Kindness is a survival skill. We see this. We hear this. We feel this throughout The Wild Robot. The children’s book adaptation is about an AI service bot who crash-lands onto an island teeming with wildlife. With the animals’ guidance, the robot transforms from ROZZUM unit 7134 to a mother, Raz. She, in turn, transforms these wild creatures by demonstrating that persistent kindness is an asset and not a liability.
The Wild Robot plays hero ball in every scene. Every beautiful stylus-brushed stroke is a blast to right field. Every inspirational line threads the moment like a ground ball over second base. Every note of the score resonates like the THUNK of a bat. My one issue: The pacing feels off at times, like the story is constantly being waved home. Overall, though, it’s a glorious win.
The Wild Robot deftly handles complex themes of self, family, and death – and does so simply. You see. You hear. You feel.
Dads, you’ll feel introspective watching Raz grow as a parent, but no need to get sauced to make it through. On a scale of one scotch on the rocks to gimme that entire damn bottle!, I give The Wild Robot one scotch with rocks.
🎬🎬🎬
Where to watch
Rating: PG (Mine: 5+)
Director: Chris Sanders
Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor
Run time: 1h 41m
Post-credits scenes: Yes
Bathroom breaks: According to RunPee, the best times are:
- 25:45 when Fink says, “And that’s what happens to your brain when you eat wood, weirdo.”
- 52:35 when Longneck says, “Endurance, then we’ll talk.”
Sequel? Yes. There are multiple books.
If you liked The Wild Robot, check out these films:
- Kensuke’s Kingdom (2021) (9+)
- Ron’s Gone Wrong (2011) (5+)
- Terra Willy (2019) (5+)
- The Iron Giant (2009) (7+)
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Find this title on the Family Film Recommendations list
