This is the best big-budget science fiction film since Minority Report.

Directed by Alex Proyas, it takes ideas presented in Isaac Asimov's classic anthology of nine short stories and uses them as the basis of a thrilling action-adventure movie. Asimov fans should take note, however. This isn't close to a faithful adaptation. In fact, it's not really an adaptation at all.

I, Robot transpires some 30 years in the future, when robots are becoming as familiar an everyday household appliance as refrigerators or vacuum cleaners. But trouble is brewing at U.S. Robotics. where a boffin seems to have committed suicide.

Technophobe cop Del Spooner (Will Smith) has been called in to investigate, and his first suspicion is that a robot did it. His prime suspect is Sonny (Alan Tudyk).

The film's action sequences, which include chases and fights, are anything but generic. It's also unpredictable and there's no assurance that Spooner will be alive when the end credits roll.

I, Robot tinkers with ideas that have always fascinated science fiction fans. At what point does a personality simulation become a personality? Where is the line that divides a machine from a living being? When does consciousness occur?

It's intriguing to see how 2035 is supposed to look -- some of the technology is highly sophistocated, yet there are no lasers for weapons. The cops still use good old-fashioned guns.

While not as good as Minority Report, this is an action film that appeals to the brain as well as the other senses.

JAMES WESTERHOUSE