Robots is a well done children's movie that adults won't mind sitting through. I sat at the theater watching parents come in with their kids, struggling to get them in their seats. They where juggling popcorn and coats. Kids where screaming, giggling, standing on the seats, pointing at each other. It was exactly the atmosphere I wanted.
As the lights dimmed the kids settled down to watch the trailers. I got comfy in my seat and away we went. Through out the trailers there where giggles and Shushes. I could tell these kids where exited. The marketing department did their job well. As the film started, there was almost an instant hush. Everyone was finally on the same page, all focused on the screen.
The movie opened with the "delivery" of a new baby robot. This was well done, as it grabbed the attention of the adults. 12 hours of labor to build the baby, and it even came with a volume switch for when the baby was crying. Brilliant! What parent doesn't wish for those at one time or another.
The story follows this baby Robot from his humble beginnings to adulthood where he follows his dreams, saves the day, and becomes the right hand man and future successor of his idle. Sound familiar? I thought so. The story line is simple and generic. But it's a kid's movie, with a message suitable for kids. We should all want children believing that they can become anything they want with enough desire and determination.
The animation was incredibly detailed and fun to watch. Not much more to say. They did an excellent job. Some of the best CGI work I've seen in a while!
The voice acting was on the mark. Exactly what I expected. Robots has an all star cast with Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, and Robin Williams, just to name a few. Each giving their own personal touch to the characters drawn for them.
Now, the real test isn't how the adults liked it, but how the kids did. There where moments where the adults laughed and the kids didn't know why, but mostly it was the kids enjoying the film. I didn't see one child get up and have to go potty. No screaming, no kicking, no fussing. They just sat, laughing with their parents, enjoying the film. The visuals where more then enough to keep them occupied, and there where some parts that where just funny, I don't care who you are. This is a great movie for young kids.
The adults on the other hand, I don't know. It has its moments, but for the most part those moments are there so that the parents don't feel tortured. They didn't make this for anyone over twelve. If you enjoy hanging out with the young ones though and want to show them a good time then you won't be disappointed. It has enough visual quality and humor where adults shouldn't mind at all. I've seen a lot of movies do a worse job, and they weren't rated G or PG.
When everything is said and done, this movie was good to see in the theater. It can wait for DVD though. It would make a great gift for some one young or young at heart. If you're looking for a nice family outing then this is an excellent choice. Other wise waiting for it to come on one of the movie channels is probably best.
