DreamWorks Animation Studio hits you in the feels with “The Wild Robot.” The new film brings an all-star voice cast to a clever script written and directed by Chris Sanders.
His impressive career spans from working on major Disney films like “The Lion King” and “Lilo and Stitch” to DreamWorks blockbusters such as “How to Train Your Dragon” and “The Croods.”
Sanders strikes animation gold with “The Wild Robot.” The movie cleverly disguises a narrative that every parent can relate to, while bringing childlike humor and love to the story.
When robot ROZZUM unit 7134, voiced by “Black Panther” and “Us” actress Lupita Nyong’o, arrives on a remote island, she faces the task of figuring out what she was made for.
Along the way, Roz, as she is affectionately known as later in the movie, comes across a baby goose egg. Roz is convinced she has found her calling, taking all measures to ensure the egg will hatch.
A sneaky fox named Think, voiced by “Game of Thrones” and “The Last of Us” actor Pedro Pascal, helps Roz navigate her way through parenthood.
Various forest animals assist Roz on her journey and are voiced by Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill and more.
As most parents know, the challenges that come with parenting are endless. Sanders does a fantastic job showing these everyday struggles in a way that children can understand, while simultaneously engrossing adults into the plot.
Children walk away from the movie knowing that parents will do anything they can to see their children succeed.
Adults walk away feeling more connected than they thought they would from an animated movie.
Life lessons such as the power of teamwork, never giving up on yourself or someone you care for and having to let something go that you love are topics where every age can use a refresher course.
If you are a recent empty nester, be prepared to bring a box of tissues.
The story pays homage to Sanders’ Disney roots, having slight details reminiscent of “Wall-E.” Two different robots are put into two different circumstances and the audiences leave warm and fuzzy knowing even the hardest of steel beings can express love. The cinematography and brilliance of colors dance across the screen, making viewers believe they are in that forest. The expressions on the various characters’ animated faces are enough to warm even the coldest of hearts.
While DreamWorks has a heavy animation dominance with beloved classics such as the “Shrek” and “Madagascar” franchises, it may finally see their next animated Oscar winner with “The Wild Robot.”
There are a few slightly scary scenes for parents of very young children, but overall, this is a fun, feel-good, family film that all ages will enjoy.
You will laugh. You will cry. But most of all, you will leave the movie feeling love in your heart.
