Crankin' out Good Fun!
Robots
Review by Ross Anthony

Wonderfully entertaining! Visually tantalizing! Musically upbeat! A modern animation with the spirit of the "Wizard of OZ" and "Willy Wonka." From the very opening scene to the end of the film, your smile will never drop, but your mouth will open to howl or chuckle on many occasions. Adults, kids, everyone!

It's the story of a small town robot (Rodney) gone to the big city to live out his dreams. Of course, the city reality isn't as shiny as he thought.

The story tellers do a great job of endearing us to Rodney's family even though they are only used to frame the main story. This gives the main story strong drive and lift. So many quality actors give quality voice performances. I thought I might find Robin Williams' efforts a bit tired, but his contributions are wonderful. Kudos to Stanley Tucci too for making Rodney's dad so lovable.

It's obvious that the design, creation and animation of the figures and sets are dazzling, lush and rich. The screenwriters also deserve a big hand for weaving fun fresh dialogue throughout. Keep your ears open and eyes peeled, the film has plenty of quick wit both in the audio and visual as well as clever commentary on philosophies of business and self.

I loved the picture, but are there any scratches in the metal? Yes, two minor mars: a cross-dressing joke used twice -- not funny. Rodney's invention kicking gatekeeper -- wrong note wrong moment.

Otherwise this is a fine fine picture. Made by the same folks that did "ICE AGE," but better. (Between an A and an A+ -- I'm rounding up.)

Additionally, the preview for "Ice Age 2" had this audience in stitches.


  • Robots. Copyright © 2005.
  • Starring Robin Williams, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Halle Berry, Mel Brooks, Jim Broadbent, Will Denten.
  • Directed by Chris Wedge.
  • Screenplay by MDavid Lindsay-Abaire, Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel.
  • Produced by Jerry Davis, John C. Donkin, William Joyce at 20th Century/Blue Sky.

Grade..........................A+ (4/4)

Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.

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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 07:55:40 PDT