Robot & Frank (2012)

Set in the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.

Director:

Jake Schreier

Writer:

Christopher Ford (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter Sarsgaard, Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Frank Langella	...	Frank
James Marsden	...	Hunter
Liv Tyler	...	Madison
Peter Sarsgaard	...	Robot (voice)
Susan Sarandon	...	Jennifer
Jeremy Strong	...	Jake
Jeremy Sisto	...	Sheriff Rowlings
Rachael Ma	...	Robot Performer
Bonnie Bentley	...	Ava
Ana Gasteyer	...	Shoplady
Katherine Waterston	...	Shopgirl
Dario Barosso	...	Freckles
Joshua Ormond	...	Flattop
James D. Compton	...	Skinny Sheriff
Dana Morgan	...	Additional Robot Performer

Storyline

In the near future, Frank is a retired catburglar living alone while his successful son, Hunter, tries to care for him from afar. Finally, Hunter gets him a robot caretaker, but Frank soon learns that it is as useful as a burglary aide. As Frank tries to restart his old profession, the uncomfortable realities of a changing world and his worsening dementia threaten to take beyond what any reboot can do for him.

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Plot Keywords:

burglary | robot | dementia | thief | heist | 

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Taglines:

Friendship doesn't have an off switch.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 September 2012 (France)

Also Known As:

Un amigo para Frank

Filming Locations:

Rye, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$35,539, 19 August 2012, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$3,325,638, 18 January 2013

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dog Run Pictures,Park Pictures,TBB

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The vehicle that passes Frank when he is walking down the road is an available production car, a Tango by Commuter Cars. There are only twelve in existence, with a retail price of $240,000 each.

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Goofs

After the Robot is switched on for the first time, you can see the reflection of a crew member on the side of Hunter's car, then another time after the Robot goes into the house.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[a phone rings, and a recorded female voice announces: "Call from Madison Weld. Call from Madison Weld"]
Frank: [Sleepy] Hello?
Madison: Hey, dad!
Frank: What? Wha...?
Madison: [On a wall video phone, with noisy transmission] Daddy, it's me, Madison. Hi!
Frank: Oh, yeah! Yeah... Hey. How are you doing?
Madison: I'm wonderful. Turkmenistan is so beautiful. I am sorry I haven't called. How are you?
Frank: Oh! You know... fine. I'm OK.
Madison: Has Hunter been coming around?
[...]

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Crazy Credits

The end credits show various scenes of industrial and research robots performing various tasks, such as walking, gripping everyday items, pouring drinks and serving trays.

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Connections

References Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

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Soundtracks

Requiem Mass
Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by The Apollo Symphony Orchestra

User Reviews

Frank Langella acting in his peak

I could find no error in the story and that is unbelievable when I remember those top latest movies that I have watched in recent days of which they had at least a few.

What impresses me at most is that we can trace those warm family ties which we used to have once and now deteriorating.

The movie is easily watched; can assume the camera is well used and Frank Langella is acting marvelously.

I wonder if the reason I liked the movie too much is that I am 63 years old.

One more comment: It shows that you can make also make a good movie without a big budget and too many walking man.