... We have tried hundreds of DVD’s that we thought he would like and although he has enjoyed them all, he has always ended up back with Shrek – until we discovered Robots. Now, we have a whole new problem…
Directors: Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha
Genre: animated family comedy
Release Date: ... Read review
The delightful designs of William Joyce (writer/illustrator of such popular children's ... more
books asGeorge ShrinksandBently&Egg) makeRobotsa joy to behold. The round, bouncy, and ramshackle forms of hero Rodney Copperbottom and his computer-animated friends...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
From the makers of Ice Age comes Robots, another fun-filled adventure that will delight ... more
you with its groundbreaking computer animation. Robots tells the story of Rodney Copperbottom, an aspiring inventor, who travels to Robot City to meet his idol, Big...
The delightful designs of William Joyce (writer/illustrator of such popular children's ... more
books asGeorge ShrinksandBently&Egg) makeRobotsa joy to behold. The round, bouncy, and ramshackle forms of hero Rodney Copperbottom and his computer-animated friends...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1 to 3 weeks...
Advantages: Like watching a ballet, funny, sweet Disadvantages: not getting anything from me on this
...inventions and banishes all old robots to the scrap heap by only producing new parts and not repairing old spares.
Will Rodney and his friends put a stop to evil Ratchet’s plan? With Robot City be saved? And just what happened to Bigweld anyway and will Rodney convince him to develop his invention through the Bigweld Corporation? You will just have to watch the film to see like the rest of us!
***Who are Chris Wedge and Carlos ... ...formed a strong working relationship. Robots is not their first venture together. Carlos actually directed Ice Age and Ice Age Two with Chris as well as the two Scrat shorts. Perhaps this is just the beginning of a new Hollywood pairing.
***How was the script***
The script for Robots was fantastic, but with the same powerhouse behind this as there was for Ice Age and Ice Age Two, it is hardly surprising.
I have been desperate to get my youngest turned on to anything other than shrek as I was really growing to resent the big green fella. We have tried hundreds of DVD’s that we thought he would like and although he has enjoyed them all, he has always ended up back with Shrek – until we discovered Robots. Now, we have a whole new problem…
Directors: Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha Genre: animated family comedy Release Date: March 2005 Classification: Run Time: Actors: Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Greg Kinnear, Jim Broadbent, Mel Brookes, Halle Berry, Drew Carrey, Jennifer Coolidge, Diane Weist and the list goes on….
***What’s it about*** Rodney Copperbottom is a would-be inventor living the quiet life with his dishwasher dad and housewife mum but he dreams of making them proud by following in the footsteps of his hero, Bigweld in Robot City. His ailing father, disheartened with his own job encouraged Rodney to follow his dreams and gives him the nudge he needs to take the first step to meeting Bigweld, and so Rodney sets off with one of his inventions to show him. However, what Rodney finds in Robot City is not what he had expected. In Bigweld’s place is Ratchet who, directed by his horrible mother, is interested in money not inventions and banishes all old robots to the scrap heap by only producing new parts and not repairing old spares. Will Rodney and his friends put a stop to evil Ratchet’s plan? With Robot City be saved? And just what happened to Bigweld anyway and will Rodney convince him to develop his invention through the Bigweld Corporation? You will just have to watch the film to see like the rest of us!
***Who are Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha *** Chris Wedge is an actor, director, producer and writer with much of his later career revolving around animation. Not only has he directed and produced other animated features like Ice Age and Ice Age Two, he has also lent his voice to Scrat, one of the film’s most loved characters and the star of a follow up shorts, Gone Nutty and No time for Nuts.
Carlos Saldanha, in a similar career has credits as director, producer and actor as well as having spent time working in visual effects for which he worked on Brad Pitt blockbuster, Fight Club.
Interestingly, it seems Chris and Carlos have formed a strong working relationship. Robots is not their first venture together. Carlos actually directed Ice Age and Ice Age Two with Chris as well as the two Scrat shorts. Perhaps this is just the beginning of a new Hollywood pairing.
***How was the script*** The script for Robots was fantastic, but with the same powerhouse behind this as there was for Ice Age and Ice Age Two, it is hardly surprising.
Animated films face stiff competition these days and it can often feel that so much focus is put on the film being funny, that the actual story gets forgotten about. The humour can often feel forced and out of context and the film loses all substance.
Robots doesn’t do that. The story is the magic in the film. It certainly is funny with some fantastic slapstick humour (Fender doing Britney Spears will bring tears to your eyes it is so funny!) but there is so much more involved in this production. There is obviously a genuine affection for the characters, which involves the audience more. There is an on-going adventure that provides the excitement and energy expected and the script combines the humour we expect and demand with tenderness, fire and guts. It is very much a story of determination and faith and friendship and as a viewer, I was desperate to see Rodney and his freaky friends succeed.
