Written for the Screen & Directed by Chris Sanders; Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Conner, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, and Catherine O’Hara.
Based on Peter Brown’s 2016 children’s book of the same name, The Wild Robot follows an intelligent robot called Roz (Lupita Nyong’o). After a shipwreck, she gets stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose (Kit Conner). Chris Sanders has had a long career in animation. He’s worked in the story department on classic Disney films such as Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King in addition to having a screenwriting credit on Mulan. Since then, he transitioned into directing with Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Croods. This movie marks his return to animation after making his live action debut with 2020’s The Call of the Wild.
Right from the opening shot, I was hooked. Having caught this in IMAX, the atmosphere Sanders creates feels so immersive. The 2.5D animation style looks incredible. The soundscape and Kris Bowers’ musical score are both amazing. The setting feels like one you’d never want to leave. The whole thing is also paced very well by editor Mary Blee. Yet at its core is a very human story that just so happens to be about a robot and some animals. When we first meet Roz, she’s like Frankenstein’s monster. Mainly how she wants to make friends, but everyone is scared of her at first. Although from beginning to end, she makes for one lovable protagonist. It’s also such a joy watching her bond with the goose, Brightbill, blossom.
Interestingly enough, this movie has an all star cast, but most of their voices aren’t instantly recognizable. With some exceptions, I didn’t really know who was voicing which character until the end credits. So I’m not going to give away the entire roster. What I will say though is that Lupita Nyong’o does such a tremendous job voicing Roz. Kit Conner is great as the voice of Brightbill. Their relationship together really is the heart and soul of the film. Pedro Pascal provides memorable voice work as Fink, a mischievous fox who is also the first animal Roz befriends.
On the surface, The Wild Robot may appear to be a kids movie. But like the main character, there’s more than meets the eye. It’s funny at times, but also filled with so many emotions and themes. The story reminded me of animated classics like The Iron Giant and Wall-E while still successfully establishing itself as its own thing. It’s a family movie that audiences of all ages can enjoy. A stunning achievement from DreamWorks Animation.
Rating: 5/5
Based on Peter Brown’s 2016 children’s book of the same name, The Wild Robot follows an intelligent robot called Roz (Lupita Nyong’o). After a shipwreck, she gets stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose (Kit Conner). Chris Sanders has had a long career in animation. He’s worked in the story department on classic Disney films such as Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King in addition to having a screenwriting credit on Mulan. Since then, he transitioned into directing with Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Croods. This movie marks his return to animation after making his live action debut with 2020’s The Call of the Wild.
Right from the opening shot, I was hooked. Having caught this in IMAX, the atmosphere Sanders creates feels so immersive. The 2.5D animation style looks incredible. The soundscape and Kris Bowers’ musical score are both amazing. The setting feels like one you’d never want to leave. The whole thing is also paced very well by editor Mary Blee. Yet at its core is a very human story that just so happens to be about a robot and some animals. When we first meet Roz, she’s like Frankenstein’s monster. Mainly how she wants to make friends, but everyone is scared of her at first. Although from beginning to end, she makes for one lovable protagonist. It’s also such a joy watching her bond with the goose, Brightbill, blossom.
Interestingly enough, this movie has an all star cast, but most of their voices aren’t instantly recognizable. With some exceptions, I didn’t really know who was voicing which character until the end credits. So I’m not going to give away the entire roster. What I will say though is that Lupita Nyong’o does such a tremendous job voicing Roz. Kit Conner is great as the voice of Brightbill. Their relationship together really is the heart and soul of the film. Pedro Pascal provides memorable voice work as Fink, a mischievous fox who is also the first animal Roz befriends.
On the surface, The Wild Robot may appear to be a kids movie. But like the main character, there’s more than meets the eye. It’s funny at times, but also filled with so many emotions and themes. The story reminded me of animated classics like The Iron Giant and Wall-E while still successfully establishing itself as its own thing. It’s a family movie that audiences of all ages can enjoy. A stunning achievement from DreamWorks Animation.
Rating: 5/5