robot versus mainframe computer
murder is not just the province of human beings
one is left to wonder who or what is the underlying criminal mind
a brief HBO show behind the show explained details of the green suit computer
animation necessary to create the robots and their movement
at one point, an impressive rank & file of several thousand robots were displayed
this was a light-hearted movie, not serious in its plot but implicitly deep in message
it might give future sci-fi movie writers something to think about
regarding robotic evolution
the movie is derived from a collection of Isaac Asimov short stories
and is apparently consistent with his plots, characters, and ideas
it clearly brings to the forefront legal, social, and technological issues
which must be dealt with, confronted, and decided upon
since science might continue to remain ahead of legality and ethics
its depth might escape many viewers
it is nice to see Will Smith extend his roles
like in “Wild Wild West” with Kevin Cline, Kenneth Branagh, Salma Hayek
“Ali” which was unheralded but required tremendous physical training
“Men in Black” with Tommy Lee Jones
"Bad Boys" with Martin Lawrence and Tea Leona
(hard to believe he got his start as rap singer and TV show “Prince of BelAir”)
also nice to see lovely Bridget Moynahan appearing in more roles
she has made a nice transition from a CoverGirl to television and movies
like in “The Recruit” with Al Pacino and Colin Farrell
10 extra lbs looks much better on her than the semi-emaciated model look
“Terminator” makes one wonder about assurances by scientists that all our
machines, computers, and system control are actually in OUR CONTROL
“I, Robot” continues to probe that frontier, without the transformation capability
a subtle parallel was evident to the classic “Blade Runner” with Harrison Ford
in arresting the rogue machine, but admiring its attempt at humanity and respecting its desire for survival |
