NationStates Jolt Archive

Forget Spiderman 2, we have found the BEST movie this year.
Combine Terminator, 1984, Ghost in the Shell, and the parts of A.I. that didn't suck. Throw in a dash of Issac Asimov goodness, you have I, Robot. Far from the massive, all encompasing action flick it is being advertised as, it actually features a complex story. There is plenty of intrigue to keep fans of mysteries happy, and there is enough psychological depth to greatly seperate this movie from action movies such as anything with Stallone or Segal.

*Shivers*

Sorry, I do not like Will Smith, and love Asimov.

I do not think it is for me.

Will still see it though.

The director of I, Robot has my permission to kick me in the balls anytime. That movie was the best. Will Smith is god-like in that movie.

Hmmmm...I'll have to go see that.

My only question is, was the "Ghost in the Shell" reference intentional or was it developed seperately?

For those that don't know, "Ghost in the Shell" is an anime movie in which cybernetics have become so common place (actually out of all the major characters, only one was purely human) that the very definition of 'human' came under question, the final result is they changed the definition to possessing a soul or a 'ghost'

It may not have been the best movie, but it sure as hell was one of the coolest. Honestly, the robots looked real. not even CGI real, REAL. and the scenes where they were marching in the street were really sweet.

My only question is, was the "Ghost in the Shell" reference intentional or was it developed seperately?

For those that don't know, "Ghost in the Shell" is an anime movie in which cybernetics have become so common place (actually out of all the major characters, only one was purely human) that the very definition of 'human' came under question, the final result is they changed the definition to possessing a soul or a 'ghost'

That was in Asimov long before Ghost in the Shell ever used it.

As for that- it's good as long as you know the I, Robot title is just a backdrop for using the Three Laws and sucking in some publicity. It's not meant to be an I, Robot movie and you honestly can't make one.

But, I hate WIll Smith so I won't see it.

*Shivers*

Sorry, I do not like Will Smith, and love Asimov.

I do not think it is for me.

Will still see it though.

ya dude me too. i thought it would suck the big one, but i found myself enjoying it. I love asimov like nothing else, but this is a pretty well-done movie.

Forget Spiderman 2, we have found the BEST movie this year.
Combine Terminator, 1984, Ghost in the Shell, and the parts of A.I. that didn't suck. Throw in a dash of Issac Asimov goodness, you have I, Robot. Far from the massive, all encompasing action flick it is being advertised as, it actually features a complex story. There is plenty of intrigue to keep fans of mysteries happy, and there is enough psychological depth to greatly seperate this movie from action movies such as anything with Stallone or Segal.

I'll give it a 3 out of 5. The name, premise and the three laws are Asimov's but that's about it. I thought the robots climbing USR was a bit derrivative from Matrix 3's multiple Mr. Smiths - but it was better done.

A decent rental but not necessarily worth first run bucks.

SHL

That was in Asimov long before Ghost in the Shell ever used it.

As for that- it's good as long as you know the I, Robot title is just a backdrop for using the Three Laws and sucking in some publicity. It's not meant to be an I, Robot movie and you honestly can't make one.

But, I hate WIll Smith so I won't see it.He didn't rap during the entire movie, he actually ACTED with some believability (sp?). There were very few things, (except the mere presence of Will Smith) to make this a 'Will Smith movie'. I think he's finally growing up and getting away from the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-air' and actually trying to be a serious actor, so far, he's doing pretty well, least better than Keanu, who always plays a cop, or a clueless would be stoner.

woooohoooo im going to see the movie in about 20 minutes

DOLLAR NIGHT AT THE LOMA THEATER IN SOCORRO

i love wil smith but i was worried that it would suck because of being so far off from asimovs vision


now im getting excited

woooohoooo im going to see the movie in about 20 minutes

DOLLAR NIGHT AT THE LOMA THEATER IN SOCORRO

i love wil smith but i was worried that it would suck because of being so far off from asimovs vision


now im getting excited
It does kinda give the 3 laws the finger, but in the most respectful way ^_^

It goes against everything that the book was about, but I'll see it anyway.

Im suposed to go to the movies tonight with my friend and I am going to whine so I get my way and get to see I, Robot. He is also an Asimocv fan and upset that they changed the sotry so much. And he wants to see the Manchurian Candidate or Chronicles of Riddick, and I want to see thsoe too but I wanna see I, Robot more.

Will Smith has never been a favorite actor of mine but if you say he is good in this one then I will keep an open mind.

It was a good movie... The only bad part was that it deviated massively from the original Isaac Asimov I, Robot storyline about a scientist who worked her entire life with robots...

It goes against everything that the book was about, but I'll see it anyway.
Actually, not really, see the movie, its not so much 'throwing the laws out the window' as it is 'this is what would inevitably happen.

I will watch it (maybe), but from its trailers, it appears to have little resemblence to Asimovs work. It seems to violate hois three laws of robotics, so unless they introduce a hacker playing with the robots programing, then the plot will be fatally flawed.

Jim

Actually, not really, see the movie, its not so much 'throwing the laws out the window' as it is 'this is what would inevitably happen.

Like the definition of the three laws gets scewed? That actually happened in one of the I, Robot stories...except it was in space, and they had no intention of killing anyone.

I will watch it (maybe), but from its trailers, it appears to have little resemblence to Asimovs work. It seems to violate hois three laws of robotics, so unless they introduce a hacker playing with the robots programing, then the plot will be fatally flawed.

Jim
I am torn between the need to convince you to see the movie and the need to not give out spoilers, so I will say this. The laws are left intact, in a manner of speaking.

