OK for kids 13+
Offbeat sci-fi buddy movie isn't likely to attract teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Robot & Frank is an indie dramedy with a sci-fi twist. Although the film's mature subject matter (an aging ex-con father has health and relationship issues) isn't too likely to appeal to tweens or teens, there's not a ton of age-inappropriate content. Language is the biggest concern, with one "f--k" and several "s--t"s, and there are a couple of passionate kisses and some adult alcohol consumption. If your teen does want to see Robot & Frank, the movie's futuristic setting and its messages about family make for interesting discussion topics.
- Families can talk about futuristic movies. How is Robot & Frank different than other future-set movies?
- Frank is preoccupied with the book Don Quixote. Talk to kids about the significance of this text and how Frank is like the central character, with Robot serving as his sidekick.
- Do you think the future portrayed in Robot & Frank is possible, particularly when it comes to elder care?
- What are some other futuristic movies that feature a central robot? How is "Robot" the opposite of the robot in A.I.: Artificial Intelligence? Which kind of robot (those that look like machines or those that look like people) do you think is more likely to be popular in the future?
The good stuff
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Messages: This is a bittersweet film with some potentially sad themes about aging and family relationships, but there's also a positive message about the lengths that adult children can and should go to make sure their parents are cared for in retirement and poor health. The importance of unconditional friendship is also stressed.
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Role models: Frank's kids are doing their best to take care of him, even though he was a neglectful father at times. They both show up regularly and try to watch after him. The robot, despite not being human, tries to give Frank advice that will protect him and help his health. Jennifer the librarian is kind and generous toward Frank.
What to watch for
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Violence: Frank is chased by armed police officers, but no one is hurt. A suspicious man accuses Frank of stealing his valuables and attempts to get in his face, but there's no actual violence. Frank, a cat burglar, engages in shoplifting, breaking and entering, and other criminal (but not violent) behavior.
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Sex: A married couple is shown through a window kissing passionately in what's clearly a prelude to more. A woman wears a cleavage-baring dress. An older couple kisses once after flirting for most of the movie.
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Language: One "f--k" and a few uses of "s--t," "a--hole," "bitch," "bastards," and "damn," plus a few scatological terms, like "piece of crap," "dump," etc.
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Consumerism: Frank's son drives an Audi, but because the film is set in the relatively distant future, there aren't too many labels or product placements.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink at cocktail parties and meals. A woman jokes that fundraisers are easier to deal with after a few drinks.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Great time, then forgettable by Madame Mim
Slow pacing deliberate to attract "mature" (read: aging baby boomers now seniors) target audience? Or is slow pacing meant to mimic Frank's slowing memory?
At any rate, be prepared to relax and thoroughly enjoy.
Then go home and forget about it. You will barely remember it next year, whatever your age.
4
Robot & Frank by bzerkeley
Frank Langella and the Robot are the bomb!!
James Marsden and Liv Tyler are just so -- so.
Robots rule - where can I get one?
5
Layered with Excellence by sunnyforever
If you were faced with Alzheimers, what would be your dearest commodity? To Frank it was his memory. And there is a deep interplay in this movie centered on the value of a human life and the value of a lost memory. Also layered in this well written script is what is the value of parent/children relationships, if your memory is fading what would you remember, and does the loss of memory make you less human? I know some will go into this movie seeking just entertainment, but if you put your thinking caps on in this one, you might get a few revelations included.
4
Sci-Fi about the future of elder care by pedsarq
This movie was a complete surprise to me in a very pleasant sense. Frank, a older man with a shady past begins to lose his mind, so his son brings him a robot programed to be a care-giver and improve his quality of life and cognitive abilities. Frank is very angry about the whole thing...until the robot begins to grow on him. I will not go into what transpires next because what these two get into from this point on in the movie is truly shocking and touching. You will be surprised at where this story goes. It is very original and truly entertaining.
5
You could only wish your robot friend was like this by Goddess_Echelon
This little sleeper of a movie is bursting with surprises and should have come out in all major movie houses. You can't help but fall in love with Frank and Robot. You will laugh, cheer, cry and feel heart broken. This movie has a stellar cast who all give a fantastic performance. The story plot is refreshing and moves right along and by the end you want your very own robot as well.
4
Robot and Frank by photo buff
This is a very touching and funny movie. It is also very original, and the acting is great. Definitely would recommend it. Not for children, though.
5
Unique, poignant, subtly funny by dragonfliesdrawflame
The film has a wonderfully understated, straightforward, slightly edgy sense of humor. The nicely developed characters of both Robot and Frank give the film a universal appeal, but the film also has its share of subtle observations about aging, memory, family, and technology. Frank Langella's performance is superb. Peter Sarsgaard's robot is both very human and very empty at the same time ("I told you, Frank, I'm not a person.") Exactly the kind of high-quality flick that I really wish we could see more of nowadays.
5
Robot & Frank by OldGuyLA
Wonderful performance by Frank Langella, clever movie plot. Cute ending, down plays the seriousness of Alzheimers or senile dementia, but a good evening out that doesn't insult your intelligence.
5
Wonderful movie with heart and mind by alex20850
After so many movies in the theaters this days that seem to have lots of action and noise and very little plot, this one is a delightful change of pace. For days afterwards, I still savor the craftsmanship of the movie and the acting.
3
Robots more human than people? by senior fan
Great message. The next day I read an article about Robots that are being programmed to assist the elderly, do housework, fold laundry etc. Maybe this isn't so far in the future. But the real question is will they also be capable of replacing the emotional component in our relationships? Robots helps bring a family together........and the ending is just plain fun.