Well it's finally here. With out a doubt, this was the film I was most excited about this summer. A collaboration between two of our most prolific, yet vastly different film makers, Steven Spielberg and the late great Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick had been working on this project for years and always felt that it was closer to Spielberg's sensibilities as a film maker. So is A.I. a disappointment? Is it a work of brilliance? Is it flawed? Is it ambitious? Is it disjointed and slightly convoluted? Is it a work of passion? Is it dripping in moments of over sentimentality? Does it ask questions it is unable to answer? Is it a Spielberg film or a Kubrick film? Not surprisingly, the answer is yes to all of the above.

With all the debate and all that has been made about this stunning, yet flawed film, I'd prefer to not go too much into the plot as so many critics have been compelled to do. A.I. takes place in the future. Robots (refereed to as Mechas) have been created to protect Earth's natural resources. Of course these amazing creations are not mere pieces of metal. No, the highest quality Mechas look like you and me, and would be hard to pick out of a crowd (think Replicants in Bladerunner). Hoping to take machines to the next level, Dr. Hobby (William Hurt) proposes that a robot child be created. A child programmed to love. Ultimately, his dream becomes a reality in the form of little David (Haley Joel Osment). David is sent to live with a family whose world has been torn apart by tragedy. Before long, the young Mecha is thrust into an adventure of self discovery. From a domesticated home life, to the terrifying "Flesh Fair," to the luminescent Rogue City, it is perfectly clear that you will not know where this movie will take you next. And rest assured, this is no Bicentennial Man.

There are many ideas and themes running throughout A.I. and that's what really sets it apart from most of the mindless drivel invading your local multiplexes as of late. This movie is part fairy tale (most obviously Pinnochio), part sci-fi, part drama, and even has a touch of satire flowing through it's veins. Although there are obvious shades of Spielberg's work (Empire of the Sun, E.T., Jurassic Park etc.) and Kubrick's (2001, A Clockwork Orange, Eyes Wide Shut) for that matter, A.I. still manages to come across as a film like no other. All at once cold, bleak and dreary, this doesn't have the feel of what one might call a typical Spielberg film, even though there are moments that are vintage Spielberg. As you watch this picture, it is obvious that Kubrick's masterful touch is present. It should also be noted that this isn't necessarily a film for children. A.I. tends to be quite dark in tone and presents a wickedly cynical look at the world.

Haley Joel Osment is absolutely superb as David. Not only does he excel in dramatic scenes, he also manages to infuse a creepiness and wholesome innocence into the young mecha. This is one of the strongest performances of the year. Jude Lawe is completely energetic as gigolo love-Mecha Joe. While his role is rather small, he makes the most of his screen time. The film also gets support from the considerable talent of Frances O'Connor, and William Hurt.

Once again, Spielberg is blessed with cutting edge special effects. There are sequences in this picture that are absolutely breathtaking (a mostly-submerged Manhattan is an image you won't soon forget). They©öre backed up by stunning cinematography, phenomenal art direction, and a stirring John Williams score.

Reactions to A.I. have been decidedly mixed, especially where the final act of the picture is concerned. Without giving anything away, It has a Close Encounters/2001 vibe, only not nearly as effective. In fact, A.I. arrives at a moment where it clearly should end, but then decides to continue, making for a curious yet tedious finale. It's hard to say whose idea it was to take this picture in the peculiar direction it goes at the end. On one hand, it has a sort of dreamlike feel ala Kubrick, but it's laced with a kind of sentiment that could only be the work of Spielberg. Ultimately it doesn't really pay off. Part of the problem is a key special effect that doesn't hold a candle to the effects throughout the rest of the picture. The other problem is the emotional impact the final moments are supposed to produce, don't deliver, leaving you a bit unfulfilled.

Many will argue that A.I. is too sentimental, while others will argue that it is too cold. Whatever the case may be, this is a work of passionate craftsmanship and it has got people talking. Spielberg has fashioned a highly experimental film, that is both provocative and ambitious. In fact, there is more innovation flowing through this film's little pinky, than most other films' entire body. And while this isn't Spielberg's best work, at least he's made a film that challenges our intellect, as well as our eyes. A.I. never becomes the masterpiece it aspires to be, but I for one, believe that Kubrick would have been proud of this film, warts and all.