Robot and Frank

Release: Early 2013
Director: Jake Schreier
Starring: Peter Sarsgaard, Frank Langella, Liv Tyler
Details: 89mins, 12A/PG13

Originally this review would have been the remake of the Evil Dead, but after a trip to my local video store, me and girlfriend felt bad subjecting my mother to 2 hours of graphic, detailed blood and guts, and so ended up with Robot and Frank instead. I also knew it was more likely to come with the video store man's uncommunicated approval. I mean, I couldn't ruin my reputable pretentious film image by renting mindless gore out could I?!...   

Anyway, 'Short and sweet' is what came to mind when the credits rolled after just an hour and 25 minutes. A simple, contemporary science fiction idea developed around an equally simple plot. Robot and Frank, as the title suggests, follows a retired, ageing cat burglar Frank after his son buys him a servant robot to help him around the house. After initially turning his nose to the idea he eventually comes round to it when he realises he can use the robot to help take him back to his burglary heydays.

To be honest, there's not a lot to say about Robot and Frank so, like the film, I'll keep this review short and (hopefully) sweet. It's a film that you get what it says on the tin. It's nothing new or original. It doesn't go in any particularly surprising directions and there's no huge plot twists. However that doesn't make it a bad film - it's equally both funny and ultimately sad as the theme of friendship is carried carefully throughout the film, making you think, but never too hard. Its an easy film to recommend, except if you're my dad, who fell asleep midway, due to the lack of explosions or high speed car chases. At least if my mum runs away with another man, I'll know to buy him a robot now.

7/10

An easy to watch rental. Nothing special but nothing to criticise either!