Picture This! Reviews Robots
‘Robots’ – A Story About Pursuing Your Dream
Animated film demonstrates “how imporant the words are…”
By Rebecca Redshaw
I suppose one could marvel at advanced computer techniques when it comes to special effects and the plethora of animated films that have barraged our big and little viewing screens. Making a cartoon character come to life has come a long way since teams of artists sequestered themselves for months with drawing implements in hand. Yet what separates good animated features from bad is really no different than what divides good and bad films featuring living, breathing actors – the story.
Robots story is about pursuing your dream and it’s right on target. Kept to a realistic length for children, ninety-one minutes, this fun piece of story-telling accomplishes what so many wannabes in the animated world don’t. Robots entertains children and engages adults and credit must be given to Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel.
This successful writing team (City Slickers, A League of Their Own, Parenthood) demonstrates how important the words are in reaching an audience. Save Rodney Copperbottom’s [Ewan McGregor] adventurous rollercoaster introduction to the big city and the final battle between good and evil “bots”, the movie relies on witty repartee to advance the story. What an interesting approach!
In addition to McGregor, other stars lend their vocal timbres to the fun. Halle Berry as Cappy is gorgeous even as a robot. Ratchet [Greg Kinnear], and Bigweld [Mel Brooks] are on board and Fender [Robin Williams] takes a nifty spin “Singin’ in the Oil” in a brief tribute to Gene Kelly. Wonderfully realized by Jennifer Coolidge, Aunt Fanny somehow manages to make farting funny.
Robots is about working hard, pursuing your dream, and being true to your friends, but mostly it’s about an hour and a half of fun. Don’t forget to buy popcorn for this one – hold the oil.
Rebecca Redshaw is the Arts& Entertainment Critic for www.NotesFromHollywood.com. She can be reached at r2redshaw@hotmail.com.