I'm a Canadian living in England which gives me an odd view on things sometimes. Live in Norfolk wit...
I'm a Canadian living in England which gives me an odd view on things sometimes. Live in Norfolk with my husband and am waterlilly on dooyoo.
Member since:21.06.2009
Reviews:28
Members who trust:11
When "Robots" was released in 2005 I headed off to see it in the cinema. I have to admit in the sea of animated films offered by the likes of Pixar and Dreamworks in the last five years I had practically forgotten seeing the film when I met my husband and he happened to have the dvd in his collection. In the time we've been together I've watched the film at least 3 times and it never fails to raise at least a little giggle.
THE PREMISE
This Twentieth Century Fox animated film was directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha who have been involved in the fabulous Ice Age films. As suggested by the title, it is set in a world where everyone is a Robot, as are their pets. Rodney Copperbottom is the beloved only child of hardworking parents who are forced to provide him with a serious of hand-me-down-parts, including some teenage parts from his very popular female cousin. Rodney learns his work ethic from his parents as well as his ability to dream. Rodney is also inspired by Bigweld, an inventor from the big city who features on a television show.
The film really gets going when Rodney heads to the big city, inventions in hand, to find Bigweld. Rodney quickly realises that all is not well at Bigweld Industries. He 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, if you have seen those and are looking for a bit of fun, this is it. Robin Williams steals the show as Fender, the street smart robot who takes Rodney under his wing. Ewan McGregor lends his voice to Rodney and a host of big names from both sides of the pond take on smaller roles. It's quite fun to watch the film and then afterwards see how many you were able to guess correctly.
The animation is fun and consistent in this film. There are some great sequences such as Rodney's first trip on the city's transportation system or when Rodney and Fender find themselves in the scrap yard. The juxtaposition of 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 adults. At times it does find its way into "fart" humour at one point which doesn't appeal to me but never fails to amuse my husband (men!). It fails to captivate adults in the way that Shrek managed, but does try. There is also some great music in the film with a fabulous final number.
If you're looking for a new addition to your animated library do give this a look, but only if you've already seen some of the great offerings from the last couple of years.
Also published on dooyoo as waterlilly
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I saw this at the cinema with two of my grandsons when it came out and was instantly captivated! I also saw part of it on DVD but was put out by the running commentary by my daughter and (at the time, 5 yr old?)granddaughter as it played as I prefer to concentrate myself, and was looking forward to favourite bits. I preferred this to many other recent animations; perhaps because, as number 2 of 8 children I often had to wear hand-me-downs and to be inventive; and make do in mending things to make them work!
. . . . . . ♥ jes ♥
rojm 07.07.2009 22:07
Watched this a few years ago on holiday - good 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...
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...
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...
Academy Award winning director Chris Wedge (Ice Age) returns to create another visually ... more
spectacular three-dimensional world with an all-star award-winning cast. This hilarious fun adventure not only pushes the boundaries of animation but also int...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Great CGI effects and a superb performance from Smith Disadvantages: SMith may be becoming Type Cast, No real chemisrty between Smith and Moynahan
Andy.mack 18.12.2004 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of I, Robot (DVD)
Advantages: Original, entertaining and funny (at times it's "laugh out loud" funny too) !!! Disadvantages: Way too short ... the extras on this DVD are actually longer than the main feature !!!
![Robots [DVD] [2005]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78497754.jpg "Robots [DVD] [2005]")
Jul 6th, 2009
very helpful by (97%):
helpful by (3%):
