Robot and Frank (2012)

Robot and Frank (2012)

A tender indie comedy-drama that lets the elderly have their heist movie too

7.3

Movie

United States of America
English
Comedy, Crime, Drama, Science Fiction
2012
JAKE SCHREIER
Ana Gasteyer, Bonnie Bentley, Dana Morgan
85 min

What it's about

Curmudgeonly old Frank lives by himself. His routine involves daily visits to his local library, where he has a twinkle in his eye for the librarian. His grown children are concerned about their father’s well-being and buy him a caretaker robot. Initially resistant to the idea, Frank soon appreciates the benefits of robotic support – like nutritious meals and a clean house – and eventually begins to treat his robot like a true companion. With his robot’s assistance, Frank’s passion for his old, unlawful profession is reignited, for better or worse.

The take

The secret weapon to this charming story of a cranky, aging father and his new robot companion is the near-total dryness of its humor. On paper, this might sound like a depressing movie, but thanks to director Jake Schreier's sensitive touch, its protagonist's fading memory and family drama takes on the spark of youth once more. It's sweet and low-stakes, with most of the tension not coming from any fear that Frank might get caught in his hijinks, but in the curiosity of seeing if he can get back to his thieving roots. A great cast including Frank Langella, James Marsden, and Jeremy Strong keep every emotion coming consistently.

Comments

Add a comment

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

Falling in Love Like in Movies (2023)

A contemplative Indonesian romance film that rewrites and re-examines the genre’s conventions

8.4

River (2023)

A delightful and ultimately life-affirming Japanese time loop comedy clearly made with love

8.8

The Guilty (2018)

A minimalist, razor-sharp thriller that will have you gasping for air.

9.0

Blind Date Book Club (2024)

A perfectly saccharine bookstore romance for light viewing

7.5

System Crasher (2019)

A tale of trauma and one of the most talked about movies on Netflix in 2020.

9.0

Scoop (2024)

A gripping and illuminating dramatization of a landmark interview from the creator of The Crown

7.4

Pelle the Conqueror (1987)

A well-done, though lengthy, adaptation of the classic Danish immigrant novel

7.2

Fast & Feel Love (2022)

Speed stacking makes a comeback in this surprisingly funny film

7.0

Mister Organ (2022)

A filmmaker chases — and then struggles to escape — a shady figure in this fascinating and disturbing documentary

8.1

Wind River (2017)

Sicario's screenwriter directs this story of murder in an Indigenous reserve

9.4

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2024 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.