Meet the Robinsons

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#81

This is an article about [i]Meet The

Robinsons[/i] from my local newspaper The Vindicator. I’m rooting for

MTR, but I found the premise of this article somewhat believable. I dunno. I say,

read it but don’t trust it, because it is, after all, a movie review.

Oh, and I typed this verbatim, so

if the grammar is weird, it’s not my fault.

Heheheh.

[size=150][b]Charming movie about learning from failure

doesn’t quite succeed[/b][/size]
[i]The digital 3-D animated movie is

overloaded with lessons for the kids.[/i]

[b]By ROGER

MOORE[/b]
ORLANDO SENTINEL

“Meet the Robinsons” embraces failure.

This

wildly eccentric scatterbrained sci-fi farce positions itself firmly alongside the great Walt Disney’s own

willingness to accept failure in the pursuit of excellence. And then it fails itself.

But it’s brimming

with ambition and charm. A movie reworked and joked-up after Pixar’s John Lasseter took over Disney Animation,

it’s about an inventor-orphan named Lewis who fails repeatedly, but who is taken to the future to help fix the

past. It’s a way of giving Lewis hope when he has none.

"I have no future. No one wants

me."

Wilbur Robinson takes Lewis forward in time to convince him that he’s telling the truth about

time travel. While there, the orphan kid meets Wilbur’s loony family. The Addams Family has nothing on the

Robinsons. Adam West voices one cracked uncle, a futuristic pizza-deliverer. Enough said.

The villain, a

dopey beanpole out of a Tim Burton movie, literally twirls his mustache. He wants to claim the kid’s latest

science-fair failure as his own, and since he also traveled from the future (sleek, shiny time-ships) we know he

knows something potentially important and grand about Lewis.

A cute helper robot (voiced by Harland

Williams), a demonic robotic bowler hat and a T.Rex have parts to play. Singing, swinging, ring-a-ding-dinging

frogs croon.

Jumps off the screen

And if you see this in digital 3-D

– the only way to see it – stuff pops off the screen at you. This is a lovely use of that technology –

startling depth and detail and colors.

Disney used real kids to voice the 12- and 13-and-unders here, and

the one voicing Goob, Lewis’ orphan-friend (Matthew Josten), is Charlie Brown Christmas precious.

But the

plot is slapdash and derivative. To compensate, they overloaded this adaptation of the book "A Day With

Wilbur Robinson" with lessons to pass on to the kids. It’s as if the animation team knew they had taken a

swing, and missed, but they wanted children – and maybe their Disney bosses – to know aiming high and falling

short is OK.

“Keep moving forward.”

If you know your Mouse history, you know where that

Robinson family motto comes from. The brand-spanking new Disney Animation logo (a snippet of "Steamboat

Willie") trumpets that connection to tradition, too.

Three-D screenings of the movie will be preceded

by a lovely looking but joked-starved 1953 Donald Duck/Chip’n Dale 3-D short cartoon, "Working for

Peanuts." (Check newspaper ads to find a local theater showing it in 3-D.)

The 3-D experiment

didn’t take off in the '50s, and it may just be a fad now. But if “Robinsons” is how they’re going

to fail (and “The Wild” and “Chicken Little”), something a lot grander than “Cars”

will come from this Disney-Pixar marriage, someday

soon.

~~=oP

#82

Huh – Interesting…

I

thought Lasster and Co. would have made enough changes to keep the critics happy, but I guess not. But What you

said PV, this is a movie review, and they always seem to seem to take the

pessimistic view.

Oh, well! Thanks anyway! :smiley:

(crosses fingers)

#83

Hey, don’t worry. Rotten Tomatoes have MtR at 78%, on

par with Cars and Happy Feet. Considering that Chicken Little and the Wild found it hard to reach 40% with those

guys, I think John Lasseter has done plenty. :slight_smile:

General review feeling: It won’t be a long lasting

classic, but it’s much better than recent Disney fare, and certainly a step in the right direction.

