The verdict is still out on this one since I haven't seen it yet. I expect it to be a very good film. Anything Robin Williams has been in, is a hit for me. From what I understand, it is the only Isaac Asimov story that ever made it to the big screen as a full length motion picture. It is the life of an android (played by Robin Williams) that spans two hundred years, starting with the family that purchases him. It sounds intriguing. I know what my wife and I are going to be seeing during the Christmas holidays! The movie is being released soon, so keep posted, and please visit the official site linked below for a more detailed description!Update!
I understand that my opinion may be biased because I am eccentric when it comes to robots, but I think this was a great film for everyone. I really liked it!! It was a very warm and happy film as well as a tear jerker. Yes, I admit it (as much as I don't want to), I did have a few tears. This film deals with the "human experience", and does have a few references to sex, for all the parents out there. I would recommend this to everyone, not just robot aficionados.-Jeff
Recommended Reading:
"Bicentennial Man" by Isaac Asimov is a short story the movie is based on. It can be found in the anthology, Robot Visions, c.1990, Roc books (a division of Penguin books).Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg wrote the novel, The Positronic Man, c.1992, Foundation books (a division of Doubleday), which the film is also based on.
*Hint - These books have been around for years. "Bicentennial Man", the original short story, is copyright 1976. Isaac Asimov is pretty much a core collection author for a public library. If you cannot locate these titles in your city library, try finding out if your county library has it. If you have no luck there, ask if your library has Interlibrary Loan. You may be able to find the books from another library out of state. If that does not work and you still want the books cheaply, try your local used book stores. If all else fails, there are always chain bookstores as well as bookstores on line like Amazon books and Barnes and Noble.
I read the short story just before the movie came out. Jeff did not. We both enjoyed the movie. There are differences between the book and the film. So, to read or not to read, that is the question. It depends on you. I personally am a prereader. If I hear about a great film based on a novel, I read the book. Before or after, "Bicentennial Man" is a great read and worth the time.
-Tracy
Links:
Official Isaac Asimov Site
