Poor Isaac Asimov.

Great pieces of literature face many problems when transformed into movies. Very often, the stories are mangled and twisted, leaving fans of the original material disillusioned and even angry.

“I, Robot,” a high-tech thriller based loosely on Asimov’s collection of stories by the same name, works because it’s a smart action movie with heart, not because it claims strict allegiance to its brilliant source.

Dwelling on the differences between the 50-year-old book and its flashy successor only leads to frustration. “I, Robot” the film only takes the Three Laws of Robotics, a couple of supporting characters and a few very general plot ideas from the collection of stories. Some Asimov fans have even threatened to boycott the film.

Alex Proyas directs “I, Robot” and includes a healthy mix of stupid explosive fun and keen Asimov-inspired logic. Oscar-winning Akiva Goldsmith (“A Beautiful Mind”) and Jeff Vintar co-wrote the script.

Will Smith stars as technology-phobic Chicago cop Del Spooner who is investigating the apparent suicide of a scientist (James Cromwell) at U.S. Robotics.

A discovery of a rogue robot in the futuristic city sets the action into high gear, as many robots around Spooner start disobeying the Three Laws of Robotics, which most importantly prohibit robots from harming humans. No one takes seriously Spooner’s distrust of the human-like machines, and his superior takes away his badge.

Smith’s hipness and humor make him a likeable protagonist. He spouts one-liners like a drinking fountain spouts water.

U.S. Robotics psychologist Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan) plays a trusting foil to Spooner’s snappy paranoia, but a romantic spark between the two just doesn’t catch.

As long as one doesn’t think about how “I, Robot” stems from something better, it’s a perfectly enjoyable summer blockbuster. Pass the popcorn.