Robin Robin

Robin (Bronte Carmichael), a robin, as an egg falls out of her nest and is adopted by a family of mice. Despite receiving the wisdoms of her Dad (Adeel Akhtar) Robin consistently bungles the family's "sneaks" for food much to the chagrin of her siblings. After inadvertently alerting the "who-mans" during their most recent sneak Robin sets out to try and sneak some crumbs to her family with the help of a materialistic magpie (Richard E. Grant) who tells Robin of the star Who-mans place atop trees in their homes that supposedly grants you any of your wishes, however the two must contend with a territorial and hungry cat (Gillian Anderson).

Robin Robin is the latest production from UK based stop-motion animation house, Aardman animations best known for their work on the Wallace and Gromit films, as well as Chicken Run, The Pirates: Band of Misfits (UK: The Pirates in an Adventure with a Scientist), and Early Man. Created and directed by Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, this is the first major project for either director (barring a couple of prior shorts on their filmography) and for their first major outing both Ojari and Please bring that same level of care, quality, and craft we've come to expect from Aardman even if admittedly it's a very familiar take whose story origins will seem more than a little reminiscent of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The movie's animation is absolutely top notch with every scene from the opening onward lovingly crafted with simple but expressive creatures brought to life with Aardman's trademark style giving a real sense of tangibility to the proceedings with even the most minor of interactions. The opening sequence where we see Robin's egg roll out of her nest and through the woods seamlessly goes through an interconnected series of sets that are all beautifully crafted with only the occasional "editing trick" to give the illusion of flow. The animation is well synchronized with some charming song sequences with the mouse "sneaking" song being both charming as well as humorous with Robin's constant bungling Gillian Anderson's song as the Cat is playfully wicked as she sings mocking taunts to Robin while also insinuating her intentions to eat her.

The movie's characters are filled with charm and personality thanks to the design work in conjunction with pitch perfect casting. Bronte Carmichael's turn as Robin carries both enthusiastic tenacity as well as good natured naivety that endures the audience to a protagonist like this, and Adeel Akhtar as the mouse Dad is wonderful in supportive and caring attitude towards Robin and shows just how much he wants Robin to succeed at being a mouse. Richard E. Grant is quite funny as Magpie with his song about "things" and the value he places upon them being an amusing and humorous character quirk, and last and certainly not least is Gillian Anderson as the cat who is absolutely fantastic is our main villain effortlessly bringing to life some subtle but macabre charms to the character.

Robin Robin's story of an "odd duck" (no pun intended) protagonist not fitting in is definitely well trodden ground seen in the likes of stories like Dumbo and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but the movie manages to overcome the familiarity of its story thanks to its attention to the little details and some really solid work by the voice cast.

Robin Robin is a pleasant Holiday themed short with Aardman's typically beautiful animation and charm and personality to spare. While the plot covers well-trodden ground, it's such an effortlessly immersive and pleasant viewing that I can only imagining people saying they like it.

Amazing short story - adventurous, family friendly. Interesting take in the animation style - adorable & something that i grow up watching with. Wholesome voice castings and playful sound scores which compliment this adorable animation style and its world. Loving the idea of making it as musicals which for me adding more into the nostalgic vibe of my childhood movies/tv shows that i used to watch with the exact style and sound experiences. Plot-wise just common, nothing new. Highly entertaining - dramatic, comedic, thrilling adventure, relatable storyline - struggle to fit in & embrace your differences and identity. Great ending. Cute lyrics and song writtings. Highly recommended. Great for christmas season.

Most of us, if not all of us, try to find a space in life. Try to fit in, try to make something of what live has given us. Our enviroment and the people we grow up with. We may not belong to the "tribe"/class/(insert word that is fitting here - no pun intended) that raises us ... but we certainly take on the things they teach us.

A really fun and entertaining short movie, that may offend some people ... especially the cat lovers amongst the viewers. But don't take everything too seriously I'd say to those who actually feel offended. Animals get humanized, so try not to nitpick if possible.

Not sure if it will grab an Oscar (I have not seen the other animated shorts), but the nomination is more than deserving. Of Mice and ... birds.

Yes technically this is a half an hour short animated movie, but it was worth spending my 30 minutes watching this charming and adorable film. Everything about it from the pacing, characters, beautiful animation style is just what you expect from a great studio trying to experiment something new, and it all paid off. If you got 30 mins to spare, watch this masterpiece on Netflix!!

Just watched it 5 minutes ago. Overwhelmed!

Exquisite, heart-rending - I can't praise it enough. Yes, it is about birds, mice and cats - but also, in the most human way, how these (felt) creature navigate a world of desire, threat and identity.

Aardman have done a fantastic job. It takes me back to the wonder of childhood. And it will become a Xmas classic - just like the Snowman.

Well, what about it at the technical level is so good? Simple answer: The stop motion animation, lighting, script, puppet design, performances, music, songs, etc etc are all just stunningly accomplished.

I enjoyed every second and wished it was longer. (My only criticism is that it is too short.)

I hope there is a follow up next year.

Chapeau! Congrats! Well done!