The Wild Robot: Universal Pictures brought forth this animated feature, which was very well received, with a box office over $324M. It was nominated for four Golden Globe nominations including Best Animated Feature, Best Score and the new Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. I came into this knowing no more than above. I had no knowledge of the premise, but was interested to see what all the fuss was about. With a bit of a chaotic beginning, we see shipwrecked a number of boxed up robots. One in particular survives, and we learned is named Roz (voiced by actress Lupita Nyong’o). She is a robot meant for a modern industrial world and human interaction, defined by assigned tasks and being useful. She has fallen into an animal kingdom with many different creatures about. The creatures are terrified of the robot, who has created some destructive events around her. The robot chooses to reprogram herself, and better understand the animal languages, this is useful as we can then understand the creatures in words, rather than just actions. Among the creatures are ducks, fox, a beaver, possum, a bear and others.
Roz is definitely an outsider, and feared. Things happen that result in Roz taking on a task that was unexpected, with results that many audience members can relate. From this, many new tasks are created that are not always in Roz’ control, and she is offered some assistance. The assistance while at first seems self-serving to the assistant, there is a bond that is formed that grows as a result. I won’t get into the details, because it is from this that the basis of the emotional connection of the movie takes place. It is strong.
From one challenge, there is another challenge that takes place with Roz and those around her. It requires some coordinated effort and shows to the animal world what Roz is all about. She, of course, is a robot with programs as opposed to emotions and a brain to rule her actions. There is growth in many of the characters and creatures, and they learn some valuable lessons about working together and putting differences aside for the sake of the greater good. All the while there is the primary relationship character arc with Roz. It is moving. This movie had more soul and emotion to it than I had expected, which is interesting when you know the focus is a robot. A machine can learn, and that machine can teach others valuable lessons. This not only will be cute for kids, but the adults will get much out of it. For me, this is the sign for a quality animated feature; adults and kids can enjoy on different levels. This is worth seeking out.
Inside Out 2: I liked the original Pixar Inside Out when it was first released back in 2015. I think that the premise of creating characters inside the head of the little 11yo girl Riley was creative in showing how a young girl perceives the world around her, especially when the family moves from her known home of Minnesota to San Francisco. The original emotions characterized were Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust and Sadness. They are voiced by well known actors, although I don’t really see the need for that. In this sequel, the hockey-playing Riley is entering puberty and there are a whole new set of emotions that have come to take control of Riley’s mind. These emotions include Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, Envy, and Nostalgia (Anxiety is the orange character below).
Anxiety takes centre stage as Joy is pushed to the side. A teenager’s worries are pondered, then re-examined and turned upside down which leaves little room for other emotions. Many of those emotions can be negative. Riley has challenges with her existing friends, a new hockey team, a potential new school and dealing with all these crazy feelings inside.
I think that this movie does a very good job, without any formal psychological education on my part, at explaining how a human being creates and holds their core values. These are depicted very well with moments in time (shown as marbles the size of a 5 pin bowling ball) having a growth (like a plant) into the sky to then form a complex personality with an overall theme. For Riley, it is “I am a good person” initially. Then it changes with the introduction of more anxiety to be “I’m not good enough” with some consequences that she acts out in ways that she normally would not. I think that it is powerful when one realizes the influence of joy. It’s not a mistake that Joy drives Riley in the first movie. Joy in the second must overcome many obstacles in order to gain control back from Anxiety the character. For my generation, this impact of anxiety on young people is very different than when I grew up. For me, we got nervous at certain occasions, but this became an opportunity for growth rather than a place I think where these days kids succomb to the anxiety and it becomes a source of inaction. For us, it didn’t always work out, of course, which could also be growth of a different kind. All this to say that I enjoyed this movie as well. It had some fun moments, but also some moments which were emotional and telling for a young person. It gives insight into adults who try and understand behaviour. This is a Disney production and the ending is predictable. But the journey was worth it, and I enjoyed the time getting there. Well worth checking out.
Mondays With Robbie 