When I saw who made this movie I knew what to expect. Screenplay was adapted from novels by Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg, which by itself guarantees good story. It's directed by Chris Columbus, director of Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire and first two Harry Potter movies. And in leading role we have Robin Williams, man capable of pulling out great performances even from the worst screenplays. This movie simply could not fail.Williams plays home android, who shows signs of creativity and emotions because of some strange malfunction. Movie follows its/his evolvent through several generations of family that bought him, him gradually becoming independent, his relations with people and fight to be recognized as a human being. Audience expect Robin Williams movies to be comedies and with such expectations you will be disappointed. Bicentennial Man is not a comedy, nor it is SF in the true sense of the word. This is drama about search for ones true self and it's place in the world. About essence of humanity being in mortal body or in personality and soul. There are no definite answers to life's greatest questions, but it's always worth looking at things from a new perspective. Perhaps the production is far behind it, but essentially this film stands side by side with Kubrick's and Spielberg's Artificial Intelligence.9/10

Isaac Asimov the renowned futurist and superlative writer of both speculative-fiction and factual science created 'The Bicentennial Man' originally in novella form (first published in 1976 reflecting on America's Bicentennial Year), later expanded to full length-novel by Robert Silverberg, and then onto the circa1999 film directed by Chris Columbus showcasing an intricate and intriguing thespian performances by Robin Williams.   **Spoiler Alert** Telling the fascinating tale of an advanced-automation-android named 'Andrew' who learns to become more 'human' thru daily interactions with a close-knit human family, and the subsequent generational contacts with their descendants (over multi-decades) Andrew's ever-increasing-expanding artificial-intelligence seems to reach the threshold-verge of 'self-awareness' resulting in 'Andrews' ultimate desire to finally become fully-recognized as a genuine 'human-being' by society.The filmed version is not perfect but Robin Williams performance is definitely praiseworthy for the meticulously expert, poignant portrayal of 'Andrew' transforming (over time) from a mere automation into a genuine aspirational 'mortal' human being, embodying an emotionally resonant & convincingly heartfelt transfiguration!Director Chris Columbus did an outstanding job maintaining sincerity & focus making this story as believable as possible, and encouraging the audience to care as much about 'Andrew's' plight & burgeoning aspirations, as though he were already human!I don't think Robin Williams' intriguingly heartrending performance, or Isaac Asimov's deeply thought-provoking original Story received the widespread recognition & accolades they both truly deserved…… but 'The Bicentennial Man' most certainly qualifies as a modern "Lost Treasure' that deserves to be appreciated by all who consider ourselves genuinely 'human'

Andrew is a household servant robot who is self-aware and anxious to learn about the human condition. As time passes he conscientiously works towards emulating humanity in terms of understanding, physical upgrades, and emotional connection with people with whom he interacts. And love becomes important...This rather odd film, based on an Isaac Asimov short story doesn't fit comfortably as a science fiction tale or as a comedy, but its considerable romantic heart - and the rather deep concepts it embraces - mean that both the humour and the science fiction are entirely fitting.The supporting cast are all pleasing (the age prosthetics applied to them vary from excellent to a bit dodgy), with Embeth Davidtz delightful as Andrew's main connecting points. But the film belongs to Robin Williams in one of his best performances. Lost under a robot mask for much of the film, he conveys great emotion by way of a rather flat and apparently emotionless delivery. This is an emotional film, and may result in tears. Assuming you're not a robot, of course.

Bicentennial Man (1999): Dir: Chris Columbus / Cast: Robin Williams, Sam Neill, Oliver Platt, Embeth Davidtz, Wendy Crewson: Filled with images of hopelessness that one could easily experience in rush hour traffic. It is about a robot who wishes to become human. It is 2005 and the robot becomes the newest household appliance. Sam Neill has a robot delivered to his home and he discovers that it has many human aspects. Depression sets in when the robot lives on while everyone else dies. The film never has fun with his journey. Director Chris Columbus approaches the material from different angles. He previously made Mrs. Doubtfire and Stepmom, also about supplementary role models. What is truly disappointing is that the film fails to have fun with its charming premise. Robin Williams is basically playing a robot version of himself. His whole journey is basically a bunch of subplots of little interest. Sam Neill is wasted in what amounts to a growing-old-and-die role. Platt's character is a buffoon who should go back to playing with lego.then there is a useless appearance by Embeth Davidtz that amounts to absolutely nothing. It raises questions about life and relationships but hardly uplifting when presenting these themes. Visual elements are great and are the film's best element but how can a robot find life if the story he is in is totally dead? Score: 5 / 10