AI (Artificial Intelligence)
2001/Science Fiction/PG-13
Stars: *** Explanation of ratings
A highly emotional film despite plot and technical weaknesses.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) has a strong legacy. Its creator (Stanley Kubrik) also made 2001: A Space Odyssey. Its producer (Steven Spielberg) made Jurassic Park. With a team like that, AI has a tough reputation to live up to, and it holds its own. Contrary to its previews, this film is actually plot-based and special effects are secondary. Unfortunately, the props, sets and costumes are not futuristic; the movie looks like it took place in the year 2001 instead of sometime later in the century. Also a disadvantage, there were many technical and plot inconsistencies that make the story somewhat unbelievable. If you enjoy the writings of Arthur C. Clarke, you will recognize the ending's style, even though Clarke had no input on AI.
What should you expect if you see it? You will cry! Lots! The movie is saturated with sad pathos, from start to finish, and it never lets up! This is not a movie about a military attack between humans and mechanicals. It is a movie about one boy's coming to grips with love that can never be returned! Haley Joel Osment delivers an endearing character for whom you really want to feel sorry. AI also uses some highly disturbing imagery! If you are particularly sensitive to suffering, you may not be able to handle a few scenes, although most of the violence is not graphic. Leave your 12-and-under kids at home for this one!
AI provides a break from summer special effects thrill rides. However, if there weren't so many plot holes, scientific mistakes and temporal inconsistencies, AI would be a top-notch movie, and you don't have to be an avid sci-fi fan or rocket scientist to notice the problems. As it stands, AI is a fine movie and it is more than worth the money if you like your emotions stimnulated but not your mind.