James For a film nigh-on 20 years old, Chris Columbus's "Bicentennial Man" stands out from most others (with the possible exception of Spielberg's equally mind-blowing "Artificial Intelligence" from 2001) in its warmth, freshness and quality. Rarely was ageing makeup better deployed on screen; ... or design work (visibly drawing on the Arts and Crafts and Charles Rennie Mackintosh's version of Art Nouveau); rarely was a (James Horner) theme tune more sweeping and emotionally all-embracing; rarely was a future scenario addressed with more gusto; and rarely were meaningful emotions put on display more overtly.This is by no means the end of the creativity, as there are comic turns, some beautiful bits of natural scenery, breathtaking and optimistic cityscapes of the future and much else besides.Not bad for a film (drawing on Asimov sci-fi) that never needed to be made, posing questions that perhaps may never need to be asked.But what if? And, ultimately, why not? Cinema exists for a purpose and here we are swept, ever-movingly, through the years, and to philosophical places that at times seem to offer beauty and clarity, while at other moments pass beyond the uncomfortable. Here is a film that has no fear - ultimately declaring that a 200-year-old robot, by virtue of steady mechanical evolution, learning, imitation, personal development and contacts with others that generate love can achieve such a degree of sentience, such a level of humanity, that a soul for it might spontaneously pop into existence just for those very reasons. If this a daring conclusion, or a shocking one, well who cares? Let us have it brought before us for analysis - just bring it on! It's a real film that is doing the asking, and there is no necessity for that to be easy or straightforward, fully cohesive, or even always entirely comfortable watching.Since the late Robin Williams does the honours as "Bicentennial Man" himself, otherwise "Andrew Martin", it is surprising how little the real-life story we now know tweaks retrospectively what we see in the movie ... in either direction. But what is certain is that when the metallic android features of the film's first half ultimately give way to the face of the actor we recognise so well, - well, with the benefit of that hindsight we feel persuaded that there can seldom have been a more vivacious, alive and just plain good-looking, nice-looking, human-looking actor. At his best, Williams always had the ability to convey both warmth and sincerity, and here he does wonders.What is more, our story's Andrew (much like Star Trek's "Data" who addressed many of the same ethical, moral and philosophical questions in "The Next Generation") seems particularly adept at bringing out humanity and decency in other characters around him, most notably the erstwhile owner and ultimate liberator and friend Richard Martin (here played with intense warmth and aplomb by Sam Neill), as well as a great Oliver Platt as robotics genius Rupert Burns; and - of course - Embeth Davidtz as two separate members of the Martin family separated by two generations and making "progress" over that time in what they are willing to commit to.This is, but is also more than, a "Robin Williams" film. It has tremendous, magnificent, moving sweep; overwhelming self-belief; and a capacity - as the final credits roll - to make a viewer feel that something worthwhile and meaningful has been experienced. That's more than enough to satisfy this film-fan at least...

Kirpianuscus the emotions are pillars of this lovely modern fairy tale. because it is only version of the old myth of Pygmalion. because it could be an useful reflection of the struggle of different minorities for be accepted. because it represents a nice meeting between Isaac Asimov text and the art of Robin Williams. it is strange to define it more than trip in future and to remember old lectures. it preserves the flavor of childhood. its dreams, stories, desires and projects. its bitter steps to the self definition. its sweet romanticism. its silhouettes from a time of precise rules and noble feelings and the chosen. humor, delicacy, few splendid scenes, version of Pinocchio and, maybe, for a part of its public, homage to Collodi.in more measure than adaptation of Asimov. a nice film. and embroidery of emotions. .

Neil Welch Andrew is a household servant robot who is self-aware and anxious to learn about the human condition. As time passes he conscientiously works towards emulating humanity in terms of understanding, physical upgrades, and emotional connection with people with whom he interacts. And love becomes important...This rather odd film, based on an Isaac Asimov short story doesn't fit comfortably as a science fiction tale or as a comedy, but its considerable romantic heart - and the rather deep concepts it embraces - mean that both the humour and the science fiction are entirely fitting.The supporting cast are all pleasing (the age prosthetics applied to them vary from excellent to a bit dodgy), with Embeth Davidtz delightful as Andrew's main connecting points. But the film belongs to Robin Williams in one of his best performances. Lost under a robot mask for much of the film, he conveys great emotion by way of a rather flat and apparently emotionless delivery. This is an emotional film, and may result in tears. Assuming you're not a robot, of course.

midge56 I think we should fire all the professional critics. Who cares what they think. Clearly, they are not providing any useful service to the world except to crush the hopes of brilliant, talented actors, writers & directors. How many lives have they needless destroyed? This is a wonderful film for the whole family. Excellent acting, writing & directing. I rarely give such top marks to anyone. The only reason for the low box office turnout was because we were all fed up with the ridiculous onslaught of Y2K hoopla and we mistook the name of the movie for more of the same. We had no idea it was a brilliant family Sci-fi with superb acting, directing & script.It wasn't until later we discovered what a wonderful movie it was. I've watched it many times & the robot's love scenes followed by Celine Dion's fabulous song bring me to tears every time. The special effects & technology were also great.A fantastic story of a robot who becomes human with the amazing performance of Robin Williams which makes it even sadder to watch since his passing. Incredible makeup & costume. Plus the most talented director Chris Columbus who has made so many incredible films. Mrs Doubtfire (again with Robin Williams brilliant acting), and the first 3 Harry Potter movies; Home Alone movies, Percy Jackson films, Night at the Museum films. You can always depend on this director to create top box office films for the entire family. Any script & Actor become magic in his hands.I cannot say enough good things about this exceptional movie. It was wonderful from start to finish. I loved everything about this movie except the timing on the very last scene. His departure should have been delayed until the end of the speech. I also would not have had Sam Neil banish him. But the movie is still great. I highly recommend it for the entire family. But don't watch it with some macho male who would ruin it for fear they might become emotional during the very touching love scenes. Males don't like to cry in movies so they trash them instead.This is a clean, non violent, no sex scenes film. Safe for children.