The Adventure of A.R.I.: My Robot Friend

Nice film for youngsters. I enjoyed it as a adult watch it knowing what it is. And you may just enjoy it. Not for some but for most that have a open mind.

Very impressive production quality and the main characters are very believable in their roles! My kids (nieces and nephews) loved this and so did I.

Within 30 seconds it reeked of cheap. First, the dialogue was the most juvenile of pretend science, and would easily fail middle school science. Second, overused effects found in all cheap sci movies such as large electrical (lightning wannabes) discharges to create a cheap wow effect. Third, the usual evil/bad corporate head out to create a weaponized robot - so non-creatively & overused a plot hook it's embarrassing. Fourth, the usual teen nerds (lately to be gender neutral in movies there's a female co-nerd; the only thing missing was a minority representation). Fifth, also done many times before is the search for the "lost" robot creator. Saving grace an extra star for the puppy cute robot.

The movie had lots of promise but was undelivered. The cheap sets and substandard acting, let the movie down. Plus the more you get to know A.R.I., the more unrealistic he becomes - not that an AI robot with child like qualities is realistic to begin with.

Having said that, the design of A.R.I. is surprisingly nicely done. Very likeable character with a suitable voice to suit. But from time to time the CGI is made obvious compared to the quality of the background. Or rather the overlapping of the CGI over real images does not match well.

There is some style-ist violence, so parental guidance is recommended for viewing for the much younger audiences.

Whereas my 11yo laught at the plot, fx, dialogs and attention to details.