The best way to describe "A.I." is that it is a cross between "E.T." and "2001: A Space Odyssey." Two of the most creative and talented film-makers in all of cinematic history (Spielberg and Kubrick) come together to make one of the most confounding films ever.
The story concerns the creation of a robot child named David who is more human in terms of emotion then most others of his kind. After being abandoned by his surrogate parents in the woods, he resolves to find the elusive Blue Fairy who can make him into a real, live boy.
OK, so the film also has some allusions to "Pinnochio." That might overwhelm things for some but this film is a feast for the eyes with some of the most astounding visuals ever put on celluloid. Also, in true Kubrick fashion, there are many thought-provoking questions and ideas. However....
The films has it's flaws, not too many but pretty egregious nonetheless. Among them: the lead performance by Haley Joel Osment is both obnoxious and annoying, the end goal (the aforementioned Fairy) is absolutely ridiculous and the ending is a complete, Spielbergian joke. Oddly enough, the acting is just OK but nothing special.
Regardless of it's faults, this stands as one of the significant films ever mainly because of it's unique pedigree and the controversial legacy it has since spawned.
The story concerns the creation of a robot child named David who is more human in terms of emotion then most others of his kind. After being abandoned by his surrogate parents in the woods, he resolves to find the elusive Blue Fairy who can make him into a real, live boy.
OK, so the film also has some allusions to "Pinnochio." That might overwhelm things for some but this film is a feast for the eyes with some of the most astounding visuals ever put on celluloid. Also, in true Kubrick fashion, there are many thought-provoking questions and ideas. However....
The films has it's flaws, not too many but pretty egregious nonetheless. Among them: the lead performance by Haley Joel Osment is both obnoxious and annoying, the end goal (the aforementioned Fairy) is absolutely ridiculous and the ending is a complete, Spielbergian joke. Oddly enough, the acting is just OK but nothing special.
Regardless of it's faults, this stands as one of the significant films ever mainly because of it's unique pedigree and the controversial legacy it has since spawned.