Set in the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.
With all the external charms of a heart-warming, family drama Schreier’s comparison of old and new languishes in the wonders of technological advancement but also very firmly reminds us of the importance of those things society can sometimes leave behind.
Jake Schreier’s first feature is a slight story – it’s maybe something that could have turned up in an episode of the Twilight Zone – but it’s also tender and rather charming.
While a tad on the slight side, Robot & Frank is a charming, moving and enjoyable indie sci-fi. And the robot is miles better than the one from Rocky IV.
Forget the sci-fi trimmings and sentimental pay-off — this is a gleefully subversive character study of a charming but unapologetic rogue.
It’s Langella’s performance that makes this tangible, keeping the ailing Frank forcefully in the moment even when the moment is lost in a fog of confusion.
A comedy drama about an old man and his befriending of a robot could have shortcircuited in tears of pathos. Instead, Robot & Frank noodles around the subject of this odd couple in ways you don't quite expect.
Despite the amusing premise this isn’t funny, moving or eventful enough to merit a trip to the cinema.
Essentially, this is a slight piece of work, and not without its faults.
Robot & Frank does not quite deliver a killer punch, but it's an engaging, humane fantasy.
A fairly cheap trick towards the denouement aside, this is cutely observed, thoughtful work.
Robot & Frank develops into a touching yet unsentimental buddy movie, with a humdinger of a twist and some sly satirical digs at yuppie hipsters. And how nice to see a sci-fi film that doesn't require armies of computer-generated monsters, just one boxy, white plastic Jeeves.
The movie is highly enjoyably for three quarters of the way. It then runs out of steam and opts for a general sadness about geriatrics and cybernetics.
Robot & Frank: vision of the future?
General release. Check local listings for show times.
Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee from Friday March 15, 2013, until Thursday March 28, 2013. More info: www.dca.org.uk
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Monday April 8, 2013, until Wednesday April 10, 2013. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/