A sci-fi thriller set in 2035
I, Robot stars Will Smith as Detective Del Spooner, a technophobic man with a past involving a malfunctioning robot. He's a bit of a misfit in a world where robots are commonplace, but that doesn't stop him from investigating a murder he suspects was committed by one of them.
Loosely based on the works of Isaac Asimov
The film is loosely based on the works of science fiction writer Isaac Asimov and his Three Laws of Robotics, which are intended to guide the behavior of machines in ways that defy conventional thinking about them (and a few other things too). It's a great story about AI and robotics, but it's also a good way to get an overview of Asimov's writings.
Asimov's optimism and concern
Asimov is well-known for his optimism about the future of robotics and artificial intelligence. These stories are a great example of that kind of thinking, with a healthy dose of thoughtful concern about the potential consequences of robots.
A collection of short stories
I, Robot is a fascinating collection of short stories that explore issues of robots in society and relating to human beings. It is a great introduction to Asimov's work for those who haven't read his earlier books like Runaround or Empire of the Robots.
The importance of Asimov's Three Laws
It's a very smart, thought-provoking book that makes good use of Asimov's Three Laws, which are meant to keep machines logically grounded and safe. It's a great starting point for anyone looking to understand how AI and robotics are progressing, and it also hints at some deeper concerns about human-robot relationships.
Asimov's Three Laws and their impact
While Asimov's Three Laws were never fully enacted into society, they did have a lasting impact. They can't be ignored, but it's important to realize that they are a set of rules and not an absolute truth.
Connection to utilitarianism
Another interesting thing about Asimov's Three Laws is their connection to utilitarianism, which posits that we should do what is best for the largest number of people. This theory is echoed by Spooner when he thinks it's unfair that a robot saved him from drowning in a car, but didn't save a young girl.
The concept of being half-human and half-robot
There's also an element of this kind of thinking when Sonny, the accused murderer, tells Spooner that he's half-human and half-robot - a combination of human and machine. It's a clever parallel to the idea that humans can be half-human and half-robot, in which case they have to obey the rules that make sense for them but aren't always right.
Action sequences and computer graphics
Aside from these more philosophical issues, there are a few good action sequences that have been given the kind of computer graphics that have become very common in science fiction. The fight between Spooner and the robot in a police station is particularly effective.
The battle between NS-5s and the VIKI core
The battle between NS-5s and the VIKI core is also very well-acted and a lot of fun. While it's not exactly the kind of sci-fi action that you'll see in films like Star Wars, the battle scenes have an energy and momentum that Asimov might be proud of.
