If you like futuristic films with some good special effects, then you might like most of this one. Basically it is the not too distant future, and robots are the new thing of the 21st century and nearly every home has one. 'Sir' Richard Martin (Sam Neill) buys his family one of these robots, its, or his, name is Andrew. After being activated he always does work and tasks for the family. But it turns out Andrew (Robin Williams) is unique, he is discovering more about the world he lives in, and develops human qualities, e.g. feelings and emotions. He asks to be free and then travels the world searching for more unique robots, and he eventually finds Galatea (Kiersten Warren), living with robotics expert Rupert Burns (Oliver Platt. With his help, Andrew becomes essentially a real human, and falls in love with the niece of "Little Miss" Amanda (Matilda's Embeth Davidtz), Portia (also Davidtz). He lives for 200 years before cutting himself off and become a real human being. From director Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire) it is pleasant to watch, but I can see what the critics mean about too much sentimentality, it is almost drenched in it. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Makeup. Okay!

In the not too distant future, Richard Martin (Sam Neill) buys a robot for his home. His wife (Wendy Crewson) isn't so sure. His daughter Grace tells the younger sister Amanda that it's an android. Amanda can't quite say the word Android and instead says Andrew. From then on, the robot is named Andrew (Robin Williams). Grace commands Andrew to jump out of the window and Richard tells the children to treat Andrew as a person from then on. Richard notices signs of individual creativity in Andrew and brings it back to the company. Dennis Mansky (Stephen Root) wants to disassembles Andrew but Richard refuses. The Martins go on a lifelong journey to nurture Andrew's individuality as he/it becomes more human. Adult Amanda (Embeth Davidtz) pushes to treat Andrew as a person and even granting him his freedom. Andrew discovers inventor Rupert Burns (Oliver Platt) who's father was the original designer.

There are some bad attempts at humor. There are also some better ones. There is a knock-knock sequence that is reminiscent of Abbott and Costello. However that is more of an exception in this movie. Mostly the movie feels overly sentimental and cheesy. It simply lacks tension and drama for the most part. Isaac Asimov stories don't usually have the cinematic feel. They are more about ideas than a thrill ride. This movie attempts to make an Asimov story that spans two centuries into a compelling drama. It is probably too high of a hurdle. Quite frankly, I don't think Chris Columbus has the edge to do it or the artistry to make it unique. I keep thinking that there are more compelling stories in the 200 years but Columbus could never find them. It becomes a rather flat telling of a story that has an intriguing big-time concept at its core.

As much as I don't like to sound opinionated, I personally don't understand the hate this movie gets. Sure Bicentennial Man isn't the best movie ever but it is a great and underrated movie that is unfairly dismissed for being overly-sentimental and cloying. Some of it can be slow, but a lot compensates for any misgivings. Bicentennial Man is beautifully filmed, with lovely cinematography and scenery, while the score is gorgeous. I also loved the end credits song, and Celine Dion couldn't have been the more perfect choice to sing it. The script does have a lot of touching moments but it also has humour as well, and good humour at that. The story about life and the human condition is sweet and engaging and the film is competently directed. I really liked the characters, especially the title character who is incredibly endearing. The acting was great, Robin Williams is wonderful and he is solidly supported by Embeth Davidtz, Oliver Platt and Sam Neill. All in all, this is a very good movie. 9/10 Bethany Cox