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<DIV><FONT size=4 face=Tahoma><STRONG>Are you curious about our Friday opener
"ROBOT & FRANK" ??<BR>Here is Avon supporter Leonard Maltin's review of
it!!</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><FONT size=4><STRONG><U>ROBOT & FRANK</U>
(PG13)</STRONG></FONT> reviewed by Leonard Maltin</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><STRONG>Frank Langella’s presence would be enough
to pique my interest in any film. <EM>Robot & Frank</EM> offers him an
outstanding starring vehicle with a minor science-fiction spin, and
the result is <FONT color=#ff0000><FONT size=4><FONT color=#000080>one of</FONT>
<FONT color=#000080>the most enjoyable indie films of the year.</FONT>
</FONT></FONT>A bigger budget might have allowed fledgling director Jake
Schreier to depict the future setting in greater detail, but given a choice
between this inventive feature and, say, some boxoffice duds like the recent
remake of <EM>Total Recall</EM>,<FONT color=#000080> <FONT size=4>I’ll take
<EM>Robot & Frank</EM> just as it is. </FONT></FONT></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<P><STRONG></STRONG></P>
<P><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><STRONG>It would be best not to reveal too much of
the story, but here’s the essence: Langella stubbornly lives alone in upstate
New York, despite his recurring memory lapses. This concerns his son (James
Marsden), who delivers a diminutive robot which will function as cook, servant,
and caretaker. The older man takes an instant dislike to the superficially
friendly automaton, but gradually begins to rely on him in ways he never
imagined.</STRONG></FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><STRONG>A first-rate supporting cast includes
Marsden, Susan Sarandon, Liv Tyler, Jeremy Strong, and Jeremy Sisto, who make
the most of screenwriter Christopher D. Ford’s clever material. It’s no shock
that Langella’s character turns out to be cannier than anyone anticipates…or
that the actor seems to be having a good time playing him.</STRONG></FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><STRONG>While the film is mostly lighthearted, it
also deals with some of the less appealing aspects of future life, as well as
the responsibility of caring for an aging parent. Those qualities make <EM>Robot
& Frank</EM> more than just a clever riff about a grumpy old
man.</STRONG></FONT></P>
<P><FONT color=#000080 size=4 face=Tahoma><STRONG>As summer winds down, it’s a
pleasure to encounter films that offer fresh ideas and satisfying
entertainment. I wish I could say the same every weekend of the
year.</STRONG></FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><STRONG>Reviewed by Leonard Maltin (used with
permission)</STRONG></FONT></P></BODY></HTML>