THE WILD ROBOT is an animated sci-fi, survival film rich in story-telling and beautiful to watch. The hybrid plot mixes A/I with an island inhabited only by animals. A crate transporting a robot washes ashore after its cargo ship was destroyed. Thanks to an inadvertent push to the on-switch by a curious rodent, the high-tech robot becomes activated. Designed to service its owner in whatever capacity required, the robot goes in search of its directives. The robot's valiant attempts to seek its officious duties is met by the only sentient beings; numerous wild animals. An underlying message here is the need for being of service or having a purpose in life. This message is not likely to compute into the minds of young children. Needless, it offers an added pearl of wisdom to the panoramic splendor of unspoiled wilderness. THE WILD ROBOT is based on the children's series by Peter Brown who appropriated a few gimmicks from the beloved movie ET. The Robot uses its omnipotent intelligence to comprehend the languages of the animals and is soon fluent in their gibberish which translates into comprehensible English. The other nod to ET is the startled screams he receives by the gosling who hatches in Roz's palm and then imprints her as his mother. The robot's presence is deemed passive by the animals and is befriended by a wily fox, Fink, Pedro Pascal) and a mother possum who provide support. Much of the film's charm stems from the endearing bond that develops between the gosling, Brightbill and Roz. Roz is voiced by a robotic sounding Lupita Nyong'o. The mother possum assures Roz there is no manual for being a mother. "You'll never be the perfect mother, so just do the best you can All Brightbill really needs is to know you're doing your best," The fox assigns tasks that Roz needs to fulfill in order for Brightbill to migrate with the other geese. The unusual relationship the two share keeps Brightbill ostracized from the pack of geese. But, Longneck (Bill Nighy) the leader takes him under his wing. The pangs of separation are felt as Brightbill is successfully launched and migrates with the others. The winter proves extremely harsh and threatens the animals on the island, Roz rescues them by bringing them into her sturdy safe haven. Fink lays the ground rules - no animal is to prey on any other during their hibernation. The utopian truce melted away with springtime. Roz is located by the nefarious futuristic robots who come to reclaim their property. This time all the animals come to Roz's rescue but not before the evil robots cause massive destruction to their island.This delightful and touching film teaches without being treacly or preachy the meanings of sacrifice, friendship, family and power of love. THE WILD ROBOT should become an instant classic. Will children recognize the intimated angst between an aging Brightbill and his immortal mother? No, but then how many adults took note near the ending.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Don't be shy, let me know what you think