Bicentennial Man...Your Thoughts?

[Moviefan2k4]

I thought I made a thread for this long ago, but it didn't show up in repeated searches. So, here goes...

Personally, I love this film, and never understood why so many feel differently. It still surprises me after 15 years, that the movie didn't even recoup its budget. My only theory is the trailer presenting a very different idea, from what the story actually is.

Here's a crash course, for those unfamiliar with the tale: in the early 21st century, a robot named Andrew is purchased by a family by the last name of Martin. Soon, all involved realize something's very different about Andrew; he has emotions and tendencies other robots don't. As his individuality quickly asserts itself, he begins a quest to see whether any others of his kind exist in the world.

The cast is impressive, and while some minor roles are fairly stereotypical, most are very well written and performed. Robin Williams delivers what I personally believe was his best live-action work, with excellent support from Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, and Oliver Platt. The message of the piece is both simple yet complex, in different ways - what does it mean to be human?

So, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this; all I ask is you please keep it civil. Thanks!

[aiman04]

Wonderful film. Been waiting for the blu-ray.

Haven't seen Chappie, probably inspired by this.

[Blu-21]

It's a unappreciated film. A little sappy at times but it has its heart in the right place and is very entertaining. I just bought the DVD recently, wish it came with the theatrical poster art instead.

[Thomas Guycott]

Originally Posted by aiman04

Haven't seen Chappie, probably inspired by this.

Having seen Chappie, it isn't.

[Foggy]

All I can remember is that I fell asleep when watching it when I was very young, I might try and seek it out again since it doesn't seem like a bad little movie.

[JeffTheMovieGuy]

2nd most depressing Robin Williams movie next to What dreams may come.

[cricepng]

One of my 12-year-old son's favorite movies of all time.

[Riddler The Slag]

LONG OVERDUE for a Blu-Ray release especially with the untimely death of our dear Robin.

[GLaDOS]

Loved the movie to this day. Definitely one of Robin Williams' most underrated works.

[Fronzdan]

I love this movie and it's my top three Robin Williams movies of all time. I really think it was a victim of poor marketing. It is not a comedy nor is it is not a sci-fi flick, yet there are elements of both. I think people go into it with the wrong expectations. I seriously have watched this dozens of times. It never gets old for me. It should get a blu ray release.

[YankydoodleDandy]

Lovely movie.

[Zodokai]

This is a terrific movie. I remember seeing it in theaters and being incredibly surprised by how few people were aware of the film even back then. I've been anxiously awaiting/hoping for a blu-ray release of this one.

[esteban²]

I remember renting this the first day it became available in video stores, being a fan of both Robin Williams and Sam Neill at the time. As a 18 year old, I thought it was a bit long and too corny, but I enjoyed the story and performances a lot. No idea what 18 year older me would think about it now.

[Det. Bullock]

Originally Posted by Fronzdan

I love this movie and it's my top three Robin Williams movies of all time. I really think it was a victim of poor marketing. It is not a comedy nor is it is not a sci-fi flick, yet there are elements of both. I think people go into it with the wrong expectations. I seriously have watched this dozens of times. It never gets old for me. It should get a blu ray release.

I haven't seen the movie entirely but the original short story wasn't exactly Star Wars either, science fiction is about a lot of things other than space and mad scientists contrary to what people believe.

[kylor]

It's a movie that has lots of different elements -- charm, sophistication, artistry, atmosphere, drama, loss, gain, and many more things. With all of that combined almost flawlessly fused with a great cast, you have Bicentennial Man. It handles so many subjects on many different levels very well -- subtle, but well done. I've never seen any other movie involving a robot acting human to be done as well as this movie does. It's a true landmark that Robin Williams has left us.

It's even better than I, Robot IMO.

[Britbuffguy]

SUPER UNDERrated film imo. Unsure why it gets all the hate.

With this and Patch Adams around the same time, it was almost like critics had it out for Williams for awhile.

Not sure about anyone else, but this film makes me bawl like a little kid too. It's just so sad for Williams' character.

EDIT.

I will add the one film critics loved of Williams, was WHAT DREAMS MAY COME, which audiences largely ignored. You all simply must see it. It's my #1 tearjerker of all time. Plus, it's just stunning to look at.

[aiman04]

Watched it again recently after a very, very long time. Still love it. This time I realize the similarities with A.I. Artificial Intelligence are quite obvious as I've also watched that before this.

[P-Rock]

It was just poorly marketed. It made people think it was another funny comedy with Robin Williams, while it certainly was much more than that. The trailer for it is horrible:

Bicentennial Man - Official® Trailer [HD] - YouTube

[kylor]

Originally Posted by P-Rock

It was just poorly marketed. It made people think it was another funny comedy with Robin Williams, while it certainly was much more than that. The trailer for it is horrible:

Bicentennial Man - Official® Trailer [HD] - YouTube

The happy go lucky music doesn't really help and the voice over was bad. Plus they added nearly all of the funny charming moments in the one trailer. A re-cut showing the more serious coming of age drama side of the movie would be nice.

[AmrlKJaneway]

It's brilliant.