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Out in cinemas this week: Two very different films about humans living with nonhumans—phyla robotica and monstrum.
Robot & Frank (2012)
Samuel Goldwyn
This breakout drama from this year's Sundance festival is, in some ways, what you'd expect from a Sundance sci-fi film: it's a charming drama about the relationship between a man and his robot, with roots in the dynamics of human and artificial life as explored by Asimov or Bradbury, and enough enthusiastic praise to run the risk of slightly overburdening an essentially straightforward film that's part caper and part allegory. Cagey, potent, and charismatic, Langella may not be the ideal Perry White, but he's an inspired choice for this material, and he's surrounded by, and nearly pushes off the screen, the kind of supporting cast any leading actor would kill for.
The story: Set in the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.
Starring: Frank Langella (Frank), James Marsden (Hunter), Liv Tyler (Madison), Susan Sarandon (Jennifer), Peter Sarsgaard (Robot), Jeremy Strong (Jake), Dario Barosso (Flattop), Bonnie Bentley (Ava), Ana Gasteyer (Shoplady), Rachael Ma (Robot), Joshua Ormond (Freckles), Jeremy Sisto (Sheriff Rowlings), Katherine Waterston (Shopgirl).
Directed by: Jake Schreier (feature film debut).
- Information and Resources.
- Trailer.
Dwegons (2012)
EnterAktion
The first of a series of four CGI creature features from Tom Walsh's EnterAktion Studios, filled with candy-colored critters and a form of animation that makes you look forward to the release of The Sims: Monsters.
AKA: Life with Dwegons.
The story: Family inherits an old house and to their surprise, finds the home filled with wonderful colorful creatures that brings the family together.
Starring: Melissa Leo (Grandma Fitz/Butterfly McDweg/Mrs. Fitzgerald), Maggie Wheeler (Sophia-So-Dwegon/Argalite/Juno Luno), Joey D. Vieira (Davargan/Yabo Potato/Sweetfang/Clyde), R. Martin Klein (Nosey Threehorn/Bloochip/Squats), Thomas Francis Walsh III (Timmy), Jacqueline Nyahay (Missy/Tatiana), John DeMita (Pete Fitzgerald), Mark Lewis (Vlady/Pavel).
Directed by: Tom Walsh.
