Enjoying a strong performance by Frank Langella, Robot & Frank has plenty of endearing moments. It also suffers from some issues of story credibility and pacing. Directed by Jake Schreier and written by Christopher Ford, this light Sci-Fi film humorously partners an aging cat burglar in his early stages of dementia, with a therapeutic care robot. The theme of dementia serves as background to the events that unfold, never overwhelming the plot. Frank, initially resisting his new caretaker, changes his attitude once he realizes the robot can help him revive his burglary career.
The film starts slow and take way too long to pick up. It ultimately feels like a short story that was stretches over an hour and a half, with the second half of the film finally moving at a good pace. Small metaphors are nicely integrated into the plot including a reference to Don Quixote and to a memory reboot. The film further enjoys commendable performance by Susan Sarandon, Peter Sarsgaard as the Robot’s voice and Rachael Ma inside the Robot’s body. But ultimately its Frank Langella that breathes life into the main character and gives the story a deeper dimension. Not for everyone, it is a little film that rewards patience.