I, Robot isn't one of those pictures that I was awaiting with intense anticipation. While the movie takes it's name from the famed stories by Isaac Asimov, it had already been widely reported that this big summer flick would only be using the source material's name and not much else. Certainly, the trailers enforced this particular report, as many scenes appeared to be punctuated by annoying Will Smith zingers. Happily, the movie as a whole isn't too overloaded with Smith one-liners, but it suffers from being a little too familiar, and from being bogged down by a dull first half.

I, Robot takes place in a futuristic Chicago, and features a society comprised of humans and their robotic slaves. These mechanical servants walk our dogs, cook our meals and even fetch our asthma inhalers. Ultimately, they even begin to take our jobs. And when the newest upgrade hits the market, we simply trade in the old and replace it with the new.

Loner detective Del Spooner has a deep rooted hatred for robots, and constantly warns those around him that the mechanical beings are not to be trusted. Before long, his worst fears become a reality as something or someone pits an army of the newest model of robo-workers against man. Along with robot supporter Susan Calvin (a stiff Bridget Moynahan) and a supposedly self aware mechanical servant named Sonny, Spooner sets out to put a stop to the ultimate futuristic conspiracy.

At the very beginning of the film, three "Robot" laws are presented to the audience via disclaimers on screen. Each one simply suggests that robots are unable (or forbidden) to harm a human being. Right out of the gate, we all know where this movie is headed. This would be fine if only the flick were able to bring something fresh or surprising to the table.

Bladerunner, A.I., The Terminator, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Robocop, The Matrix, Tron. These are just a few of the titles that I, Robot borrows from, but it doesn't manage to be nearly as interesting (or entertaining) as any of those pictures.

Sure, director Alex Proyas (The Crow, Dark City, Garage Days) is to be commended for the overall look of I, Robot. The shots of robots blending in seamlessly with humans are impressive, and the frenetic final act of the movie offers up some visual razzle dazzle that will most likely entertain mass audiences, but the storyline (as written by Jeff Vintar and Akiva Goldsman) itself offers up very few surprises and the religious undertones (particularly, the bordering on ridiculous ending) are extremely heavy-handed.

The slow bond that builds between Spooner and Sonny smacks of a similar relationship in the underwhelming, but mildly entertaining Alien Nation (I'm referring to the movie, not the TV series), and I just didn't buy into it. It seemed far too gimmicky.

Will Smith is in shape, and Proyas wants the audience to know that. The early moments of a buffed up Smith climbing out of bed and hopping in the shower, seem all too self indulgent. "Look at me! I'm Will Smith!" Alright, we get it. Sadly, Smith isn't very likable in this picture, and this certainly doesn't help matters. As I stated, I'm glad the one liners are kept to a minimum, but ultimately, Will is upstaged by the look of the movie, and by robot Sonny. It doesn't help that Spooner is written in a rather shallow fashion. We've seen this burnt out, bitter cop thing done hundreds of times and Smith's character is nothing but a trite compendium of movie-cop clichés.

Bridget Moynahan looks completely lost as scientist and robot-supporter Susan Calvin. It's just a boring turn and does nothing to breathe life into the movie.

The only live actor that really brings any sort of energy to I, Robot is a lively Shia LaBeouf (Holes) who shows up (all too briefly) as a fast-talking wise ass. Sadly, his role is extremely underwritten and virtually irrelevant.

I, Robot is a big summer movie with very little heart. It is a technical marvel to be sure, and thankfully, the dialogue isn't as cringe-inducing as it was in The Day After Tomorrow, but it lacks the drama and relationships that make Spider-Man 2 the strongest of the summer blockbusters thus far. I, Robot's attempt to indict the advancement of technology as a sinister threat to the future of mankind rings hollow, and in the end it's nothing more than C.G.Eye-candy. For some, this will be enough. I, Adam - wanted more.