Like the definition of the three laws gets scewed? That actually happened in one of the I, Robot stories...except it was in space, and they had no intention of killing anyone.
Yeah, thats essentially what happens

Will Smith actually made me think he's a respectable actor (for once).


Although he is funny....

Or they could have typoed the first law. For instance, no commas.

"A robot may not harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm."

becomes:

"A robot may not harm a human being or through inaction allow a human being to come to harm."

Now a robot can kill as long as it doesn't both injure a human and allow one to be injured independantly at the same time.

But that's a little too nitpicky and deep for an action movie.

My guess is some sort of terrorist organization (who are used in every movie now) redefined "human" for the robots, like that one Spacer planet did by telling its robots that the only humans were their race, not others.

Will Smith actually made me think he's a respectable actor (for once).


Although he is funny....

Si. One of the few will smith movies i like. (bad boyz was gay)

I am torn between the need to convince you to see the movie and the need to not give out spoilers, so I will say this. The laws are left intact, in a manner of speaking.

A great emphasis left on the words "in a manner of speaking"

Or they could have typoed the first law. For instance, no commas.

"A robot may not harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm."

becomes:

"A robot may not harm a human being or through inaction allow a human being to come to harm."

Now a robot can kill as long as it doesn't both injure a human and allow one to be injured independantly at the same time.

But that's a little too nitpicky and deep for an action movie.

My guess is some sort of terrorist organization (who are used in every movie now) redefined "human" for the robots, like that one Spacer planet did by telling its robots that the only humans were their race, not others.No, no terrorists. Those are only used in the mindless movies, and frankly those movies don't even know who Issac Asimov is.

Entirely enjoyable movie. It could have been better (heck, it could have been great) but there isn't too much to complain about. I get a kick out of how everything goes to hell when the robots embrace collectivism (the "zeroeth" law) instead of the individualist first law. How true to life.

I also enjoyed SHODAN-lite.

I, Robot is quality. I haven't read any of Asimov's stories, so I have no idea if the movie did them justice, but it's a thoroughly enjoyable movie in its own right. Will Smith is hilarious, but the story manages to remain serious, rather than becoming the type of farcical comedy you'd expect to find such great one-liners in.

On a related note, the three-week period from July 16th to August 6th is turning out to be movie heaven. Last Friday, I, Robot. This Friday, The Bourne Supremacy. Next Friday, The Village. August 6, the movie I've looked forward to more than any other this year, Garden State, and also Collateral, which I just saw a preview for the other night before I, Robot. Good times, folks. Good times.

I saw the movie. It's not phenomenal, but it wasn't a waste of money either. Besides, I like to see other people's ideas of the near future. I especially liked that thing that stored your car on a hook in a parking garage.

I havent seen it yet, but im going this thursday so I can put my 2 cents in after that.

From what I gather, the film originally had little to do with Asimov's namesake novel. They tagged bits of the plot on as an afterthough to justify using the name of I, Robot.
The film is billed as "suggested by Isaac Asimov's book", meaning that it incorporates some elements of the robot stories that appeared in Asimov's 1950 short story collection. The film started as a screenplay titled "Hardwired" by screenwriter Jeff Vintar. Then, with the permission of Asimov's estate, the title was changed and the story modified to use some characters and plot elements from Asimov's stories. The final product clearly contains many of Asimov's ideas, but a story that belongs to Vintar and fellow screenwriter Akiva Goldsman.
http://www.asimovonline.com/

In other words, if you want to see a film adaption of I, Robot (how this would work I've no idea), then forget it. Just leave your brain at the door and enjoy it for what it's worth.

One of the best movies I've seen this year. It was a good movie and I want to see it again. I had minimal complaints.

One boring movie.

Forget Spiderman 2, we have found the BEST movie this year.
Combine Terminator, 1984, Ghost in the Shell, and the parts of A.I. that didn't suck. Throw in a dash of Issac Asimov goodness, you have I, Robot. Far from the massive, all encompasing action flick it is being advertised as, it actually features a complex story. There is plenty of intrigue to keep fans of mysteries happy, and there is enough psychological depth to greatly seperate this movie from action movies such as anything with Stallone or Segal.I'm planning to see it later today.

The director of I, Robot has my permission to kick me in the balls anytime*ERK!*
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!

Will Smith only plays one type of character. The wisecracking hero. I was disappointed when I heard they cast him for this role.

I loved this movie! It was fantastic, and left me excited many times. Only one problem. Some of it is really confusing:

1. In the car accident, how does Spooner (Will) lose his arm? It doesn't seem to be missing when the robot saves him.

2. Why is Sonny on the hill and all the toher robots looking at him (like in the picture)? I mean, what does he do?

Some other nitpicking, but overall, an excellent movie.

I have gripes too like the red light when they are in bad robot mode. god how cheesey. but shhhh dont give stuff away :-o

*ERK!*
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!

Just taking advantage of the anonymousness of the forums. :D

1. In the car accident, how does Spooner (Will) lose his arm? It doesn't seem to be missing when the robot saves him.

My guess would be that he doesn't actually lose it in the car, but it's so badly damaged that it has to be replaced afterwards.

I think Will Smith's character's name is funny. Spooner. (aka Spoon)

I figure the movie was good. BUT THEY STOLE MY ROBOTIC ARM IDEA!!!! Although, mine included a sword and lots of explosives.

*ERK!*
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!

I think that's supposed to be a compliment.

I'll do it if the Director is busy. :D