If you enjoy robots, cliché romantic drama, a suspenseful story, and observing a projection of what the future holds, then this movie just may be perfect for you. Robot and Frank is a fairly enjoyable Sci-fi drama that tells the story of an old “retired” burglar, Frank, who’s acquired a futuristic robot helper that changes his life. The movie tells us that the time period is in the “near future” that apparently looks like the present with the exception of robots and a little advance technology such as plastic card like phones, and odd shaped cars. The whole concept of the movie is pretty good that which did manage to keep several people entertained, which does include myself, but even this futuristic sci-fi cannot hide bad writing, and this film is no stranger to that.
Now as far as things like the acting within scenes, animation, music, and the actors themselves are all on point, no complaints about those whatsoever; it is the actual story and writing could use some work. The story begins by introducing the cold and forgetful old man named Frank that only wants to steal and be left alone. He often steals valuables around the city for money making him infamous by shop owners and the police; in fact, his reputation is so bad he is directly accused when something is stolen. Being an expert thief who seems to have an isolation complex, Frank was confident he could take care of himself without anyone’s assistance, but his concerned and caring son Hunter thought otherwise; as a result, Hunter forced an robot helper to help “watch over” Frank while Hunter was away with his own family. Not a bad start for the story, but after the robot makes his debut the movie starts to show problem.

The 5 foot unnamed humanoid robot may be very appealing in the movie, but it is not completely believable due to its functions. The robot was not programmed with any features that makes him obey the law at all, and I must ask why not? Surely if someone decided build an ever evolving humanoid robot they would want that robot know some morals about the law. What makes it bad is that in the movie the robot steals, and help Frank steals a lot; yet, when the robot is questioned he says “I don’t have any thoughts on that” as if the audience is supposed to accept that. Did someone even consider this when making the movie? As a person that takes his sci-fi seriously, I know plot holes like these has killed the appeal in several movies, but this one fortunately still has something to offer.
Some of the drama covers Frank with his love interest named Jenifer who is librarian with a robot of her own named Mr. Darcy. To put it short and simple, this movie fails in the love drama department. Their whole relationship feels dull, cliché and not really believable, in fact it feels straight out rushed near the ending of the movie. Jennifer lives as a typical librarian that is disappointed that libraries are becoming obsolete because of the popular demand of “augmented reality.” Well even today libraries are becoming less necessary as the internet grows, so to be fair, Jennifer’s side of the story is well written. Frank, despite being a thief, is shown to be a hardcore reader in the movie; he comes to the library Jennifer works at every times he wants new books even though he has read the whole library. With they both being readers, both have robots, and both have an interest in ancient books all adds to the cliché feel to their relationship; so this movie fails in making an original love story.
The techno soundtrack is quite possibly the best thing about this movie. It gives off a futuristic feel which matches the movie’s theme really well. At the credits there is even a singer that makes the song just exhilarating to listen to. Unfortunately, the techno song is only played twice in the whole movie, once during Frank’s walk at the beginning, and the other during the ending and credits. The theme possibly wasn’t played as much to preserve the seriousness of the movie of a thief using a robot for criminal purposes, but with all the futuristic gadgets and robots lurking around, it would fit to hear it more often (especially since the other music is not worth mentioning).
The movie may have a few flaws in it, but it is not a bad movie that you will regret watching. The acting is really good for all the characters, setting seems well placed, and that techno soundtrack is just amazing to listen to. I do find it disappointing that the movie only focused on two robotic designs while the ending credits show several fully functional robots. The movie may be named Robot and Frank, but that does not mean they can’t show how the other robots are affecting the way we live, and that is where this movie dropped the ball. Robot and Frank may easily satisfy the audience with the slightly predictable drama, a few jokes, and an extraordinary techno soundtrack, but if someone who is very skeptical about their sci-fi or drama may think otherwise. Either way, it is a movie to consider and remember.