Movie Review: "Robot and Frank" (3.5 stars = Very Good)

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
By Barry Paris
In the ambiguous "near future" of a clever caper called "Robot & Frank," old codgers such as Frank are not scared -- just annoyed -- by the latest technological gadgets, which are only slightly higher-tech than today's. More annoying than the technology are the young technocrats, who are phasing out all obsolete "printed matter" at his local library. Comedy or drama? Geriatric-robotic buddy movie, sentimental fluff or social satire? I'm not sure. But give "Robot & Frank" credit, with its smart plot twists, for at least addressing the A-word Hollywood usually ignores: aging. It's a most unlikely but almost irresistible Alzheimer's allegory. The tender moments resonate. Mr. Langella shines. [link] ★★★★

Comments

There were no mentions of God, spirituality or faith in this wonderful film but there was definitely a Saint who starred throughout---a robot. Yes, it is a film about memory, and friendship, but it is also and more importantly about sacrifice and service. Yes, the robot was derisively called a "slave" by humans but it was a role he accepted with such humility and grace that he became the one person in the movie that you wanted to emulate. In the end, when the robot invites Frank to "delete" his memory, and therefore make the ultimate sacrifice for the human he served, this film becomes one of the most religious films of the season.
Heart-warming movie that spoke volumes to me. It left me hoping for a bright outlook for the future care of the elderly!