Despite the fact that Will Smith carries the leading role, “I, Robot” is one of the most intelligent movies to come out this year.

Will had it easy, though. The script he’s working with is pretty sharp, and director Alex Proyas is one of the masters of the science-fiction/fantasy genre, even with only two films of this type: 1994’s “The Crow” and 1998’s “Dark City” — both dark, provocative and wildly imaginative.

Will Smith plays Del Spooner, a unique character set in Chicago of 2035. He is a cop with a mistrust of robots. After the suicide of Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell), Smith works to “follow the bread crumbs” and crack the case.

“I, Robot” is the title of a book by Isaac Asimov — but this Will Smith adaptation barely stays in tune with the novel. The marketing department should either be praised or shot — maybe both. Although this is advertised as a cookie-cutter action film — and there are some inventive scenes — most of it is actually philosophical in nature. The action could be the hook that draws crowds into theaters, but ultimately, the themes of the film keep them in.

The machines must take a front seat to people in “I, Robot.” One of the main characters, Sonny (Alan Tudyk), is an android. But he is special. He is aware of his existence. Spooner refers to Sonny as an imitation to life and the audience feels for Sonny.

“I, Robot” is perhaps more unique in the fact that it isn’t just another movie for the summer. It has brains and passion behind it. Unlike the rest, this movie’s ideas linger.