Robot and Frank

Set in the near future, Robot and Frank is a story about Frank, (Langella) an elderly ex-jewel thief who lives alone in upstate New York.  His memory is failing, and his children are not sure what to do with him since he refuses to recognize his limitations.  His son Hunter (Marsden) comes to visit one day, bringing a robot to assist his father with chores around the house. At first, Frank is adverse to the ‘hunk of junk’, but after some time realizes it can be of use to him, and the two become friends.

Written beautifully and marked with superior performances by the entire cast, (especially Langella) Robot and Frank was moving in many ways. Having had a grandfather that suffered form Alzheimer’s, it was difficult to watch Frank’s downward spiral.  It can often be difficult to portray a relationship with an object as meaningful, but this movie pulled it off.  There were just as many laughs as tears, which made the story much more realistic in nature.  The script was one for the records, full of insight and very theme-oriented.  This is definitely one for the whole family to watch.  It reminds us all that life is precious and short.  It must be nurtured.

Robot and Frank is playing in the non-competition Premiere category.