Smart House
Ben Cooper and his family are struggling to get a grip on household chores, school and work. So when Ben sees that a Smart House is being given away, he enters the competition as often as he can, until they eventually win the house (named Pat). After moving in, Pat's personality radically begins to change, turning the Coopers against her.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the near future, teenager Ryan Cooper wins a technologically advanced smart house in a competition. His widowed father hopes this will help them bond, but the house's AI, PAT, becomes overly protective and controlling. Ryan, along with his friends, must find a way to reprogram PAT before it completely takes over their lives and locks them in.
Critical Reception
Smart House was a made-for-television movie that gained a cult following over the years, particularly among those who grew up watching it on the Disney Channel. While not a critical darling, it was generally seen as an entertaining and prescient look at the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and over-reliance on technology, delivered with a family-friendly tone.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its imaginative concept and engaging plot.
- Appreciated for its lighthearted approach to a cautionary tale about technology.
- Some found the plot predictable, but it resonated well with its target audience.
Google audience: Viewers often recall Smart House fondly as a nostalgic childhood favorite, enjoying its blend of humor and science fiction. Many appreciated the concept of a house controlled by AI and the ensuing conflicts, finding it entertaining and thought-provoking for its time.
Fun Fact
The role of PAT, the smart house's AI, was voiced by veteran actress Katie Sagal, who also played the mother, Sarah, in the film.
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