Review of Robot & Frank (2012) by Jesse O — 27 Feb 2013

I've always found Frank Langella to have a very imposing presence that always makes him, more often that not, the highlight in films where he's not even the lead. This film is really no different, as Frank delivers another impeccable and charming performance as, you guessed it, Frank.

The strength in his performance, while most definitely bolstered by an incredible script and a great supporting cast around him, is how, even if the plot is a bit "far-fetched", Frank is able to find the humanity in the character and make him a sympathetic, even if he's a flawed, character.

The story is an examination of how this man, with the help of his robot, relives his moments of youth because he's afraid to admit that he's older now and refuses to accept that he needs any help for his dementia.

So it works both as a comedy and as a character study. The story is both very sweet and in a lot of ways very sad because you do know that Frank has a problem that needs to be taken care of, but it's sweet seeing how Frank ends up feeling healthier, and happier, than he has in years with his robot, who he considers his only friend.

But it is also heartbreaking to see Frank refuse to acknowledge that the robot is just a piece of hardware that's there for his own well-being and how he clings to this robot the way he couldn't do with his children.

The robot is also a great character because, while he may not have "feelings", everything he does is to ensure Frank feels healthier and that's a very sweet. All in all, this is just a great film from top to bottom.

Frank Langella is fabulous in this film and the great script only helps to make Frank's performance even better. It's probably not the best film I saw all year, but it would still be high on my list of favorite films of last year.

Incredibly funny and touching character study, so highly recommend.