User Reviews

This is a dark comedy film with crime elements and a science fiction element. It covers themes including independence, trust, manipulation, loneliness and companionship. I felt the plot was quite poignant in that it explores issues that will affect many people - social care is a big concern these days, with an aging population and I admit I've always been interested in films about robots, since I was a child and was captivated by the 'Short Circuit' films. I still find it hard to believe that robots such as the one depicted in this film, are feasible but perhaps that isn't relevant. I found it somehow spooky watching how the future was depicted (of course I presume the film to be set in the future, although not too far in the distant future as I judge it) with more voice activated functions around the house and the like. I found the relationship between Frank and the robot to be quite endearing, which is a bit of a feat given how, obviously, inanimate a robot is but the way said robot is seen to learn, the way he talks, interacts and so on did make it seem somehow partially human - I suppose its partly down to the human like postures, the tone of voice present in its speech patterns, some of the dialogue it gives and so on. I found myself feeling a little sceptical about how the plot developed, elements of it, although I won't go in to any specific detail so as not to spoil the film for potential viewers. Its one of those films that makes you think about how much we rely on technology to allow us to communicate with others, what a heavy reliance we have on it to stay 'connected' and of course it means that every day things can be done without facing people on a face to face basis, which is a shame. There's definitely a sense of loss on a wider societal scale which is, if but lightly, hinted at in this film and its something I feel is true to life, in regards to current Western society. Cast wise, Frank Langella plays the main character, Frank. He comes across as somewhat curmudgeonly, stubborn and sceptical about how the world is becoming so reliant on technology. He seems cold although as the plot develops, we see different sides of him and he becomes a more likeable character, or I thought so anyway. I felt that he looked somewhat nervous and perhaps potentially frightened at the start by the idea of being lumbered with a robotical assistant type, although he clearly doesn't want that to show too obviously to others. The robot is voiced by Peter Sarsgaard - I felt that the voice, which was quite artificial and clearly non-human but still showed elements of emotion, of attachment towards Frank, was good in that it made me wonder quite how human it could be truly thought of as being. Its the mix of artificial robotic elements and cultural, human, emotional elements that definitely interested me - I know that people talk of AI (artificial intelligence) and how moral it can ever really be. I don't know the ultimate answer to that but I felt the character was well portrayed and developed. Other, human, characters include the local librarian, Jennifer played by Susan Sarandon - she seems quite a like minded person, who could be said to wear rose tinted glasses. Other cast members include James Marsdon, who plays Franks son, Hunter, plus Liv Tyler as Madison. Its hard to quite put my finger on precisely what was so good about this particular take on the futuristic robotical film type but I certainly did enjoy it. I suppose its the characters, cast and the dialogue that work well together to bring a surprisingly realistic depiction of something that does make you wonder what we will rely on, or use, to help older people who become vulnerable and disorientated, plus what issues may arise. I should also point out that while the film does definitely touch on some very relevant and important issues, as I've mentioned, it is a dark comedy film and there were scenes which made me smile - I like that Franks spirit seemed quite determined to make what he'd been given work for him, so I should say that its not entirely serious and its certainly not a documentary type of film. It is certainly poignant, as a film but it also left me feeling quite smug in a sense, due to the plot developments, how Frank could be said to manipulate his robot to an extent and what happens as a result. Yes, I'd definitely recommend this film. I felt it was poignant, thought provoking and certainly quite amusing as well. It featured good performances and has some witty dialogue.

A clever and poignant movie about ageing, technology and staying relevant. Enjoyable.

Very funny on moments and with that cutie robot, it’s great to watch, although the film didn’t really win me over. The end came pretty much out of nowhere and it felt like “is this really the end”. But yeah, overall it was decent.

This movie is so cool and entertaining to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While this is a comedy about an elderly cat burglar teaming up with his robot caretaker, it's also a very sad story about declining cognitive ability late in life and the difficulties of caring for aging parents. It is an emotionally affecting film that finds its moments of levity.

A heartwarming movie that features the great Frank Langella in a role that somehow beats his performance in Frost/Nixon, and he's incredible in that too. Also, the robot is absolutely adorable.

Robot and Frank is both touching and moving when it comes to the movie story line, as the chemistry between the old man and the robot was spot on great and the highlight of the movie easily, but I really wish this was in a better movie. The movie isn't terrible but the movie didn't really interest in some scenes and I'm not going to re-watch this movie anytime soon. The movie is decent at least.

"Robot & Frank" 10 Scale Rating: 7.0 (Good) ... The Good: A very different take on science fiction and robotics. An interesting concept in a very believable future setting. Frank Langella was amazing and I am surprised that neither he or this film garnered more attention. Perfect ending. The Bad: Does drag on somewhat in the middle. It felt like the writer and director had a great idea and knew how they wanted to end it, but weren't sure what to do in-between.

