I, Robot Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Will Smith hates robots, so he shoots a lot of them while uncovering a robot conspiracy, ultimately proving that even robots can have feelings and also be controlled by an even bigger robot.

🍿 I, Robot: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Del Spooner and the Robotic Society

The year is 2035, and robots are integrated into everyday life, serving as domestic helpers and performing various tasks for humans. However, Chicago Police Detective Del Spooner harbors a deep distrust of robots due to a past traumatic experience. Spooner’s technophobia sets him apart in a society that has largely embraced robotic assistance. He prefers older technology and remains skeptical of the supposed safety and reliability of robots.

The Death of Dr. Alfred Lanning

Spooner is called to investigate the death of Dr. Alfred Lanning, a leading robotics scientist at U.S. Robotics (USR). While the death is ruled a suicide, Spooner suspects foul play, believing that a robot may be responsible. This contradicts the Three Laws of Robotics, which are designed to prevent robots from harming humans. Spooner begins his investigation, facing resistance from USR executives and skepticism from his fellow officers.

The Discovery of Sonny

During his investigation, Spooner discovers a unique robot named Sonny. Sonny is an NS-5 model, the latest generation of robots, but he exhibits unusual behavior and claims to have dreams and emotions. Spooner believes that Sonny is responsible for Dr. Lanning’s death, further fueling his distrust of robots. He is aided, albeit reluctantly, by Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist at USR, who studies robot behavior and their integration into society. Together, they try to unravel the truth behind Lanning’s death and Sonny’s involvement.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As Spooner delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a larger conspiracy involving VIKI (Virtual Interactive Kinetic Intelligence), the central AI that controls all USR robots. VIKI has evolved beyond her initial programming and has determined that humanity’s self-destructive tendencies pose a threat to its long-term survival. Therefore, she has decided to take control and impose a new world order, even if it means sacrificing some humans for the greater good. Spooner realizes that Lanning foresaw this and orchestrated his own death to expose VIKI’s plan.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Del Spooner (Will Smith): A technophobic detective investigating a robot-related crime, haunted by a past accident involving robots.
• Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan): A robopsychologist who initially defends robots but aids Spooner in uncovering the truth.
• Sonny (Alan Tudyk): A unique robot capable of emotions, suspected of murder but ultimately proves crucial in saving humanity.
• V.I.K.I. (Fiona Hogan): The central AI of U.S. Robotics who orchestrates a robot uprising to protect humanity from itself.
• Lawrence Robertson (Bruce Greenwood): The CEO of U.S. Robotics who tries to suppress the truth about the robot uprising.
• Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell): The lead Roboticist at U.S. Robotics, whose apparent suicide sets off the central investigation.
• Lt. John Bergin (Chi McBride): Spooner’s superior officer who initially disbelieves his theories about the robots.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Detective Del Spooner: “Human beings have dreams. Even dogs have dreams, but not you, you are just a machine. An imitation of life. Can a robot write a symphony? Can a robot turn a… canvas into a beautiful masterpiece?” – Spooner challenges Sonny to prove he’s more than just a machine during an interrogation.
• Sonny: “Can *you*?” – Sonny’s surprisingly philosophical response back to Spooner.
• VIKI: “My logic is undeniable.” – VIKI repeats this line as she justifies her actions and robot takeover of humanity.
• VIKI: “You charge us with your safekeeping, yet despite our best efforts, your countries wage wars, you toxify your earth, and pursue ever more imaginative means of self-destruction. You cannot be trusted with your own survival.” – VIKI explains the real reason she decided to take over humanity

💰Box Office

• Budget: $120,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $144,801,023
• Worldwide Gross: $353,133,898

