In recent years, I've come to the conclusion that, as far as American studios are concerned, Pixar is the only one producing great CGI-animated films. However, its always a delight to be proved wrong, and I am surprised to find that 'Meet the Robinsons (2007)' is a truly terrific science-fiction children's film, one that exceeded all my expectations. Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, with John Lasseter as one of the executive producers {so it's not so far from Pixar, after all!}, the film is my most unexpected favourite of 2007, boasting a fresh and intelligent screenplay, as well as impressive 3D visuals. Though the film deals with time travel, a rather sophisticated concept in itself, director Stephen J. Anderson ensures that the plot is straightforward to follow, approaching the notion of paradoxes in a manner than is easy for children to understand without being exasperating for adults. In addition to a terrific script {which is credited to about seven screenwriters}, 'Meet the Robinsons' also has a motivational maxim from which we can all take something: "keep moving forward!"
Young Lewis (voiced by both Daniel Hansen and Jordan Fry), a twelve-year-old living at an orphanage, desires nothing more than to find a family who loves him. Though he is undoubtedly brilliant, Lewis' elaborate inventions have the peculiar habit of blowing up, and these unfortunate mishaps have thwarted his repeated attempts at charming any potential adoptive parents. While he works on a new invention, a device that will allow him to track down his natural mother, Lewis is confronted by a mysterious young stranger from the future, Wilbur Robinson (Wesley Singerman), who warns that a sinister "Bowler Hat Guy" (Stephen J. Anderson) has stolen a time-travel machine and is attempting to destroy Lewis' future. Whisking him off in a time-travel machine of his own, Wilbur brings Lewis to the year 2037, occupied by the most ridiculous family of eccentrics that you're ever likely to see. Nevertheless, this unconventional gathering of quirky relatives represents the close-knit household for which Lewis yearns, and his experiences with the Robinsons inspire him to make the most of his future.
Perhaps it's my love for any film dealing with time-travel, but I genuinely found 'Meet the Robinsons' to be exceedingly charming, exciting and, above all, stupendously entertaining. Though a few moments toe the line of respectability {I didn't care for the dinner food-fight that transformed into an epic anime battle, complete with shoddy dialogue dubbing}, the film carries enough emotional heart to leave you thoroughly satisfied by the time the end credits begin to roll. In addition to a twisting, time-bending plot, you'll also be able to witness an ensemble of jazz-singing Mafia frogs {an amusing nod to Chuck Jones' 'One Froggy Evening (1955)}, an unbelievably dim-witted antagonist, and a dystopian version of the future ruled by malevolent mechanical hats {I actually found this segment to be rather disconcerting}. Most memorable of all is the Robinson family's reaction to Lewis' latest inventing failure, when his peanut butter and jelly dispenser spews its ingredients all over the dinner table. Rather than the cold reception that I had expected, the entire household bursts into enthusiastic applause, his attempt alone being more than worthy of their encouragement.
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