***How was the acting/voice overs*** Perhaps the line-up is why the writers and directors didn’t feel the need to overdue the written humour. With big comedy hitters like Jennifer Coolidge, Mel Brookes and Robin Williams there isn’t too much need for them to worry. The three comedians could make a nuclear bomb funny if pushed and as all three are free-flowers who are most experienced with improvisation, it must have been the easiest thing for Saldanha and Wedge to just let them do what they do best – Coolidge as the big bummed Aunt Fanny, Brookes in a smaller capacity as Bigweld and Williams as the comedic genius of Fender, Rodney’s new friend and constant companion. It is fair to say, that no matter how strong a script this film had, without Williams in particular, this film would not have been the success it was.
Ewan McGregor as Rodney was suitable enough, although I find his performance to be bit like kissing a dead fish. He is out of his depth with such attention-grabbing stars and he kind of gets forgotten about in parts. Halle Berry as Cappy, Rodney’s love interest is similar. Her character is essential to the plot but her overall contribution is relatively limited apart from a few of the action scenes towards the end.
Greg Kinnear who plays the evil, but under the thumb mama’s boy does a good job in the role of Ratchet but his mother played by Jim Broadbent is far superior. She is a bossy, cranky despicable old woman and I imagine a great part to play!
The cast worked well and on screen appeared to be a good ensemble group (although I suspect the never even met. Their relationships made the film fun and added a personal touch you wouldn’t accept from a film about nuts, bolts and mechanical failings.
***How was the cinematography*** This was a magical film to watch. The detail was extraordinary. Robot City reminded me of the most intricate Pinball Game. You almost want to keep pausing it scene by scene so you can absorb everything that is going on.
The climax scene is fabulous and highlights the fact that the film is as much about good choreography as it is about a good story and good characters. Much of the film is like watching an extended dance sequence with bold colours blended in seamlessly with the darker, muted colours. It being a technology-based film, it is hardly surprising that the animation takes on a slightly edgier feel with more definite, almost architectural futuristic designs throughout.
Considering the main characters were mechanical objects it was amazing how the animation made them come alive and even allow the viewer to warm to them. Each of the mains had features which were surprisingly human, like Aunt Fanny’s huge bum! These small details turn a hollow, metal creature instantly into a squishy, squeezable bundle of human softness.
***Highlights*** *Rodney’s first introduction to Fender and his first trip on the cross town express
* The fantastic conclusion scene for the pure genius of the massive production
***What did we think of it*** The entire family loved this! It is films like these that remind you what uncomplicated, human comedy is about. If you want to explore the healing powers of laughter then this is a film for you. There aren’t any fancy catches like are often seen in animation, but that is because it doesn’t need it. This film stands on its own, is what it is and deserves all our respect for it.
***Trivia***
**Fender tries to sell Rodney a map of the stars with aptly names stars, Axle Rose, Britney Gears and MC Hammer
* *Robin Williams performed the scene with Fender and Rodney attempting to get past Tim eight times in eight different accents
**In the opening scene as Rodney walks in Rivet Town, one of the vendors sells ice cream called "Auntie Freeze" - a chemical used in radiators in vehicles in countries, which experience low temperature or snowy weather
Advantages: Fun film with a strong voice cast and good animation Disadvantages: In the face of stronge competition, it doesn't quite match up
...meets an eclectic bunch of robots who show him how to survive metropolitan life. Rodney's skills are soon necessary as the evil robot, Ratchet, who is now running Bigweld threatens the survival of his new friends and potentially that of his aging parents. SO SHOULD I SEE IT? "Robots" is a great little film. I cannot honestly rate it as highly as some of my animated favourites such as Shrek, Ice Age, Kung Fu Panda or really any of the Pixars. However, ... ...the old, nuts and bolts robots with the shiny futuristic robots keeps your interest. It also goes to show that you can't judge a robot by its upgrades as the line between goodie and baddie cannot be drawn based on the appearance of a robot. The humour in the film is fairly traditional Robin Williams though with some moments of Mel Brooks (yes, that's one of the voices to look for). It is family friendly, but with the odd reference thrown in to delight ...