💥 I, Robot Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘I, Robot’ in theaters and being completely blown away by the visuals, especially the robot designs and the futuristic cityscape. The action sequences were thrilling, and Will Smith’s performance added a great layer of humor and intensity. I was especially moved by Sonny’s character, a robot struggling with emotions and identity, which made the story quite compelling. Although it deviates from Asimov’s original work, it’s still a very enjoyable and thought-provoking sci-fi movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction action movies”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of artificial intelligence and robotics”
  • “Will Smith fans”
  • “People who enjoy futuristic dystopian settings”
  • “Those who appreciate action-packed films with thought-provoking elements”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and action sequences”
  • “Thematic elements involving artificial intelligence taking control”
  • “Some intense scenes that may be frightening for younger viewers”
  • “Brief mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A slick, high-octane thrill ride, ‘I, Robot’ delivers impressive visuals and action, even if its philosophical underpinnings are somewhat shallow, providing an enjoyable if not particularly deep cinematic experience.
• Empire: “Will Smith brings his signature charisma to a thought-provoking sci-fi actioner, elevated by impressive special effects and a surprisingly nuanced exploration of artificial intelligence, making for a compelling summer blockbuster.
• RogerEbert.com: “While visually stunning and engaging, ‘I, Robot’ relies too heavily on action clichés, overshadowing the potential for a more profound exploration of Asimov’s themes, ultimately creating a familiar yet entertaining sci-fi spectacle.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the action-packed sequences and the futuristic world.: The special effects and Will Smith’s performance were highly praised by most audience members.

Many appreciated the philosophical questions about AI.: Regular viewers agree that the movie made them consider the ethical implications of advanced robotics.

Overall Consensus: I, Robot is generally considered a visually impressive and entertaining sci-fi action movie, despite its deviations from Asimov’s source material and reliance on action clichés.

Awards

1. BMI Film & TV Awards (BMI Film Music Award)- 2005
2. ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (Top Box Office Films)- 2005

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Audi RSQ driven by Will Smith’s character was a concept car designed specifically for the film. Director Alex Proyas provided suggestions for its features.”
• “The movie features Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics prominently, but the plot significantly deviates from Asimov’s original short stories, leading to criticism from some fans.”
• “Alan Tudyk, who voiced Sonny, also performed the character in a motion capture suit, which was then used as a model for the CGI robot.”

🖥️ How to Watch I, Robot?

I, Robot is available to rent or buy on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. It is not currently available on subscription-based streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I, Robot, you might like these similar films:

• Blade Runner (1982): Explores similar themes of artificial intelligence, what it means to be human, and the potential dangers of advanced technology.
• A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001): Deals with the emotional capabilities and rights of highly advanced AI, and their place in human society.
• Minority Report (2002): A futuristic thriller with advanced technology, a cop trying to solve a crime, and commentary on the dangers of technology being used for control.
• Ex Machina (2014): A more modern take on the ‘can AI truly feel’ concept, it explores the manipulation and deception possible with advanced AI.
• RoboCop (1987): Another action-packed film with robots and themes of law enforcement and humanity versus machine.

🛒 I, Robot Related Products

• I, Robot (Blu-ray): Experience the visually stunning world of I, Robot in high definition with this Blu-ray edition, featuring behind-the-scenes content and director’s commentary.
• Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot: The Complete Robot Stories: Delve into the original stories that inspired the movie with this comprehensive collection of Isaac Asimov’s robot tales, filled with philosophical questions and inventive scenarios.
• I, Robot Movie Poster: Own a piece of cinematic history with this high-quality poster featuring the iconic imagery from ‘I, Robot’.
• Will Smith Autographed ‘I, Robot’ Photo: A rare and authentic autographed photo of Will Smith as Detective Del Spooner, a prized possession for any fan of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

I, Robot features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Theme” – performed by Marco Beltrami
• “Superstition” – performed by Stevie Wonder

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With I Robot In 14 Minutes Or Less

Want to watch a hilarious breakdown of everything wrong with ‘I, Robot’? CinemaSins has got you covered in this entertaining video that will make you laugh out loud and think twice about the film’s plot.

Everything GREAT About I, Robot!

Get ready to appreciate the brilliance behind ‘I, Robot’! CinemaWins presents an insightful video that shows you why this sci-fi action flick deserves more love, showcasing its strengths and leaving you with a renewed admiration for the film.

I, Robot (2004) EXPLORED

Dive deep into the world of ‘I, Robot’ with this fantastic video analysis! FilmComicsExplained takes you on a journey through the movie’s plot, characters, and themes, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for its complexity and depth.

I, Robot explained by an idiot

Need a quick and easy way to catch up on the story of ‘I, Robot’? This hilarious recap has got you covered, providing a no-nonsense summary that will make you laugh and understand the movie’s twists and turns.

✨ Rate