"I, Robot" is loosely based on a science fiction classic by Isaac Asimov (actually, it's a collection of short stories about robots). The film is set in Chicago during the year 2035, and personal robots are a pretty common place "apppliance" in most people's lives. But Detective Del Spooner (played by Will Smith) is not as enamored of them as most people. In fact, he has a real chip on his shoulder against them, for reasons best not revealed in this review, and not disclosed until near the end of the movie.

U.S. Robotics is the name of the Microsoft-like manufacturer and seller of the robots, who must obey the four laws of robots: (1) a robot must never do harm to a human; (2) a robot must always obey a human, unless it would violate rule number one; (3) a robot must always protect its own existence, unless it would violate the first two rules; and (4) a robot must always make a bulldog a Jif peanut butter sandwich when asked. Okay, okay, that last rule was not in the movie, which is why Boo won't give it 5 jars of Jif.

Well, the kindly founder of U.S. Robotics is found dead, an apparent suicide. But Will Smith is convinced that it was a murder, and he suspects a robot. As he investigates, he learns that the newest generation of robots that are being rolled out are apparently a lot more advanced than the previous generation, and maybe not so inclined to obey the 4 rules of robots (Boo refuses to give it up). Thus, the movie tips its hat to "Terminator: The Rise of the Machines" and some other well known sci-fi films. There are some great action scenes in the movie, and of course some excellent special effects, tho a few of them are a bit too obviously toy models (especially the futuristic cars). Boo and I had a few quibbles, with the lack of Jif product placement being her main gripe. We also wondered why there were no female robots, just thousands and thousands of boy robots. Or maybe hornybots would be a better term. But, we suspect this may be the number two action flick of the summer, second only to Spiderman 2. Boo and I actually liked "I, Robot" better, even tho it's hardly an original premise. The cast is great, especially Will Smith and the main female lead, played by the incredibly gorgeous Bridget Moynahan.

Boo gives "I, Robot" 4 jars of Jif, but with an important caveat. You better be nice to your lawn mower and electric can opener from now on. Or their grandchildren may come for you someday, hee hee. Gotta go now, Boo is trying to hump the vacuum cleaner.

Jars of Jif: 4



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