Frank Langella beams in this role as a retired burglar in the early stages of losing his memory. Robot & Frank touches into the future with the addition of a service robot, which Langella ultimately befriends. A unique sentiment is developed and we swoon.

Robot & Frank was an alright movie. It's not what I expected, but it wasn't a complete waste of time watching it. Frank Langella was a great actor, so was Susan Sarandon. But then there was Liv Tyler...

Great film with a great, touching story. Frank's relationship with the robot was both inspiring and depressing. Frank's relationship with his children seemed inconsistent, at it was never really clear whether or not they even liked each other. It also seemed to base Frank's character too much on old age stereotypes. Aside from the inconsistencies and unoriginal character portrayal, it was still an excellent film.

Another one that Slant gets wrong. This is a small film, and it makes no claims to being anything other than that. As such, we're free to watch a master actor, Langella, at work. (Needless to say, the good folks over at Slant don't have much patience with films that don't go Pow and Zap).

Robot and Frank has a lot of great comedic scenes between Frank and the robot and despite the lack of emotional connection, I would recommend seeing this film for those scenes.

All the trailers for Robot and Frank displayed the film as a picture about a retired burglar and his return to stealing thanks to the help of his new robot. However the most important part they missed out is the fact that this is a film that is mostly about senility and the things we lose as we get old and in Frank's case its his memories. The film follows Frank (Frank Langella) as he struggles to live alone and take care of himself. To help his son (James Marsden) buys him a helper robot who he decides to re purpose into helping him resume his early career in burglary as a way of proving to himself and those around him he isn't past his prime. In a film that tries so hard to know where it is going its odd to know that much like with Frank, the 3rd act is a blur of incoherent thoughts and ideas that collapse in on themselves due to poor plotting. The film attempts to portray Frank as endearing yet grouchy really just makes him a bit unlikable but Langella manages to inject some of his charm to offset the problem. Liv Tyler while better in this than in most of her work still doesn't quite belong with her character feeling more like a plot point, more like one side of an argument than a real live person. What saves the film from being a mess of good ideas and bad execution is the wonderful relationships such as Frank's interaction with his robot, but most of all in his interaction with his son because that is where most of the films emotion an power comes from and Marsden is more than up to the challenge. Susan Sarandon makes a good foil for Frank but ultimately this is a film about a man losing everything about himself and struggling to come to terms with it while fighting for what little time he has left so it isn't really a film about meeting someone new and settling down, its a film about holding onto the idea of meeting someone new, the idea that Frank's life is still his own and not being consumed by a brain that doesn't work the way it should and because of this it is a heartbreaking emotional picture well worth watching despite its disappointing ending.

Langella delivers with this top notch performance. The robot serves as a reminder of the human condition and how we all grow old. Everybody needs a friend or companion. The plot is simple but moves carefully to the climax. A fantastic movie that will have you reaching for your phone to call your parents.

A very sweet and simple movie. Id call it a masterpiece if it had a bit more content to it.

This is not a robot movie--it is very much about people who love, age, cope. It is beautifully done, light in tone but finally very moving. Ig's a shame that some people are avoiding it because its title suggests a science fiction film to them. Langella is fine in an unusual role for him, and Susan Sarandon has a transcendent moment near the end. Highly recommended.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

This movie didn't seem to know where to go next. It was choppy, muddled, and tiresome. The characters were two-dimensional, the plot was tediously predictable, the humor flat. Liv Tyler was hugely irritating as the well-intentioned daughter. I'm amazed this film has garnered so many glowing reviews. Very disappointing.

Enjoyable from beginning to end. Great performance from Frank Langella. Finally a good movie without blood, explosions, dead people! If only there were more . . .

Frank Langella plays a retired cat burglar who's starting to lose his memory. His concerned son buys him a service robot (this is the near future), which is greeted with disdain

Sometimes you walk into a movie not expecting much and when it says

What a delightful, surprising and resonant first film about aging, dementia, and the ambivalent prospect of robotic care of the elderly to have emerged from the collaboration of a youthful screenwriter (Christopher Ford) and director (Jake Schreier). This deceptively modest film is blessed by a tour-de-force performance by the brilliant Frank Langella complemented by a dream team supporting cast and a whimsical mechanical contraption brought to eerie cybourg life by Peter Saarsgard's pitch-perfect robotic voice. With nary a moment of violence or nudity, it manages to be simultaneously amusing, provocative and edifying. A little gem of a timely film appropriate for all ages.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]