Mountainlilly 06.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Robots (DVD)
Advantages: Technically excellent, decent story, good sight gags Disadvantages: Robin William's character is annoying, poor dialogue
...A FILM-ONLY REVIEW
------------------------------------------
ROBOTS is a pleasing animated movie brought to us by the same directorial team in charge of the brilliant Ice Age (Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha). While it doesn't reach up to the standard of Ice Age and indeed leaves one with the feeling of a somewhat wasted opportunity, it is enjoyable fun for the whole family. The basic storyline revolves around Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan McGregor) ... ...big city. His father Herb (Stanley Tucci) is a dishwasher (almost literally), which isn't much to aspire to, but Rodney has a very close relationship with his father - and seeing him in such a sorry state is another motivation for him wanting to be a success himself. Arriving in the big city, he meets Fender (Robin Williams), and off they go saving the world from the evil tyrant Ratchet (Greg Kinnear) and his even more evil mother Madam Gasket (Jim ...
CaptainDisaster 13.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Robots (DVD)
Advantages: A very funny and original film. Excellent animation. Disadvantages: None
...stopping making spare parts for robots and make them buy upgrades instead, to make the company more money - but could he have another, more sinister motive……………
Needless to say, Rodney manages to find a way in - albeit for a very short period of time.
The robot who was taking pictures at the train station we find out is called Fender, and him and Rodney become friends, along with the rusties (Fenders family and friends). Rodney stays with them ... ...making the spare parts, the robots go to Rodney for him to fix them. When Rachet finds out he knows he must put a stop to it.
Rodney goes on a quest to find Bigweld, to put him back in charge so that Bigweld Industries will make spare parts again, but along the way Fender gets caught by Sweepers and is taken to the chopping shop.
Will Rodney be able to rescue Fender ?????????????
Will he be able to find Bigweld ???????????????????
Will he be ...
welshfruitbat 19.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Robots (DVD)
Advantages: Funny, Fast and Creative Disadvantages: No Sequel Yet
First Impressions:
This is an outstanding cartoon-comedy that will appeal to both the younger and older generations. I have returned to watch it over and over again and it still has not aged for me. The Story:
Welcome to the world of robots, where, literally, everyone and everything is of metallic origin. It is in this wonderfully created world that you will meet Rodney (whose voice is given life to by Ewan Mcgregor).
Rodney is a slightly underprivileged ... ...disadvantaged social standing his motorized parents try their hardest to make sure he has as much as they can give him. Rodney's dad is a dishwasher (in every sense of that word) and although Rodney loves his dad to bits and bolts, he has ambitions to seek out a life in the big city as an inventor. Meanwhile in the city, Rodney's idol, a Mr. Bigweld is missing and instead of finding the welcoming arms of a big company who encourages inventors, he ...
gmhavvas 17.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Robots (DVD)
Advantages: Very funny, good animation and storyline Disadvantages: Can't think of any!
| Cast |
Blue Sky Studios have teamed up with Twentieth Century Fox and as a result produced another brilliant film! It is loaded with guest stars including Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Greg Kinnear, Mel Brooks, Drew Carey and Robin Williams. It was directed by the stars Chris Wedge and Caelos Saldanha.
| Story Line |
The film starts by introducing to you a young robot called Rodney Copperbottom who lives in Rivet Town. His dad, I'm not sure of ... ...local restaurant. Rodney's hero is BigWeld, the president of BigWeld Industries of Robot City. BigWeld Industries mainly just make stuff for other robots, including spare parts. Rodney himself is a budding young inventor, and creates a little flying robot that will make his dad's job so much easier. He takes his design to the restaurant his dad works at and after a while his dad lets the robot have a go. It truly does make his dad's job a lot easier. ...
mgcom 14.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Robots (DVD)
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Advantages: Great plot, movie and staring actor Will Smith. Very cheap now.. Disadvantages: n.a
I robotdvd,
This movie star will smith one of the top film stars around. The movie was released in the united kingdom on the 6th August 2004.
Plot..
It is the year 2035, in a world where robots are now common assistants for their human owners.
'Robotophoebic' police Detective Del Spooner played by Will Smith (Hitch) investigates the murder of Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell) designer of the robots at U.S Robotics based in Chicargo.
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But surely a robot cant violate the three laws of robotics. Right? This is apperently 'impossible', because if robots can break those laws, there's nothing to stop them from taking over the world!
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vickreview 31.03.2008 (18.05.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of I, Robot (DVD)
Advantages: Great CGI effects and a superb performance from Smith Disadvantages: SMith may be becoming Type Cast, No real chemisrty between Smith and Moynahan
I?ve been a fan of Will Smith since the early days of the Fresh Prince. Even though I?ve seen it millions of times I still find myself laughing at parts of it. As a musician he created good pop pieces of music that really suited the summer. His music is upbeat and although not really my kind of thing, still quite enjoyable. It was when they announced Will was going to be a movie star I began to grow doubtful. With the exception of ?Wild Wild West?, just like everything else he?s tried Will has succeeded. I missed seeing I, Robot at the cinema so I finally caught up and saw after borrowing the DVD.
