The Movie Diorama
Ingenious? Meh. Hilarious? Not really. Moving? Definitely not. Not sure what I...wait, there's more descriptions for this on the back cover? Brilliant, touching and captivating? Funny, thoughtful and smart? Where was I...oh yeah, not sure what I watched but it certainly wasn't any of the above. A retired cat burglar who suffers from memory lapses has two grown children who are concerned that he cannot live by himself. So they purchase a robot programmed to improve his health, however he uses it to get back into completing heists. Ok look, it's a nice film, perfectly watchable and hosts a fantastic central performance from Frank Langella. I was onboard with the subtle futuristic tropes in a modern world that is based on our current reality. Humanoid robots, modern phones and televisions and even the architectural designs of certain buildings. The attention to digitalisation assisting humanity through processes of deterioration was rather refreshing. Our main character resents change but slowly starts to embrace it, ironically this is the same with any new piece of technology. Schreier's directing style was clean and enhanced the contemporary indie feel that the film was aiming for. All the ingredients for a quirky memorable indie drama are there, so why was I immediately disengaged with the story? I mean I really didn't care for the plot at all. It's far too glossy and overly quirky to a point where the characters themselves existed just because the plot required them. Susan Sarandon's character is in the film simply as a means for a twist at the end, which was implausible anyway. Liv Tyler still cannot act. The subtle humour was so subtle, that I didn't actually laugh or smile once. I'm just not sure where I sit with this one. The concept and ideas were great, technical execution was sublime and the production design was suitably modern. The story and script were rather lacklustre and for that, I didn't care for it. Shame really.
bigbyrd-83966
f you're like me and base a lot off of previews then you'd know this looked great regardless of all the mixed reviews. I came to this late but everything about Robot & Frank is irresistible. It's a very different take on science fiction and robotics. I found it to be enjoyable from beginning to end. The chemistry between the old man and the robot was spot on. One of the highlights for me were the comedic scenes between Frank and the robot and I would recommend seeing this movie for those scenes. It made me believe that an automaton and a human being can be complicated friends. The robot serves as a reminder of the human condition and how we all grow old. Everybody needs a friend. The plot is simple, beautifully done and very moving. The cast are convincing with understated performances.Great movie, with a touching story.
DarthVoorhees
Frank Langella is an under appreciated treasure and 'Robot & Frank' marks one of his unique characterizations. This is a wonderful subtle little movie that has some of the boldest commentaries in a recent Science Fiction film. It has no real tremendous flash but it makes large predictions and philosophical questions that the best Science Fiction stories do. 'Robot & Frank' is all about the future coming in and sweeping away the old in favor of flashier trendy technology. At the heart of the movie is the friendship between Langella and his robot bringing out the question of humanity vs technology. It showcases brilliant acting from Langella and Peter Sarsgaard who understand how nuanced this material has to be in order to work. Sarsgaard deserves a great deal of praise too as his character presents the most challenges. Sarsgaard's robot isn't really sentient at all. The dialogue is pretty much all programming speak with no real personality. But Sarsgaard has a tremendous warmth and Langella unloads all the vulnerabilities and regrets of the character on the sterile robot. It completely works and showcases an unlikely friendship.There's a brilliant storyline too that goes with the main themes of the film about the library being taken away in favor of it being a trendy hub of rich hipsters who think the idea of a library is fun and ironic. It's sad because it's so true. The movie says it takes place in the not so distant future and I got depressed thinking that Langella's character could have been born the same time as me. It really made me think about books and objects and the kind of weight you put on them. It's no doubt what the film intended and it really worked.'Robot & Frank' is a gem and a film that should be watched in order to really appreciate the Science Fiction genre. The great Science Fiction films are a reflection of our fears and uncertainties in the present and how the fantastic futuristic worlds can reflect them back on us. 'Robot & Frank' is that brought down to it's bare essence with two wonderful performances. It is touching and wondrous.
Fluke_Skywalker
'Frank & Robot' is quirky little indie sci-fi dramedy that weaves a very subtle, but ultimately shallow, tapestry of themes like aging, loss, regret and what it means to be human. But what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in thoughtful execution. I appreciated that it never tried to beat me over the head or aspire to be something more grandiose than it was ultimately meant to be.Anchored by yet another great performance by Frank Langella and backed up by a very solid supporting cast, 'Frank & Robot' is a breezy slice of life, and if nothing else, a fresh and original spin on some otherwise well-worn themes.
AD
