Disney’s Meet the Robinsons doesn’t start out like a Disney wonder, but it ends that way. If you can make it through the first 3/4 of the movie, you’ll be greatly rewarded (incidentally, I found that “Bridge to Terabithia” was the same way . . . is Disney using a formula here?) The story is spotty at the beginning and not much really makes sense. It reminded me of “Alice in Wonderland” at first the way it shifted from one (as Windows Vista ads would say) “wow” to another but without any real plot development. But just when you think it’s a random remake of Fantasia, a very sweet and human story about dreams and invention comes into focus.
This is a great movie for kids, but also for grown-ups (hmmm I find myself saying that a lot lately). The graphics, of course, are stellarly cool. Watching the spaceship alone is a marvel worth the 10 dollar admission. But there is much to marvel at in this movie. It is so complicated in art and story that it is one I’ll be buying on DVD so my kids can watch it over and over. As they get older they will come to understand it’s message about belongingness and believing in your own dreams. There are a lot of surprises in this one, and they all serve to make you more brave about being human with yourself and others. What does being “human” mean? Hmmm. That’s another blog altogether, but trust me, you’ll get it when you see it.
The movie closes with a quotation from Walt and it is like a perfect espresso after a delightful meal. This is one cartoon that won’t fall by the wayside with “Barnyard” or “Over the Hedge.” While those movies are good, they aren’t great like “Meet the Robinsons.” Did I mention I liked it?
Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
-Walt Disney
Postscript 11-23-2010: Re-watching “Meet the Robinsons” with my kids today I noticed the villain when discussing henchman says “not a good Minion.” Interesting that the henchman in two huge blockbusters recently: Despicable Me and Megamind both have a henchman named “Minion.” Coincidence?
Damien,
I read your review and went straight out to the see the movie “Meet The Robinsons” last week. I was surprised to hear this was made buy the same people that made Disney’s “Chicken Little”. I thought “Chicken Little” was alright, but I thought this one was great! Recently after seeing the movie I heard Brad Bird (The Incredibles) was also involved with this one. This made me want to see it again. The second time I could see Brad Bird’s subtle character acting and timing that I may have missed the first time. It’s a great story and so is your review. Good Job!
Eric
I didn’t know Brad Bird was involved. Now that you mention it though, I can see the similarities. Glad you liked the movie! I’ll be getting it in DVD when it comes out.
Our family was on the last day of our vacation in Florida and decided to go see “Meet The Robinsons.” As somewhat of an expert on child entertainment with three kids (6,4, and 2), I was unsure to donate a partial mortgage payment and take the family to the show. I enjoyed everything about it. It seemed relevant to “Back To The Future” with the idea of a time machine and how the past events can effect the future. My wife shed a few tears at the end and was inspired and tempted to go and adopt a baby/child as our neighbors have recently done. Furthermore, as a 4th grade teacher, the tone, mood, and overall flavor of the movie kept me anxious and wanting more, a job well done. The closing at the end with a quotation from Walt helps keep the seed planted and exemplifies the need to “Keep Your Own Personal Fire Burning, or Never Give Up On Your Dreams, and “It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, it only matters what YOU think!”
Can’t wait for the DVD.
Pat Wild
owner: Wild-Time Productions
owner: Tenderfoot Rafting and Outdoor Adventures
Yes. Isn’t that THE most important message we could ever give our children? I thnk so. I’ll get the DVD too. Thanks for your comment.