Let's get this taken care of right off the top: if you are a huge fan of Isaac Asimov's classic story of the same name you won't like this. The reason is simply because screenwriters Jeff Vintar and Akiva Goldsman have just taken the "basis" of the story and come up with their own story.

Set in 2035 Chicago it's a future where robots are servants and protectors to humankind and have to abide by a set of three laws that involve not harming humans and shielding them from harm at all costs. That's where homicide detective Will Smith comes in.

When the top robotic scientist in the World apparently commits suicide, Smith's character doesn't believe it. In fact he believes the scientist's robot (one in a new line of 'bots) has committed the act. But seeing as there's no past history of robotic crime nobody believes him.

Soon enough though our hero is caught-up in the middle of a plot that involves the new robots (NC-5's as they are dubbed) becoming more conscious of themselves and deciding to take over from the humans. This leads to plenty of flashily staged action sequences that are directed with a stylized music video hyperactivity by director Alex Proyas (who did the cult favourite first Crow movie and the greatly underrated Dark City).

With some of the best CGI effects ever seen in a movie and impressive production design, I, Robot, looks awesome and it is an entertaining movie in the "popcorn" sense; but it seems they've tailor made it too much to suit Smith and his character wisecracks just a bit too much for my liking; also the finale (where the robots finally decide to take control) could've been more complex and compelling than it is.

But apart from those complaints this is a decent waste of 115 minutes and those robots do look pretty damn creepy and are somewhat menacing - plus your dreams of "rockem sockem" robots can finally be realized. (Chris Hartley, 2/22/05)

Directed By: Alex Proyas.
Written By: Akiva Goldsman, Jeff Vintar.

Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell.