Robots (2005) Dir: Chris Wedge

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Growing up, I used to watch so many of these animated children's films with my sisters, and we used to love it - some of them I still watch regularly now. However, when it comes to this 2005 animated adventure, directed by Chris Wedge, I hadn't watched it since I was a pre-teen. I couldn't wait to revisit it, though - I had so many find memories of it.

The film was produced by Blue Sky Studios, most known for producing the 'Ice Age' films, among other fairly popular animated family films. To that end, I thought that the animation held up incredibly well, considering the film is now over twenty years old. It looks better than many animated films you'd see today, let alone its contemporaries. I really thought my memory of a great-looking film was due to nostalgia and rose-tinted glasses, but no, this would actually be well-thought-of if it came out today, I think.

Something that goes a little under the radar with the film is just how quotable it is. The film is extremely funny, and with the likes of Robin Williams in the cast, it should come as no surprise that there are several memorable jokes throughout the film. I used to quote many of these with my siblings almost everyday, they entertained us that much.

I really love the narrative that this film provides, not just because of the comedy and adventure of it all, but because of its poignant and still all-too-relevant messaging too. I'd forgotten just how political the film was, but, I must admit, I loved it. Its story carries a strong anti-capitalist message, albeit tinkered a little for children. What you get is a film that isn't just a fun robot film for kids, it genuinely has a point to make - isn't it interesting how mainstream films seem to do this less and less when it comes to anti-capitalist messaging... I wonder why.

I digress, an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Greg Kinnear, Mel Brooks, Drew Carrey, Amanda Byrnes, and the aforementioned Robin Williams, reaps comedic havoc all over the film, with it being extremely apparent that all of them were having a great time recording their dialogue. McCregor provides an excellent, starry-eyed, young, naive protagonist for the film to revolve around, whilst his many iconic co-stars all add meat to the bone with their own memorable voice acting performances.

Overall, I think this has to go down as one of the most underrated children's films of the century. A bold statement, I know, but it really feels like it has a little bit of everything; comedy, adventure, fun characters, and, perhaps most importantly of all, a point. It's a film that, on the surface, might not seem that special, but, in my opinion, very much is. It holds a very precious place in my heart, even though I don't watch it too often now, but I would happily show my children one day, if I ever have any.