I, Robot provides a fun mystery with a few predictable, but interesting, turns. The mystery aspect is clever enough to keep you guessing without frustrating you to the point of taking you out of the movie. You'll care about it right up until the point you realize that the movie is actually a summer blockbuster and your thinking cap should be put on the backburner while you're bombarded with one action scene after the next.
Outside of the movie's decent attempt at having a brain, I, Robot has a few other redeeming qualities that at least keep it in the neighborhood of a Folding Clothes Movie. Yes, Will Smith's solid performance is worth a mention, but ladies first. I have to show some love for Adrian Ricard playing the role of Granny. In her short-but-sweet time onscreen, she was every bit as entertaining and funny as Smith was. There's a special place in my heart for actors/actresses that can maximize their time, however long it may be and she certainly accomplished that mission.
Taking place in 2035 Chicago, I think director Alex Proyas does a solid job of giving us a glimpse into what our future could look like. Interactive holographic messages can converse with you based on a predetermined conversation. Vertical parking garages free up space on the ground for Americans to build more nonsense. Self-driving cars allow you to kick back and read a book during your drive home. These little touches give the film that extra sci-fi touch that helps add to its magic and intrigue.
And, yes, Will Smith did his thing as troubled detective Del Spooner. He has a certain charisma and energy that translates well onscreen. Not only is he funny (although over-the-top at times), but the emotion he is able to evoke provides for some pretty strong moments. There's one moment in particular where he's explaining how he came to have such a dislike for robots. This is a turning point for the viewer as you finally start to understand why Spooner seems to always have his guard up.
There are a few corny moments that take you out of the enjoyment of the film at times. I don't know if Smith just has an awkward body because he's tall, but some of the special effects sequences involving him seemed stiff and unbelievable. In one scene, you'll find him surfing over debris on a door. Let that sink in for a moment...I could stop there and you would probably get my point, but there's one more moment that really sticks out: There's a scene where Smith is in a tunnel being attacked by robots. After getting a little bit of breathing room, he picks up the biggest weapon he could find, turns to the robots, and yells at the top of his lungs, "Come on!" Cheddar. Mozarella. Gorganzola. Take your pick, it was cheesy.
I, Robot is the story of a man trying to get to the bottom of a murder that he is convinced was done by robots. What he discovers could end up being even worse than his original fears. It's a film that won't change your world, but is worth a watch for a good two hours of escape. I give it a 76.
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