I, Robot

In a future where robots are common and bound by three strict laws, a wary detective who distrusts machines takes on a case that appears to be a simple suicide. When he becomes convinced a robot could be involved, he digs into a labyrinth of corporate secrets, clever hardware, and hidden agendas that push him to question the line between human and machine. As the probe widens, the city grows more maze like, its chrome streets echoing with whispers about who controls whom. The detective faces pressure from superiors and the public, and he must decide what moral lines are worth crossing when the clues point toward a larger threat to civilization.

Directed by Alex Proyas, the film draws on Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot concept and is scripted by Jeff Vintar and Akiva Goldsman with Marc Marcum. It arrived in 2004 as a high profile science fiction action release. The visuals blend practical effects with cutting edge CG, creating a believable near future that still feels recognizably human.

Sonny the robot and the film's sleek cityscapes helped shape how audiences picture artificial intelligence on screen. The movie sparked conversations about machine autonomy, rights, and safety, and it lingered in popular culture as a case study in how humans might relate to their mechanical creations.

Critics offered mixed reactions, praising the action and visuals while noting the plot felt thin at times. The film wrestles with fear of technology and questions about control versus free will, asking what happens when humanity grows dependent on its own inventions.

Box office: The film performed robust worldwide grosses, bolstered by Will Smith's star power and a big budget spectacle. It attracted broad audiences with its fast paced action and futuristic design, helping to anchor the studio's ambitions in science fiction for years to come.