A.I. Artificial Intelligence

No, I wasn't expecting miracles, which was good, because there weren't any. The emotions of the story of the "dream robot" are maintained mainly by the flawless Osment, but it is a pity that Spielberg has kind of forgotten how to make an ending. Like Minority Report, A.I. is stretched into an awkward happy ending. If the credits had surfaced a few minutes earlier, it would have been an excellent film, but the offered end is hellish nonsense. It’s too bad. Convincing visually and in terms of acting, this is a science fiction with a little more thoughtful subtext, but Spielberg can do better. Add a half to the three stars. (01/25/2004)

Artificial Intelligence: AI is a remarkable, extravagant futuristic film that, on the one hand, wants to be a fairy tale for the masses and, on the other hand, seeks to philosophically discuss the most complex topics of artificial intelligence in our world. In formal terms, it is perfect. John Williams’ music is once again brilliant, the performance of Haley Joel Osment, whose character’s great inner development is the basis of the story, is also brilliant, and the design of the futuristic world (especially the final “weeping lion city”) is breathtaking. But from a complex directorial point of view, the film is strange and chaotic. As it was Spielberg who took over this project, he should have focused on what is his strong suit and made it into a dreamy, emotionally engaging and heartwarming work. Combining the uncombinable does not pay off. (04/09/2018)

A captivating and visionary sci-fi film that is unlike anything ever made before. It's not worth arguing about whether Kubrick would have done it better or worse. Spielberg made the film the way he wanted and did not embarrass his colleague. A technically flawless film with beautifully ethereal music and excellently chosen actors. A great experience and once again, one of the masterpieces of world cinema that will most likely never be fully appreciated. (10/26/2003)

This is supposed to be Spielberg’s dud? In that case, my opinion of his filmography has increased manifold... A film imperfect due its overly sentimental approach, but beautiful nonetheless in its narrative playfulness and the view of events through an eternally fascinated child's "mind" that best reveals Steven's own fascination with the subject matter. Kubrick would be pleased. 85% (08/10/2022)

A post-humanity horror film and a film that strays heavily from Spielberg's previous style. It feels very closed, isolated, surreal, and most importantly, fatal. Despite its piecemeal screenwriting and production missteps, it is an exceptional film in how convincingly it closes the human chapter. Not just in the story, but also in the work with visuals, with Kaminski working with a tightly defined, hazy space and the role of sounds and music here uncharacteristically subdued for Spielberg and Williams, giving the film the impression of a memory even as you watch. (01/16/2022)