The Popkorn Junkie

When you think of computer animated imagery, Pixar and DreamWorks are the two companies that probably leap out in your mind. This is most likely due to the fact that over half of the American population has seen either "Shrek 2" and/or "Finding Nemo" within the past couple of years. Pixar and DreamWorks crank out at least one animated film per year, and they always do extraordinary business at the box office -- they are the kind of annual event that Disney use to bring to the table in the early 1990's...a release date that had families antsy all year long. 20th Century Fox Animation is kind of the kid brother in this group. They do not have the same kind of stature in the industry as Pixar and DreamWorks because they do not release as many films, and because their revenues have never strayed into the stratosphere. Their most recent picture, "Ice Age", grossed around $176 million worldwide -- not shabby by a long shot -- but nothing close to the $800+ million taken in by "Finding Nemo" or the $900+ million taken in by "Shrek 2". Still, kids do not really differentiate between studios...they just enjoy films that give them something interesting to look at and something mildly humorous to laugh at. They have short attention spans, and so must the films. The best of these films are the ones that are able to appeal to adults, like the "Shrek" films. They need something too.

Let me preface the body of this review by saying that "Robots" is the most visually stunning animated film ever released. The story centers around a young robot named Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan McGregor), who has always wanted to become an inventor and meet the king of all robots, Bigweld (Mel Brooks). One day, he decides to leave for Robot City and leave behind his loving and supportive parents (Stanley Tucci & Dianne Wiest). His idea is that if he meets Bigweld and shows him his invention, he will have no choice but to hire him on the spot. This becomes complicated when Rodney learns that Bigweld no longer runs the company, but has been replaced by a villainous robot named Ratchet (Greg Kinnear). Alongside his sadistic mother, Madame Gasket (Jim Broadbent), Ratchet has been plotting the extinction of outmodes, and an all upgrade system of repair for inmode robots. Of course, Rodney must stop this from happening. He is assisted by a scattered brained robot named Fender (Robin Williams), a bouncy little robot named Piper (Amanda Bynes), and the lovely employee of Bigweld Industries, Cappy (Halle Berry). The mission becomes simple -- find Bigweld and convince him to go back to the company and end Ratchet's reign of terror. If films worked out that easily, they would only be half an hour long. Of course there is conflict, but only the most entertaining kind.

For starters, "Robots" reminded me a lot of the "Shrek" films. The humor in this film is obviously aiming for two demographics -- young children and teenagers who enjoy fart jokes and occasional pop culture references. In the latter, it succeeds better than any animated film to date. Take, for instance, the scene when Rodney first arrives at the train station in robot city. That sequence of events is one of the most humorous in animated film history. The entire theatre was cackling with laughter. Another scene involves most of the primary characters lying in bed, topping one another with various gaseous emissions. Who would have thought that fart humor could ever be this hilarious again? However, my favorite scene would have to be the amazing final battle sequence. We get everything from throwbacks to "The Lord of the Rings" to "Hit Me Baby, One More Time". Along with the scene of Rodney and Fender getting hurled from the train station, this is one of the most amazing computer animated sequences you are likely to see anytime soon. It is with originality and creativity that 20th Century Fox Animation succeeds. And, with the addition of this film to their animated catalogue, they can officially be considered serious contenders for the crown.

Another great aspect of this film is the voice casting. Many animated films choose actors based on their name recognition, rather than the ability of their voice to come off good on screen. Robin Williams has both going for him -- he has not voiced such a mainstream animated character since "Aladdin", and that will certainly have a rather large influence on the box office performance for this film -- everyone loves listening to him do an animated rant. Other extremely wise casting choices include Paul Giamatti as Tim the Gate Guard and Drew Carey as Crank. Their voices are themselves animated and they add some added liveliness to the pace of the film. The same can be said for the amazing Mel Brooks -- it seems as if this role as tailor made just for him -- I really couldn't imagine anyone else as Bigweld. The only casting mistakes I would take note of were Halle Berry as Cappy and Amanda Bynes as Piper -- their voices do not allow for their personalities to eek out onto the screen. My favorite thing to do with this film was listen for all of the vocal cameos in the film -- Jay Leno as the ornery fire hydrant, Stephen Tobolowsky as Forge, Dan Hedaya as Mr. Gunk, and the hilarious Jennifer Coolidge as Aunt Fanny -- and what an appropriate name for the character.

In summation, "Robots" was the best animated motion picture I have seen since "Toy Story" -- and, yes, that means I liked it better than the "Shrek" films and the last few Pixar installments. 20th Century Fox Animation are at the top of their games with this film, and they are truly giving both DreamWorks and Pixar a run for their money. With larger studios like Fox and Warner Brothers (with "The Polar Express") entering the CGI arena with such splendid success, it would seem as if Pixar's days of being the baddest boys on the black are dwindling down. We know we can always expect quality work from them, but now that they have some valid competition, they might start making some mistakes. "Robots" is exciting, hilarious, and fully enjoyable entertainment for the whole family. The adults will love the humor made just for them and all of the jokes that they understand, but would be a little too mature for their children. The kids will love the classic storyline and the non-stop animated thrills. All in all, this film is a complete winner. "Robots" reminded me of what Walt Disney Picture use to do with a film. So, strap on your gloves, take a run around the block, and get ready for some action -- the CGI Wars have officially begun.

-- Billy Ray ( 4 out of 4 pops )

Talk about this film with other Popkorn Junkies

Other Junkie's opinions.....

None yet.