Robot Salvaje

Marking the end of an extremely successful and entertaining era for DreamWorks in-house animation studios which will move onto outsourced works in the future, Chris Sanders newest venture behind the camera following his well-liked works as overseer on hits Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon and The Croods is a wonderful send-off for the brand that gave us many an animated classic, with The Wild Robot a genuine contender against box-office heavyweight Inside Out 2 as the animated film of 2024.

An adaptation of author Peter Brown's hit books of the same name, Robot has already been drawing rave reviews and comparisons to the likes of The Iron Giant and Sanders own Dragon adventure, far from feint praise for a film in this genre that here manages to become an all-round package sure to inspire those youngsters that will flock to the story of lost robot Roz and her budding friendship with street-smart fox Fink and young gosling Brightbill, who she acts as a surrogate mother for but also a film that will resonate with older viewers who are sure to find much to enjoy from such a lovingly crafted film full of heart and soul.

Utilising the entirety of its quickfire 100 minute running time, Robot has very few lulls or downtime as Roz's journey of discovery with new friends, as well as what it means to truly care and love outside of her designed confines takes us on a familiar theatrical ride but one that's done with enough uniqueness and sense of its own identity that there's never a worry that Robot is merely ticking boxes along its way to crafting a memorable outing that will have you cheering, laughing and more than likely crying throughout its course.

Standing out amongst everything here is Robot's CG animation style that Sanders himself describes as "a Monet painting in a Miyazaki forest", a style that creates more than its fair share of visually outstanding segments and when this lovingly crafted vibrancy comes together with thoughtful lead voice performers Lupita Nyong'o as the loveable Roz and Pedro Pascal as the initially detestable but eventually likable Fink and enhanced by Kris Bowers exemplary and soaring score, Robot comes together as a complete package in every department.

Narratively Robot undoubtedly takes few risks and many key happenings will be overtly predictable for any seasoned viewer but it would take a very jaded and cold cinematic soul to not find joy and comfort from a film so enjoyable as this, a fitting swansong to a wonderous period of DreamWorks products and a further reminder that the animation world is alive and well with many more notable stories yet to tell.

Final Say -

One of the years most pleasant surprises regardless of genre or design, The Wild Robot is a winning mix of heart, humour and imagination, gifting this familiar feeling tale with a sense of wonderment and adventure that should ensure its place amongst the years biggest audience hits.

4 feigned deaths out of 5

Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)

The movie, despite being based on a book, has a unique concept. A robot surviving and adapting in the wild is both whimsical and thoughtful. It captures the viewer immediately.

The idea of an emotionally detached robot slowly becoming more human than machine through her interactions is intriguingly captivating. Not to forget the gorgeous illustrations and animation Subtle but powerful themes about nature, empathy, and what it truly means to be alive.

The only flaw is that some characters feel as if they are not quite developed for instance Pink Tale is a fun character and seems to have a nice background story, but it was only insinuated. Overall, the movie is heartwarming.

When I watched this movie I was not familiar with the book, so i was going in blind, and boy I was not disappointed. I loved the movie from beginning to end because of the animation style, the characters, the soundtrack, and the different themes from the movie. I always love whenever movies leave a lasting impact on you and this one definitely has. I will be honest I didn't expect to cry during this movie but I did......three times. It was so simple yet complex in what themes they were conveying, and I highly recommend people of all ages to watch this movie. The themes that I picked up on were motherhood, being viewed as different in society, and growing up. I loved and adored this movie so much and I cannot wait to watch it again.

I saw the Wild Robot during its TIFF premiere and I have not been able to stop thinking about it. It's one of those movies that really makes an impact on you, and you leave that theatre feeling completely changed. The story was so beautiful, so heartfelt and touching that I cried 3 times. It was a beautiful tale about a found family, unexpected bonds and the beauty of motherhood. I'm currently reading the book and can't wait for the rest of the world to see this wonderful movie. Not to mention, the animation is so adorable, especially Brightbill, you will be holding in a coo every couple minutes. I absolutely adore this movie and can't wait to watch it again.

"The Wild Robot" is this generations "Bambi"...yes it's that damn fine...like a coffee from "Twin Peaks".

The Key Lime Pie in this animation masterpiece is the beautiful, inclusive story that deals with so many hot topic issues including: finding your heart or living with a disability, without preaching to anyone.

During the first act I was laughing so hard at the brilliant, natural comic moments shared from the book of the same name written by Peter Brown.

By the second act I was in awe of where this story arc was taking the audience and by the third act I felt salt water in my eyes.

"The Wild Robot" will make you laugh, cry and sigh!

The celebrity voiceover cast of Lupita Nyong'o, Catherine O'Hara ("Beetlejuice" she's so hot right now), Bill Nighy, Matt Berry ("Toast of London"), Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, Pedro Pascal and so many others do an amazing job of breathing life into this screenplay, backed by the lush island atmosphere and the gorgeous creatures that inhabit it.

Director Chris Sanders obsession with animation from "Lilo and Stitch" to "The Croods" has paid dividends in "The Wild Robot".

This film shows us that sometimes to survive you must become more than you were programmed to be.