Click here to return to homepage
or 
Home > Categories > Movies > Sci-Fi > I, Robot review
Sick of adverts? Click here to join up for free and be rid of them.
The Three Laws of Robotics:
1 - A robot can not harm a human, or through inaction allow a human to come to harm.
2 - A robot must follow orders given to it by a human, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3 - A robot must safeguard it's own existence, except where such self-preservation conflicts with the First or Second Laws.
Set in a future Earth (2035 A.D.) where robots are common assistants and workers for their human owners, this is the story of "robotophobic" Chicago Police Detective John Spooner's investigation into the murder of Dr. Alfred Lanning, who works at U.S. Robotics. A robot, Sonny, appears to be implicated, even though that would mean the robot had violated the Three Laws of Robotics, which is apparently impossible.
It seems impossible because... if robots can break those laws, there's nothing to stop them from taking over the world, as humans have grown to become completely dependent upon them. Or maybe... they already have? Aiding Spooner in his investigation is robo-psychologist, Dr. Susan Calvin, who is highly sceptical of Spooner's theories. After all, who ever heard of a robot committing ANY crime, let alone murder?
Story suggested by the novel of the same title by Isaac Asimov.
Product reviews...
Review by: kiwireviewer-00
Dated: 29th of July, 2004
As a kid, I encountered a lot of Sci-Fi authors during my many, MANY days in the library... but none struck a strong a chord in me as Isaac Asimov. His Robot books drew me in and held me with a magic that was powerful beyond words... Asimov's stories inspired my creative impulses, and for that I will always hold him to be the Master of Masters.
So it was very exciting to hear that another movie was being made that was based on one of Asimov's books, especially one of the Robot books. After the utter disappointment I felt at the way Bicentennial Man was butchered, I was hoping I, Robot would have a better outcome. Alas, no such luck.
Now, you might not understand my disappointment, considering the score I have given it, but allow me to explain. This movie had a plot that was suggested by the novel of the same name... however, with only a few character names in common, this was NOT the story Asimov wrote... just a rip-off plotline, heavily hammered into a new shape by the hollywood scripto's.
If I completely disregard the original storyline, and look at this movie as though I had never heard of Isaac Asimov and his stories, well, this is how I would score it.
I plan to add this one to my collection, simply because it is a fairly cool flik in it's own right, with some good action scenes, some awesome special effects (I really loved the way they did the V.I.K.I. holoface) and a story that stays consistant throughout the movie.
I am also a fan of movies that have 'Trail of Breadcrumb' plots... where you have to solve a riddle to reach the next clue, which helps you decode another clue, and on and on until you unlock the Big Picture and everything falls into place. This story has that effect in Aces.
Overall, Yes, I could see this happening if we get into advanced robotics, however with Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering leading the pack of 'High-Risk Sciences' I think we'll be safe from rampaging robots in the near future. The movie is a fun way to blow 110 minutes +/-.
Guest comments...
There are currently no comments on file. Will you click here and be the first?
Random listing from 'Movies'...
In the tradition of classic disney storytelling comes a spectacular new family tale about a courageous young boy in search of his destiny, who finds an adventure beyond his wildest dreams.
A legendary treasure map inspires an intergalactic treasure hunt when determined teen Jim Hawkins stumbles upon a map to the greatest fortune in the universe. As cabin boy aboard a glittering solar galleon, Jim is befriended by the ship's cyborg ... more...
All trademarks, images and copyrights on this site are owned by their respective companies.
This is a free public forum presenting user opinions on selected products, and as such the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of KIWIreviews.co.nz and are protected under New Zealand law by the "Honest Opinion" clause of the Defamation Act of 1992. KIWIreviews accepts no liability for statements made on this site, under the assumption that they are the true and honest opinions of the individual posters. In most cases, prices and dates stated are approximate and should be considered as only guidelines.
"There's more to a person than the things they have done"
from 'Eastenders' TV show.
