The summer season is, as always, a haven for moviemakers to unleash their throttle of blockbusters.  2004 is no different with the likeable Will Smith striding forth with I, Robot, an intriguing science fiction film in the same vein as Independence Day, only mentally stimulating and technically sophisticated. 

Set in 2035 in Chicago, our new robot friends (who are a trusted part of our everyday life) are shown, integrated into our society.  However, things turn sour when a new modified breed of robots comes into existence. 

All robots follow three simple ‘Laws of Robotics':

1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allows a human being to come to harm. 

2 ) A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the first law.  

3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second law.

Smith plays Detective Del Spooner, who is the only individual with a feeling of resentment against robots.  It does appear rather unrealistic that one man can save the entire universe from the ‘rise of the machines’, doesn’t it?

After the creator of these robots, Dr Lanning, is murdered, Smith believes the culprit to be a unique robot named Sonny.  But, according to the three laws, this is not possible.  Smith goes to great extents to prove his “unbelievable” theory, at the cost of his job and his well being.

Although, I, Robot, loosely based on the popular selection of short stories by Isaac Asimov, is not entirely original, only its familiar message is portrayed rather differently from anything seen before.  The action-packed film boasts excellent graphics, with a storyline familiar yet rather unbelievable.  It is also obvious that these creations will become flawed.  Yes, of course if robots existed, they would provide us with a utopic existence for a significant while, but they would surely be modified for our needs. 

Without a doubt, I, Robot is a thrilling, futuristic action adventure flick and certainly one for all the family, but whether it is a plausible storyline is somewhat doubtful.

(3½/5)

Release Date: 03 December 2004

I, Robot