And

look at it this way: It’s not The Reef/Shark Bait/Pi’s Story. :stuck_out_tongue:

#84

I just got back from the film, and actually quite enjoyed

it! Sure, I have my bones to pick, but overall- I did really like it. :] But I’ll try not to spoil anything yet,

because I know a lot of people didn’t get to see it the second it opened here like I did. :unamused:

#85

The Robinsons ROCKED!

:mrgreen:

More on that later. I’m typing up my review.

~~=oP

#86

I just saw it…

Umm – wow. Heh – that was

actually…rather charming…

Definitely not

what I expected concerning story, hidden plot points, and character personalities. I’ll say it flat out: it was

brilliant!!! And trust me,

I never thought I would say that about this film…

The story was a little fast-paced at first, I must

confess, but once it got going…it really got going. You understand the characters

pretty clearly from the first glance, as well, which is a good sign.

The colors were very vibrant and

eye-catching in certain points to omit a feeling of pleasure and free-will, so to speak; yet at other times, the

lighting was dim and subtle…or dark and mysterious to set the mood of the current setting.

The

characters were all very charming in their own little ways. My favorite character design absolutely

has to be Dr. Krunklehorn. I just love her smile and goofy personality. (heheh)

My only complaint – besides the story being rather “quick-cut” at points – is that I wish we

could have understand and gotten to know the Robinson family a little more. Kinda weird saying that, as I’m a

Robinson, but you get the point – heheh.

And thank you John Lasseter for

making the film what it was so that I actually enjoyed it! And kudos to the director, as well, for creating a

solid-based performance that shined in quite a grand light during specific moments. I must admit that I did come

very close to crying at the end of the film… That whole orphanage scene before the credits has to be the most

touching moment in a Disney film that I’ve seen since Lilo and Stitch. Simply

beautiful.

So the answer is: yes, I would pay my money to see this again!

Surprise surprise…literally. I think it was mainly the hidden mysteries and slowly unveiled revelations

throughout the production that really kept me going, truth be told. That whole thing with Goob surprised me…

Oh, and Wilbur Robinson could be my twin brother. Personality; hair; last

name – we all share the same similarities and features. (snigger) :wink:

So

yeah, great movie! I want to see it again! And yes, my sister and I did “whoop” when the

Ratatouille trailer played.

:stuck_out_tongue:

Extra note: I forgot to mention that I almost

jumped for joy when they played an old Disney short before the film; just like in the old days! Man, that really

lifted my spirits and made me smile.

#87

Well, I saw it and it was quite good. Can’t think of a review right now though. But I will say

this, did anyone else catch the Walt Disney Animation Studios logo, with the animated drawing of Steamboat Willie

?
I think that’s the first time we’ve seen this logo. Interesting.

#88

Yay for Disney! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I had to

refresh myself with sleep before I was able to function well enough to type this.

[i]Meet The

Robinsons[/i] met my expectations and surpassed them! My faith in Disney has been restored. Yes,

I’m aware of John Lasseter’s supervision, but perhaps he’ll help steer Disney back in the right direction.

Thank you, John Lasseter! :smiley:

As predicted, Wilbur is my favorite character from the movie. Aaand, the

long-awaited answer to my question of “Is Spencer Fox the voice of Wilbur?” is…

[spoil]…no. Waah. My crush still stands. :smiley: He is off-the-charts charming. But don’t worry!

Tony Rydinger is securely ranked as my #1. :wink: Haha. Yeah, like anybody cares.[/spoil]

Goob

won me over instantly. [spoil]It’s hard to believe that a little kid so adorably pathetic would grow

up to become Bowler Hat Guy, but I loved his character, present and future.[/spoil]

A few

members of the Robinson family didn’t get much recognition, especially Tellulah and Laszlo, who are 2 of the

zaniest looking ones. What’s their story, huh? :confused:

MTR has rendered me

broke. Heheheh. I left the Disney Store with:

  • [i]The Art of Meet The

Robinsons[/i]

  • Lewis, Wilbur, Bowler Hat Guy, Carl, and Tiny mini plushies
  • Frankie

plushie

  • big Tiny plushie
  • 2 sets of Disney Store exclusive MTR pins

Lewis and Wilbur plastic block figures

  • all 6 MTR magic towels

…and a

Disney Store exclusive kaleidoscope you can only obtain by trading in a ticket stub from 3/30-4/1. I was told

that supplies are limited, though. I convinced a cast member to let me keep my ticket under the condition that

she’d stamp the back of it. :sunglasses:

During my work break, I ran over to Target and bought 2 of the

MTR books I’ve had my eyes on for almost a month (the storybook and the coloring

book). Fun for references.

The local newspaper article I posted described [i]Meet The

Robinsons[/i] as “overloaded with lessons”. The theme/phrase of the movie is repeatedly

repeated, and even Lewis was sick of it before understanding its meaning, but it was drawn from a Walt Disney

quote.

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things,

because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Nice to see Disney embracing

this idea. I hope Meet The Robinsons mirrors the studio’s

success.

[b]“Keep moving forward.” - Cornelius

Robinson[/b]

~~=oP

#89

Alright, since you guys have started posting your reviews, I’m going to post mine as well. :slight_smile:

I agree

with what Mitch and PixarVixen have said for the most part. :slight_smile: I believe it was brilliant! Oddly, I was almost

teary at the BEGINING of the film; the first orphanage scene. I’m not entirely sure

why, either. Anyhow- Meet the Robinsons was very charming! The characters were refreshing, and parts of the story

were unexpected! Which is amazing to me, comeing from Disney. (What I mean is-

they’ve just been so pathetically predictable the last couple years, you know?)

My main problem with the

film is that I too, felt it moved too fast. Though I believe the entire film was much too fast, not just the

opening. :confused: Going with that- some of the emotional scenes could have been much more touching if they were drawn

out a bit more. I’m trying not to spoil anything, but the scene in which ehem Lewis’ hat is removed, could

have been a lot more… sad. I also think if the introduction to the Robinsons was longer, that scene would have

made a little more sense.

In a way the fast pace sort of fits the eccentricity of the Robinson family,

but I just don’t think it fits enough. The fast pace sort of puched the characters

through your brain too fast and you didn’t REALLY get to ‘MEET’ them. Even Lewis and Wilbur… at the end of

the film, I was feeling a little disappointed we didn’t get to know the two of them a little better, because

what we did see was so exciting, refreshing and cute!

Anyway, though the speed left me a bit

disappointed, it wasn’t enough to ruin the film by ANY means, and I still LOVED it. It’s way more than I

expected from Disney, and I’m glad to say that I think Disney is on their way back. I’m thinking we can thank

John for that, definately.

So overall, it was wonderful. I’m going to have to see it again this week,

just to see if it’s any better the second time (and I’m betting it will be!).

I also have to say, I

love Disney’s new opening from Steamboat Willie. I also loved the pre-feature toon! I’m thinking that might

have been John’s idea. What do you guys think?

#90

Im gonna see it

tonight at 8 I was looking through reviews…

Atlanta Journal-Constitution- "real chachters, real

story, real heart" - B+

Boston Globe, Ty Burr
"…luscious to look at and as fizzy as a can

of soda popped open in your face"- B

Chicago Sun-Times, Bill Zwecker
"…old-fashioned fun. -

B

Chicago Tribune, Michael Wilmington
“…left me impressed.” - B

Sounds great to

me!

#91

PixarVixen -

I know

– isn’t Goob the cutest thing? I felt so bad for the poor little guy near the end of the film…until Lewis

“set things right”, of course. Heh. :wink:

I also got [i]The Art of Meet the

Robinsons[/i] book, and I absolutely love it! Those short little panels

that served as “mini-storyboards” reminded me of a technique used for [i]The

Incredibles[/i], though. John’s idea again, perhaps?

