Film Review: Robot & Frank

Robot & Frank   8/10
Director: Jake Schreier
Starring: Frank Langella, Peter Sarsgaard, Susan Sarandon
Plot: an elderly man named Frank (Langella) receives a robot butler from his son, with the purpose of looking after him. The robot assists Frank, an ex-jewel thief, in a heist.

Creating a 89-minute film about an old man and a robot is incredibly ambitious and brave during such a tough, economic climate. You may be pleased to hear, however, that this film is many things, and dull isn't one of them.

Firstly, the cast here is superb; Frank Langella’s portrayal of a lonely, old man is touching at times, and his relationship with the robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) unravels on-screen beautifully. James Marsden and Liv Tyler, the two siblings, dip in and out of the film with terrific performances; we see Marsden introduce the robot to his father’s home and Tyler shooing it away. Susan Sarandon is also marvellous as the librarian; she seems to steal each and every scene she appears in and plays a vital role later on.

Most notably, the film’s script is witty, fast-moving and solely character driven. It seems a very risky film to make, as it’s unlikely to draw in the audiences. However, this film could gain widespread appeal and perhaps a cult status if it receives the right publicity. Perhaps the only part of the film which could've cost is the robot. Created by Alterian, a Los Angeles-based company, it moves flawlessly and is truly fascinating to watch. Thankfully, the robot isn't borderline creepy. Instead, thanks to voice of Sarsgaard, the robot becomes a well established character, despite having few physical, human characteristics.

In Conclusion: Overall, Robot & Frank is an endearing tale which explores the truth behind old age. With one of the most interesting and compelling casts ever assembled, Robot & Frank is a fantastic drama with an unexpected ending.