Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • September 5, 2012 Frank Langella stars in futuristic ‘Odd Couple’ tale Frank Langella develops an unusual relationship with a mechanical household helper in ‘Robot & Frank.’ by Dennis Seuling “Robot & Frank” takes place in the near future. The world looks much the same as today, but robots have been perfected to the degree that they can be programmed as health care assistants for the elderly and infirm. Frank (Frank Langella) lives alone and has the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. His son, Hunter (James Marsden), travels long hours each week to visit Frank and make sure he is faring well, but their relationship is strained. Frank is a former burglar who spent several years in jail -- years when Hunter was growing up essentially without a father. So, partly to avoid a weekly 10-hour round trip and partly to stop rekindling old resentments, Hunter brings Frank a gift. It is a robot that will take care of Frank, do household chores, and make sure Frank takes care of himself. At first, Frank wants nothing to do with the robot, but agrees to keep it so as not to make unnecessary waves. As time passes, Frank discovers that the robot can give him a new, exciting life if he trains it to be a partner in burglaries. Frank hasn’t lost his knack at his old trade, and with the supercomputer in the robot’s works, plans a brand new heist. The robot is dedicated to Frank’s well-being, so Frank deftly convinces it that this new pursuit will be good for sharpening his mind. “Robot & Frank” is the kind of tale that might have made a pretty decent “Twilight Zone” episode. What raises the film several levels above that classic TV series, however, is Langella, an actor who has had more than his share of roles as an endearing curmudgeon. He is in top form here, and actually develops palpable screen chemistry with the unnamed robot. Viewers see how troubled and complex his relationship is with Hunter. Their time together is awkward and strained, and each man appears to be holding back from saying things he will later regret. Frank has a sort of pal in Jennifer (Susan Sarandon), the local librarian, whose library is the process of being transformed into a digital information center. He also has a daughter, Madison (Liv Tyler), who spends a lot of her time traveling abroad, but pays him a visit at precisely the wrong time, interfering with his planned caper. The strong supporting cast helps the viewer get a perspective on this solitary old man who seems destined to a life of mental and physical decline. The robot is his chance to reawaken skills he hasn’t used in years, thus giving him purpose and direction. The robot, voiced by Peter Sarsgaard and played by Rachael Ma in a costume that is a cross between a Star Wars storm trooper and scaled-down Gort from “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” repeatedly tells Frank that it is not human. Yet viewers see a camaraderie and rapport developing. What works best about “Robot & Frank” is its cleverness and its ability to thoroughly involve the audience in the misadventures of an old coot who projects an image of a helpless senior citizen, yet carries on a surreptitious, meticulously orchestrated plot to steal priceless jewels. Rated PG-13, “Robot & Frank” marks the feature debuts of screenwriter Christopher D. Ford and director Jake Schreier. A futuristic “Odd Couple” of sorts, the movie is a gentle meditation on aging, memory, connection, and change. The Mahwah Museum’s popular exhibit, “Les Paul in Mahwah,” will reopen on Sept. 8. Visitors to the exhibit have a chance to learn about Les Paul, a long-time Mahwah resident, inventor, musician, and self-taught engineer. The exhibit features several new Les Paul in Mahwah exhibit set to reopen September 8 items, making a return visit a must for those who have previously enjoyed this tribute display. “Echo,” an M. Hohner harmonica used by Paul during the early years of his career is a new feature of the display. Continuing as part of the exhibit is “The Log,” a fasci- nating visual of how a solid body guitar was built. Visit www.mahwahmuseum.org or call (201) 512-0099. The museum, located at 201 Franklin Turnpike in Mahwah, is open weekends and Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $5. Members and children are admitted free.