Seems like you’re as excited about this

film as I am about Ratatouille, PV! I’m still waiting

for someone to replace your love for Tony Rydinger, though. I almost thought that Wilbur would be the one, but I

guess I was wrong. (snigger) :stuck_out_tongue:

And Wilbur is also my favorite character, so that makes two of us. Gotta

love this quote:

[i]"Dude, I can’t take you seriously in that

hat."[/i]

:laughing:

Hog-Hug - On the subject of the whole

“hat” thing:

I would have agreed with you before I saw the ending of the film, but after I

realized who Lewis really was (in relation to Wilbur), the reactions of the Robinson family when Lewis’ hat was

taken off all made perfect sense. I think they did that particular scene in a very subtle and simple, yet

mysterious, manner. Works for me, at least.

And yeah, I loved the [i]Steamboat

Willie[/i] animation at the beginning of the film – and the Chip N’Dale/Donald Duck short had me

smiling like crazy. Real animation again! Short film before the movie, just like in the old days! I hope Disney

continues with this tradition again. You’re probably right in thinking that it was John’s idea – heheh.

:wink:

#92

For real? As Wilbur said, “Harsh”. Haha. Oh,

Mitch…:unamused:

~~=oP

#93

Haven’t seen it yet - but I’m getting excited by all your positive reviews!

:smiley:

Can any of yo tell me what short played before? Or should I keep it as a

suprise? :sunglasses:

#94

Personally I still think it was a little

awkward. They were very loving him one minute, and then they weren’t- and though it makes sense why, Lewis

doesn’t know that, so their rejection was a little… harsh.

I also think it was a little weird how they

weren’t really… surprised. They just got mad at Wilbur. Which sort of had to be done to keep you out of the

know of who Lewis really is, but… I dunno.

Something about that scene, and a couple others, just didn’t

sit right with me. :confused: I’ll have to see it again and think on it some more. I try not to complain unless I can

say what could have been done to make it better, and sense I don’t know exactly why

the scene bugged me, I don’t really have room to gripe. :wink:

#95

I didn’t

get to watch MTR in Disney Digital 3-D, but I was surprised that a different classic

Disney short preceded the movie. It was the 1938 cartoon

“Boat Builders” starring Mickey

Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.

My question is, why was the short

different?

~~=oP

#96

Hmm, that is odd! I saw it in #D, so I

saw the Donald, Chip & Dale feature. I’m curious why they were different too.

Maybe to encourage you

to see it both ways? 8D

#97

Those scoundrels. Heheh. The sad thing is, I’d fall for

it.

~~=oP

#98

I

cannot state how excited I am, and I dont think i’ve been this excited since i was standing in line waiting for

Cars, or the incredibles, or any Pixar film. Disney is back, and this movie is a REVOLOTION John lassetter the

co- produccer and everyone else did an AMAZING job, the story was amazing, the animation was brilliant, the words

behind the movie were touching, I felt for these chachters I cared for every single one… When that robot almost

died, I just…was in total shock.

You guys, Disneys back and I dontt care what anyone says. John did it,

and I am total complete shcok, disneys back, the old times are back, I feel like a kid again I cannot express

how I feel… the mickey mosue cartoon…before the movie WOW! the new logo WOW???

I cannot wait for

Pixar and disney to inspire me, and everyone else further, I am beyond inspired, I am beyond happy right now…

Any animation fan any human being should throw there hands up in joy.

I saw Walt disney in this

movie.

This is not a review, this is a fact.

#99

I did more than throw my hands up. I was

dancing at work and driving my co-workers nuts. 8D They all knew I was happy, but

they could never understand why. They all know I’m a passionate animation fan, but no one else there

is.

~~=oP

#100

I know what you mean!!! Gosh, and even my wife was as astonsihed as I was and still am. Were

both going to see this movie again next weekend. For those who haev seen it, who was your fav chachter? I lvoed

Goob! he was so awsome I lvoed his [spoil]as a villian and a kid[/spoil]. wow, and I

thoguth gramndpa was a funny chachter, and and and and um…the song Little wonders by Rob thomas had a huge

impact for me, it fit so perfect, I want the ending qoute! gosh, the ending qoute was…

I just cant beleve

it, Johns doing it, hes turning things back around.

Ill be back I need to ponder what I just saw for a

little bit… night guys.

[b]*spoiler proofed by PixarVixen

~~=oP*[/b]