Like a science-fiction Odd Couple with a jewel heist in the middle, Robot and Frank was one of my favorite films from this year's FilmFest DC. The quirky buddy comedy also proved to be a big hit at Sundance, where it was lauded for being a little off the beaten path, even for a festival that generally traffics in offbeat indies.
Set in the not too distant future, Oscar nominee Frank Langella plays Frank, a retired burglar who has grown bored and yearns for intellectual stimulation. When his son(James Marsden) grows concerned about leaving him alone, he makes the decision to buy Frank a personal helper robot to take care of the chores and cook healthy meals. Still a brilliant thinker, Frank soon discovers his new robot pal would make for the perfect accomplice in plotting a major heist. Susan Sarandon plays a librarian Frank strikes up a friendship with, while Liv Tyler is his ultra-liberal daughter who hates the idea of a robot taking care of her father.
Set for release on August 24th, a new trailer has been released and it gives a pretty good look at the many aspects at play here. Besides the buddy comedy and heist elements at the heart of the story, the film has a lot to say about how our technologically advanced society has effected the seniors in this country. Newcomer Jake Schreier makes for an impressive debut that should turn a lot of heads this summer, and hopefully secure another Oscar nomination for Langella.
Check out the Robot and Frank trailer below, and also read my review of the film here...
