The Wild Robot (2024)

I’ve always enjoyed watching a good animated movie and the different styles that creators use. Whether it’s 2D, 3D, stop motion, anime, or Claymation, I always enjoy the experience if it’s done right. And even though it took me more than a month to see this movie, I finally had the chance to see DreamWorks’ most recent masterpiece, The Wild Robot. And I can’t remember the last time I saw an animated feature that I would describe as absolutely perfect. It provides everything you would love to see in an animated movie: great animation, humor, heart, and a story that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Sometimes, I can be pretty judgmental in the worst way possible (probably my lack of social understanding), but when I first saw the trailer for this movie I had a feeling that I was in for something pretty good, and I think it’s safe to say that my expectations were greatly exceeded. And it takes a lot to impress someone like me these days, so that’s saying a lot. I suppose I have a lot to discuss about this movie and I cannot wait to get into that.

     The story is about an intelligent robot called Roz who ends up stuck on an uninhabited island after a shipwreck. To survive her new surroundings, she bonds with the island’s animals and ends up caring for an orphaned baby goose. I will say, without spoiling too much, the movie felt like a combination of Bambi and WALL-E, and I’m totally all for that. The film also includes a top-notch cast that includes Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, and Catherine O’Hara, who all play their roles perfectly. It was written and directed by Chris Sanders (writer and director of Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon) who, along with his team of animators, brought this dazzling film to life. The music is also amazing, with a score that’s done perfectly by Kris Bowers. It could send chills down your spine and bring out the emotions. I actually almost cried a few times throughout this flick. Not bad for someone who sometimes struggles with empathy, am I right? I can’t even begin to describe how smooth and well done the animation was. It sort of reminded me of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in some ways, which was also DreamWorks, but it also felt like it did its own thing. It was like looking at a painting and it kept my attention throughout. When it came to humor, I don’t think a single beat was missed. I found it both funny and relatable to watch a robot with speech patterns that are more unusual than mine. Well, maybe more relatable in some cases, but it doesn’t matter. I still laughed, almost cried, and had a blast watching what might be the best animated movie of the year. What more could I ask for?

     As I said before, this was a perfect animated movie. As someone who pays close attention to every little detail in a flick, I couldn’t seem to find one flaw in this one. I wasn’t actually sure I was going to see this movie before it stopped playing in the theaters but I’m glad I was able to catch it before then because I can’t imagine the experience being any better than on the big screen. Not everything that DreamWorks has done in the past was a masterpiece but when they get it right, they certainly get it right. And that’s what they did here. So, I’d have to give this movie a perfect 10 out of 10. If you’re looking for an animated movie that’s original and provides you with the same feelings that I was provided with, then look no further, because this movie is right up your alley.