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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.
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