Robot & Frank - 8 stars out of 10

Robot & Frank - 8 stars out of 10

"Robot & Frank" is a cool, straightforward Indie film that is exactly what you expect.  The concept is interesting enough that the writers did not need to throw in jaw-dropping surprises that completely alter the audience perspective; instead, the heartwarming friendship between a lonely old man and his unlikely companion drives the film from start to finish.  Even though the cast includes big names like Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, and Liv Tyler, none of them really stand out.  They all act at the highest level and give the film a heightened sense of "great acting," but the only actor that gives what I would consider an Oscar-worthy performance is Frank Langella.  His portrayal of dementia is so subtle that you will believe that he is actually experiencing it on the set.  The most stunning fact about this film is that it was shot in 20 days on a budget of $2.5 million.  I could watch this simple film over and over again, simply for the comical chemistry between Langella and Robot, and to relive that slightly expected but oh-so-perfect discovery at the end.