Charming Clip from 'Robot & Frank'

The premise is roll-your-eyes dopey. In the near future, an older man is given a robot by his son to do chores around the house. The man and robot become allies in a scheme to rob jewelry from rich people.

Sounds like bad Disney, but trailers for 'Robot & Frank' have been utterly charming, disarming, and genuine.

Here's a new clip that plays so smoothly, is so polished, and has such a subtle rendition of character, you'd think the movie was in the Oscar race. I don't think I've seen better from Frank Langella.

Touching and funny, and yes, there is a strong what-will-happen-next feel. Can't wait to see and buy this one on Blu-ray.



Here's the trailer with commentary by director Jake Schreier.
















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Poster and New Trailer for 'Robot & Frank'

Yeah, I know. You see that poster and title (not to mention the tagline: "Friendship doesn't have an off switch" -- ooph) and you're planning to be out of the country when this movie plays. And, that's what I thought after the first wretched trailer, too. Looked like one of those movies of the week where an elderly guy learns to enjoy life again due to the influence of an artificially intelligent yet smart-in-the-way-that-counts robot.

And...that's exactly what it's about, except the hook is pretty cool, the robot doesn't come off so smart/smarmy/cutesy it makes you sick, and the premise plays out smoothly with no wink-wink acting -- everybody is committed and it works. If the ending delivers this could score at the box office.

Really, though, any chance to see Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, and Liv Tyler.

New trailer plays great. Must-rent, and remember, friendship doesn't have an off switch!!!! It doesn't.

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Mom Speed

NPR watch: Insight by Susan Sarandon re: Speed Racer and the biz in general (16 min).