Sunday, June 30, 2013

Film review: Robot and Frank

Since Redbox has put free movie codes inside Dr. Pepper, my favorite soda, we rented Robot and Frank for free. Until, of course, we returned it after 9 p.m. and were charged for an extra day (boo). In any case, the movie was great.


I'd wanted to see it but was a bit hesitant because the previews seemed to give most of the movie away. Although some of the funniest moments were in the preview, there were plenty of great scenes left. 

Robot and Frank is the story of an old and possibly confused man who has a complicated and sordid history. His past transgressions involve high-stakes theft. With a witty librarian (played by Susan Sarandon) and robots to boot, the film is certainly interesting.

Frank's son buys him a health aid that also happens to be a robot. Although Frank is resistant, the robot soon grows on him. He even starts to teach the robot some of his old school ways.

Robot and Frank is a study of friendship, family and sacrifice.  It's set in the near future, giving the plot license to be slightly far-fetched. But the setting and technology only add to the general greatness. What the movie shows are universal truths that could be just as tre in the past as they are in the future. Frank is trying to find balance between his old, law-breaking self and his newer, grumpy self. His son is trying to balance being a father himself while also being the child, forced to care for an elderly parent. And the robot is trying to do his job while also making Frank happier. 

It's amazing that the robot becomes increasingly human-like to the viewer without changing his appearance. His tactics, word choice and sentiment make him a character instead of a prop.

I highly recommend this movie. It's a fun watch with real meaning. I give it 4 paws up :)

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