Robot and Frank ***

In the not-too-distant future, a retired older gentleman with memory problems (Frank Langella) is living alone near a small town in upstate New York. His dutiful son (James Marsden), who tries to drive up weekly, gets him a personal assistance robot to help him tidy up and try to keep him healthy. Frank does not like the idea, but Robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) does prove useful, and soon Frank has an idea about how Robot could help with a not-exactly-legal project. The movie is delightful, interesting, and heavy on what's going on with Frank rather than with the technology. It's a joy to watch Langella, who is on screen most of the time, bring this character to life. The writing is smart and often touching. Susan Sarandon appears as a sweet librarian and Liv Tyler as Frank's daughter. Robot is a character, but it's the human issues of independence, family ties and responsibilities that predominate. A very nice film.