It?s 2035 and just about everyone has a personal Robot in their homes. Doing odd jobs for them and generally helping them to run their lives. Everyone except Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith), who is incredibly wary of Robots. On the eve ...
Andy.mack 18.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of I, Robot (DVD)
Advantages: Storyline, acting, effects. Disadvantages: None so far!
Happy New Year fellow Ciao reviewers. It's now 2005 and for my first review, I'll do a film review on a DVD I got my sister for christmas.....
I, ROBOT
***ACTORS AND ACTRESSES***
Will Smith - The Legend of Bagger Vance, Shark Tale, Bad Boys II
Bridget Moynahan - Serendipity, Coyote Ugly, The Sum of All Fears
Alan Tudyk - Ice Age, Hearts in Atlantis, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
James Cromwell - Space Cowboys, Deep Impact, Species II
**CHARACTERS***
Del Spooner
Played by actor Will Smith. Del Spooner is a all-go no-quit detective in the force. Apart from having a buff body, Del always trusts his gut and uses his instincts to guide him and they've never failed him yet. His deep distrust for the main focus of this film (robots), does not appear without good reason. Del will not rely on robots for anything ...
LR_17 01.01.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of I, Robot (DVD)
The pixel-happy production company Blue Sky follows its successful feature ICE AGE with more animated antics in ROBOTS. Rodney Copperbottom (voiced by Ewan McGregor) is a talented inventor who hopes to make his fortune by moving to Robot City and working among the nuts and bolts of the robotics industry. Rodney fantasizes about building robots for his boyhood hero and master inventor Big Weld (Mel Brooks), but when he meets him, Rodney's dream threatens to turn rusty. Big Weld reveals that his company is now being run by the evil Phineas T. Ratchet (Greg Kinnear), a merciless moneymaker who wants to rid the world of the antiquated robots that clutter up the streets of Robot City. This leaves Rodney's aspirations needing a major oil change, and with little chance of finding work, he feels about as useful as a broken spare part. So he takes to the streets, where he finds some unlikely salvation in a group of robots lead by Fender (Robin Williams). Fender urges Rodney to help save them from the scrap heap, while Ratchet and his company create threatening new policies on robot reconstruction. The ensuing action leads to a breathtaking set of adventures in the futuristic city. A fun, dizzying delight, ROBOTS benefits from the many voices of Robin Williams, who is the perfect comic foil to Ewan McGregor's central character. The special effects are masterfully handled, and the rendering of Robot City is a true sight to behold. A film that should find a broad audience among adults and children alike, ROBOTS is fast-paced animated entertainment at its finest.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment; Deluxe Video Service - Fox
Release date
19/09/2005
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
2423401000
Barcode
5039036022682
Languages
Main Language
English
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Aunt Fans Tour Of Booty, Discontinued Parts, Interactive Games Robot Dance And Fender Photo Shoot, Meet The Bots Interactive 3 D Character Biographies, The Voices Of Robots Local Language Dubbing Featurettes, Audio Commentary By The Animation Crew At Blue Sky, Ice Age 2 Teaser, Ice Age 2 Sneak Peek, Robots Public Service Announcement
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Professional reviews
Review
Smart, funny and great entertainment for the whole family. (The Sun, )
DVD Description
The pixel-happy production company Blue Sky follows its successful feature ICE AGE with more animated antics in ROBOTS. Rodney Copperbottom (voiced by Ewan McGregor) is a talented inventor who hopes to make his fortune by moving to Robot City and working among the nuts and bolts of the robotics industry. Rodney fantasizes about building robots for his boyhood hero and master inventor Big Weld (Mel Brooks), but when he meets him, Rodney's dream threatens to turn rusty. Big Weld reveals that his company is now being run by the evil Phineas T. Ratchet (Greg Kinnear), a merciless moneymaker who wants to rid the world of the antiquated robots that clutter up the streets of Robot City. This leaves Rodney's aspirations needing a major oil change, and with little chance of finding work, he feels about as useful as a broken spare part. So he takes to the streets, where he finds some unlikely salvation in a group of robots lead by Fender (Robin Williams). Fender urges Rodney to help save them from the scrap heap, while Ratchet and his company create threatening new policies on robot reconstruction. The ensuing action leads to a breathtaking set of adventures in the futuristic city. A fun, dizzying delight, ROBOTS benefits from the many voices of Robin Williams, who is the perfect comic foil to Ewan McGregor's central character. The special effects are masterfully handled, and the rendering of Robot City is a true sight to behold. A film that should find a broad audience among adults and children alike, ROBOTS is fast-paced animated entertainment at its finest.
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