|
-
News
- Features
- Events
Calendar
- Editorials
- Monthly
Zine
- Offworld
Report
- Our Daily
RSS Feed
- Movie/TV
Reviews
> Recent movies
> Movies by year
> Movies by title
- Book
Reviews
> Recent books
> Books by year
> Books by title
- Home
- Worlds
- Biography
- Bibliography
- Appearances
- Reviews
- Blog
- Community
- Press
- Links
Become
an Advertiser
- Web
Site Directory
- Search
the Net
- StephenHunt.net
- WoodenRocket.com
- Check
your E-mail
- Non Sci-Fi
News
|
Meet the Robinsons (Frank's take)
01/05/2007 . Source: Frank Ochieng 
Walt Disney Pictures' computer-animated Meet the Robinsons is an actively spunky futuristic sci-fi showcase that doesn't necessarily break the mode when it comes to serving up digital ditties that are wildly imaginative, says Frank. In fact, one would have to question the endless contributors (among them is writer-director-voiceover actor Stephen J. Anderson) that offered their diverse input into a pithy pet project that wouldn't be considered breathtakingly unique. Routinely, Meet the Robinsons has that three-dimensional, old-fashioned Disney Chicken Little/Jimmy Neutron vibe to it that screams instant familiarity. Buy Meet the Robinsons in the USA - or Buy Meet the Robinsons in the UK  Visually, Meet the Robinsons isn't really distinctively ambitious per se as far as originality. Nevertheless, one cannot deny its spry presentation that gives the movie an infectious cheeky charm.
Based on the book by William Joyce, Robinsons evokes the notable realm of the Back to the Future flicks while maintaining that Disneyesque feel that conjures up the magical mayhem. Because of the heavy presence of several screenwriters involved, Robinsons manage to convey a frenzy atmospheric concoction that is often uneven but riddled with various playful elements of impishness and intrigue. The storytelling is solid and the kiddies will no doubt escape into the odd-looking colourful landscape of the cartoon's frantic universe.
There's something nostalgically potent about Meet the Robinsons that reinforces the appeal factor. Quite frankly, Disney has put out far more eye-catching animated features in the past. However, Robinsons establishes its selected rhythm as a gadget-aged caper that is good-natured in its chipper G-rated confines.
A brilliantly young orphan named Lewis (voiced by both Daniel Hansen and Jordan Fry) is an inspiring talented inventor whose memory scanner exhibition falls short of its potential. Understandably feeling frustrated by his experimental failure Lewis is at odds with his adoptive parents and little buddy nicknamed "Goob" (Matthew Josten). Lewis wanted his contraption to help recollect memories of his natural mother at the science fair but to no avail. What else is there to do but give up? Well, at least Lewis thinks this is the solution to ease his disappointment.
Enter the mysterious youngster named Wilbur Robinson (Wesley Singerman) that eventually meets up with Lewis. Wilbur Robinson (perhaps an ode to the 40 year-plus Billy Mumy role-Danger, Will Robinson-from the old 60's TV series "Lost in Space"?) proclaims he's a product from the future. The inspirational Wilbur wants Lewis to continue his dream of pursuing the science of invention.
Thus Wilbur ends up taking the dejected Lewis along for a compelling ride into the future where the minor memory machine maker will have the privilege of meeting his travelling companion's off-kilter family. Still, there is also another catch to Wilbur whisking Lewis away on this strange journey besides having him meet his kooky clan-the incensed junior inventor is asked to assist in saving his newfound partner's futuristic world from impending danger.
As Lewis and Wilbur embark on an adventure to mingle with the rest of the Robinsons and take care of miscellaneous matters little do they know that the duplicitous Bowler Hat Guy (voiced by the movie's helmer/co-writer Anderson) is tracking them with a sordid agenda on his mind.
Because his hat is armed with such powerful operational force, Bowler Hat Guy-also from the future-looks to wreak havoc and cause the tandem of Lewis and Wilbur to defend whatever destructive ploy the shadowy figurehead has up his cynical sleeve.
In reference to outlining the Robinsons as wacky character studies, here's the lowdown. Frog-loving music-maker mother Franny (Nicole Sullivan) is a ditsy spectacle. Grandfather Bud (also voiced by Anderson) is a mischievous windbag. Uncle Art (Adam West from 60's television Batman) is an eccentric coot that fancies himself a superhero in between delivering pepperoni pizzas door to door. Even the family robot Carl (Harland Williams) is a scream within the Robinson family dynamic. Yeah, the Robinsons are a handful to say the least. Why Wilbur feels the need to show them off is a bewildering gesture to comprehend.
The madcap make-up that is Meet the Robinsons basks in the surreal silliness of the jittery exposition. The jokes register more often than not. Sadly, Robinsons can never be confused with a computer-generated comedy that crackles with the constant alarming funnies. What the stylistic cartoon lacks in knee-slapping moments certainly makes up with catchy and quaint dialogue. Thankfully, there are plenty of robust giddy action sequences for the diminutive viewers to take notice. The leading lads in Lewis and Wilbur are suitable as the tour guide tykes that invite us into the dippy danger that lies ahead.
The Robinsons, as a whole, are joyously zany without being too tiresome in the outlandish antics. Plus, the insidious Bowler Hat Guy makes for a refreshingly campy villain that enhances the spastic slapstick. Overall, the supporting characters/voices from the likes of Angela Bassett, Tom Selleck and Laurie Metcalf...they are essential in the festive proceedings.
Intermittently breezy but thoroughly enjoyable, Meet the Robinsons is an undeniable treat in the Disney tradition of ushering the conveyor belt of rollicking kid-oriented entertainment.
Frank Ochieng
© Copyright Frank Ochieng 2007
|
|
